Yes, Joe is right, his would it help approach is far more effective. Many years ago I as a real estate broker I was working probates, and I would send out a letter of sympathy, and adding when the time was right it might be helpful if…and offering to help them with the paperwork to fix the title for them for free.
Well the number of phone calls I got from outragously upset people from just offering a free service was not to be believed. I then tried a straight Joe Blow passed away and now you have some problems… would it help if I called you in six months and assisted you at no charge to… if you would like my help sooner give me a call at my private number… This resulted in only a few calls and not so outraged but a why don’t you want your mother to straighted the paperwork out now in order to avoid future problems question usually got the call on the right track.
I live next door to a lady that recently passed away. I never had the chance to get to know her. She had caretakers in her house 24/7. The house is in good shape - only need cosmetic updating. I am interested in buying it and fixing it up. What do I say in the letter to the estate. I can’t find the right wordings to use. Your help is greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Re: What to say in a letter to homeowner - Posted by Joe Kaiser
Posted by Joe Kaiser on June 22, 2006 at 01:36:33:
I’ve seen all kinds of probate letters and most are just plain terrible.
To me, nothing is worse than the false sympathy and disingenuous
concern those authors employ. I mean, are you really sorry to hear
about their loss, especially when it’s someone you “never had the
chance to get to know . . . ?”
Forget the fake stuff.
This is a perfect situation to simply use the “would it help if . . .”
approach.
“Just checking to see if putting an offer together for you on the house
on Main Street might be helpful. If so, please let me know and I will be
happy to get that off to you.”
How about Dear Mrs… (so it doesnt sound like you are vulture
My name is John Doe ( use your brother!!)and
I would like to buy your house at…please call me at (his cell phone number)
Sincerely…
My thought is it’s an emotional time for the heirs, but you can still get to someone who may want to sell.
Just thought I’d let you know, got your abandoned properties course, and your letters are great. I like your straight-forward approach, and the “would it help if…” approach works. I owe you a lunch, dinner, or a drink.
