HELP! Whats my next step

I know this sounds silly, but here goes...

I am a Realtor who luckily works with over 30 banks/asset managers. So basically, I get the first heads up to pre-forclosures. I would like to approach them, but as a realtor, I don't want to do anything illegal. Whats the best approach for me? Letters, knock on the door? Any help is appreciated.

confused

Comments(105)

  • JohnLocke16th November, 2002

    SherryP,

    Glad to meet you.

    I do not think you would doing anything illegal if you approach these people.

    Your Board of Realtors would be best suited to answer this question, to see if you are violating any of their rules concerning Realtors.

    I know a Realtor who's wife is a private investor, they work together without violating any rules. I don't know your marital status but this is one option.

    If you have the determination then knocking on the door is a very old but effective approach, most people do not have the motivation to do this. I would use direct mail as the next best thing, make sure you have the correct copy in your message. Remember you are dealing with people who have a problem, no need to rub their noses in it. Your message should be that you truly want to help them.

    Then if you have more houses than you can handle I would contact some private investors, turn the leads over to them for a birddog fee. Please make sure they are ethical and knowlegdable investors. No one expects you do it for free.

    John $Cash$ Locke

  • SherryP16th November, 2002

    Hi John,

    Glad to meet you as well. Thanks for the info, I unfortunately dont have a better half to fall back on to help with this endeavor. Some say I'm better off (haha) Anyways, mailing sounds like a great first step, where can I find "sample" letters or ideas of what to say as to not offend people. Thaks again!

    Sherry

  • JohnLocke16th November, 2002

    Sherry,

    I have a post card that has worked well for me, doing Subject To's but it is suited for pre forclousure also, with your permission I will e-mail it to you.

    I will need your e-mail address if this is OK.

    John $Cash$ Locke

  • JohnLocke16th November, 2002

    Sherry,

    I just went to your web site and saw your picture, will you marry me.

    $Cash$

  • SherryP16th November, 2002

    OOOO...I can't wait to get it...please send to sherrypalmer@homesnewengland.com

    or if thats too long...

    mlssherry@aol.com

    Thanks a bunch!

  • SherryP16th November, 2002

    you make me blush!!!!

  • JohnLocke16th November, 2002

    Sherry,

    That was $Cash$ doing that sometimes he takes over the keyboard, he is a hard guy to control sometimes.

    John

  • SherryP16th November, 2002

    Oh OK...Thanks for the warning...I'll keep an eye out for him...LOL

  • jerr17th November, 2002

    good luck .. thats exactly what i want to do ... help people from forclosure here in tennessee and make a tidy profit ... i want a distressed sellers... finance company to grant me permission to buy the property but keep the mortage in the name of the original owner until we can refinance ... ill be the one making the payment s ....... until i sell but ill still be responsible and will have back up in escrow ........ any ideas ???

  • DerrickAli17th November, 2002

    Jer:

    Your best bet is to stay away from the lenders/banks regarding Subj-2s!

    Unless you are willing to qualify + pay assumption fees+ recording fees, title insurance & hazardous etc.
    This is the only way the banks/lenders will deal with you!

    If they get a whiff of your intentions they'll accelerate the mortgage loan and call it due PRONTO!

    Keep you intetions between you and the Seller of the property and as long as you or your new buyer/tenant pays consistently---the mortgage lender won't care where the money came from!

    Hope this helps!


    Derrick Ali

    [addsig]

  • eliteprops20th November, 2002

    John Locke

    If you dont mind I would luv to recieve that post card myself as im new to pre foreclosures and want to do pre foreclosures myself, but still need ideas on how to promote myself.

    Thanks in advance.
    My email if you can send it to me is
    eprops@optonline.net

    Best Regards,
    eliteprops

  • JohnLocke20th November, 2002

    eliteprops,

    Thank you for asking, the the card is on the way, hope it works for you as well as it has worked for me.

    John $Cash$ Locke

  • WealthSeeker26th November, 2002

    I'd like it too! Please send the postcard to newguy_fish@yahoo.com

    Thanks!!

  • 27th November, 2002

    [ Edited by skyboy on Date 03/20/2003 ]

  • JohnMichael27th November, 2002

    Hi Sherry,

    Let me put my 2cents in the game of REI.

    You will first need to check with your broker that you work under. Next, most states require you to disclose that you are a realtor and last but not least "INVEST".

    When I deal with folks in a pre-foreclosure, I am what is called a doorknocker. Your best sells tool is yourself, if they like you, they will do business with you.

    Keep in mind that most investors send letters/postcards "They are very impressed. This is why I am a Doorknocker. If I sell my self, I can then sell the deal!

    My approach is simple, I do not tell them I know they are in foreclosure, and I simply tell them that I pay cash for real estate, give them my card and walk away. If they call me back or ask me to come in, I work the deal. I ask them what they need for their home, and then I ask the key question "You have such a nice home, why do you want to sell?"

    If they tell me their behind in payments, I ask them to get a 30 day payoff, I ask if taxes - association and other fees are paid up, I ask if other liens are due, etc.

    If they tell me that they have medical bills "this one I love". I simply tell them to get all their bills together and I start calling their creditors for discounts on their debt. Most hospitals, doctors, etc will discount debt for a settlement in full. Most hospitals are a not for profit facility and federal law requires them to write off so much debt. It's called a charity program.

    Why do I do this, simply because when they see that I can reduce their medical debt from 25% to 50% or even get it forgiven in full they are simply impressed and are more willing to deal with me, since I did this without obligation to them "a freebee" and they love it.

    Hope this little bit of info helps.

  • 28th November, 2002

    Well Gosh darn it John, Are you sorry you posted that about the postcard? Now everyone who read it will want one too.. just like me. So if you could.. maybe, possibly send me a copy too??? i'd greatly appreciate it. sorry to be at the end of a long line (for now that is)

    Hope you are having a great thanksgiving and not getting 2 full of turkey!
    Wendy
    reportbroker2000@hotmail.com

  • jthiara29th November, 2002

    Hi John can you please email me the postcard as well. jtmac18@yahoo.com.....Thank You in advance.

  • Monty11th December, 2002

    I'd like it too! Please send the postcard to baza1955@comcast.net

    Thanks!!

    Monty

  • wbrown11th December, 2002

    Hi,
    May I have a copy of your card as well.
    Thanks...
    Wendy

  • Toiyeudoi13th December, 2002

    Hi John,

    Could you please send me a copy of your post card.

    Toiyeudoi@yahoo.com

    Thank you very much.[ Edited by Toiyeudoi on Date 12/13/2002 ]

  • JohnLocke13th December, 2002

    Howdy All Postcard I Would Like One Investors,

    Sometimes I loose tract so if I missed you, just say so it is not on purpose. I will send it right out.

    John $Cash$ Locke

  • KEA14th December, 2002

    Hey, John!
    Can I have a copy of your postcard, too?
    Please....pretty please?

    [addsig]

  • rookinvestor14th December, 2002

    John,

    I'd like the post card if you are still in the giving spirit.

    chadtrumps@ev1.net

  • shotex16th December, 2002

    John--I would like a copy of your post card also.
    thanks, tom schober

  • JohnLocke16th December, 2002

    Tom,

    Glad to meet you.

    I need an e-mail address to send it to, you can private e-mail me here on TCI.

    Welcome on board this board, keep on posting plenty of great posters here to help you.

    John $Cash$ Locke

  • simbajoy17th December, 2002

    Did someone say postcard? I'd like a copy too please. Simbajoy@bellsouth.net

    Thanks,

    andrea

  • RMelton24th December, 2002

    John, you may be sorry you started this, but I would very much appreciate a copy of the postcard also! My e-mail address is rmelton552@aol.com

    Thank you very much!

  • hola0224th December, 2002

    Can I get a copy of that card please? dondigital@hotmail.com Thanks!

  • Sloane25th December, 2002

    Okay, I'm in line as well, if the offer still stands!

    I'd like to ask for the postcard marketing technique for pre-foreclosures!

    Here's my email:
    Lefthandgirl01@yahoo.com

    Thanks!
    Sloane--

  • Sloane25th December, 2002

    Hi John,
    Can I also receive your postcard marketing technique for pre-foreclosures?

    Thanks!
    Sloane--

  • worksite24026th December, 2002

    I'd like it too! Please send the postcard to: crystal.v.arnold@mail.sprint.com
    Thank you..

  • qbee77726th December, 2002

    Yes John, another request for your postcard if you don't mind. My email is below and thank you in advance.
    Cheryl

  • tuvilito28th December, 2002

    Can I please get a copy of the card also? Please?

    thehappyclam@aol.com

    Thanks
    [addsig]

  • InActive_Account31st December, 2002

    Howdy John,

    How about a copy of that famous Postcard.

    Flafsbo@yahoo.com
    Thanks
    Chris-FL

    P.S. If you have a letter or postcard for out of state owners help.

  • kwhiteside16th January, 2003

    I'm going to do a mailing this weekend. Could you send me that card too please.

    kenwhiteside@attbi.com

    Thanks in advance.

    Ken . . .

  • leahf716th January, 2003

    I'm learning so much from everyone. Please send me the postcard too. Thanks!


    Send to jennifer_franco@chcsii.com

  • cmon10116th January, 2003

    Hey John...could I take a look at your postcard too

    And also a question for JohnMichael...when you said(quote)Most hospitals, doctors, etc will discount debt for a settlement in full.
    Where does that money come from?I mean most homeowners in foreclosure don't have the money to pay in full..that why they're in foreclosure..and if you pay the bills...that would have to be a large equity to do that for...what's the secret?

  • JohnLocke16th January, 2003

    To all who ask for the post card, it is my pleasure to send it to you.

    Thank You for asking.

    John $Cash$ Locke

  • cmon10116th January, 2003

    Thank you John for the postcard..it's very well written...one question:has anyone ever taken you up on the mother-in-law deal?

  • Ascott17th January, 2003

    John, could I also have a copy?

    Thanks!
    ashley.scott@mdx.com

  • ub_nice200217th January, 2003

    hey, could i pls get in to get a copy of the card also? also 4 the state of florida any1 have a good source 4 lease/option paperwork? new to this game

    thks

    ub

    ub_nice2002@yahoo.com[ Edited by ub_nice2002 on Date 01/17/2003 ]

  • REI4LIFE17th January, 2003

    could I please get a copy of that great post card???
    audralv95@yahoo.com

  • JohnLocke17th January, 2003

    cmon101,

    My father in law thinks it's great that I keep her working.

    John $Cash$ Locke

  • 18th January, 2003

    Could I have the copy of the postcard as well.

    jmapp@cox.net

  • 20th January, 2003

    May I also have a copy of your Postcard? My e-mail address is DavisEstatesLtd@hotmail.com
    Thanks in advance!

  • jesamek20th January, 2003

    Everyones asking for the post card. So please send me one also. My email address is jesamek@ehs.com

  • Fuside20th January, 2003

    People on this website are truly amazing. I love it when you guys joke around. It just makes REI so much more fun and alleviate all the pressure we have each day. ^^
    Happy Investing!

  • JohnLocke20th January, 2003

    Fuside,

    The majority of the pro investors here try to help the new person by answering there questions it is a great site to learn at.

    Once in the while humor should enter into the equation.

    REI + Humor =

    John $Cash$ Locke

  • luishernandez21st January, 2003

    Hello John...If I could too receive a copy of the post card and other suggestions you might give me if I want to focus on helping pre-foreclosure owners. Thanks.

  • luishernandez21st January, 2003

    ps. most important.... luisfhernandez@iwon.com

  • asmoothie22nd January, 2003

    I know you get this question a million time, but if you could also send me a copy of the card it would be much appreciated.
    asweeney25@msn.com

    Thank you in advance for your reply.
    asmoothie

  • webscott2222nd January, 2003

    Hi John,
    Is there any chance that you are still offering hat postcard?

    I would greatly appreciate it.

    Thanx,

    webscott22 null

  • chaffeen23rd January, 2003

    Wow! I just joined the forum and guess what... I gotta ask... John, can you send me the postcard too? My email address is chaffeen@mail.com Thx!

  • lm1m23rd January, 2003

    Mr $cash$

    Thanks for your guidance and patience. Would you be so kind to help out this newbie with a copy of you postcard too?

    www.agt099@hotmail.com


    Thank you

  • upstatehomebuyer23rd January, 2003

    John,
    I would like to get a copy of your postcard also.
    Thanks,
    Jim buyinghouses@mindspring.com

  • nybarry30th January, 2003

    Hi John, could you please email the copy of that magical post card. thanks

    Barry
    merchant95@yahoo.com

  • Optimum30th January, 2003

    Should I take a number or just have a seat? Please send it my way as well.
    Thanks a million!

    brandon@orealestatesolutions.com

  • 30th January, 2003

    If I could get a copy also of the postcard, I would appreciate it. menominee@skyenet.net

  • kjjackson30th January, 2003

    So many people requested this postcard...do we have any success stories out there? And, of course, I too would like a copy of the postcard.
    kjjackson@excite.com

  • trung130th January, 2003

    John,

    Can you send me a copy of the postcard as well? Thanks in advance.

    tnguyen@onebox.com

  • jenkers31st January, 2003

    I would also appreciate a copy of your postcard that you send to "subject to" home owners.

    Thank You

    Jenkers

  • jenkers31st January, 2003

    I would also appreciate a copy of your postcard that you send to "subject to" home owners.

    Thank You

    stsm4@juno.com Jenkers

  • Sabrina31st January, 2003

    $CASH$ ,

    Could I get a copy of the card as well please?

    Thanks up front

    investing@attbi.com

    Sabrina
    [addsig]

  • youngtex2nd February, 2003

    Alright I wasn't going to do it but John you are obviously the man, maybe you could get a bird dogging fee for all of us who use your post card with success. Thanks,

    Also just to let people know I called a list of NOD's yesterday probably around 30 and talked to about 7 people, not one had been contacted by anything besides mail, so just keep that in mind, I'm a rookie but maybe I can help others as I find success.

    Thanks again John,

    melisluv@yahoo.com

  • hms4u3rd February, 2003

    Hi John,
    You must be really swamped and fingers tired. But I gotta ask.....Please add me to your request for your postcard.

    Thanks a mill
    hms4u@yahoo.com

  • mega4th February, 2003

    Guessed right! John, another one for the postcard Please! Thanks
    megadisc17@cs.com

  • jimh63419th February, 2003

    Wow, what number am I? If you could, please send your famous p-card to jimh634@hotmail.com Thank you so much for your sirvices, sir.

    Jim

  • VicKing20th February, 2003

    Hi John,

    Could you please email me your postcard?.

    Many Thanks,
    VicKing

    Just_homes@yahoo.com

  • cjs11121st February, 2003

    John $Cash$ Locke,

    if you dont mind, would you email me the card also.

    much thanks
    cjs111@cox.net

  • CLG22nd February, 2003

    John,could you please send me a copy of your postcard?? Thanks so much.
    cgrace01@comcast.net

  • ruggedvic22nd February, 2003

    Hello everybody,

    $Cash$. I hope you dont mind sending a card to look at as Im trying to get started with REI, but want to get the knowledge. Thanks. ruggedvic@aol.com

  • mpine23rd February, 2003

    add me to the list... michael_pine@yahoo.com ... tia

  • sanderso101923rd February, 2003

    Could you send me the post card too?

    sanderso1019@hotmail.com

  • Northwinds24th February, 2003

    Hello Mr. John Locke,

    Would u mind if you sent your famous post card this way.

    Thannx,
    Northwinds

    vc12345@hotmail.com

  • fredParra27th February, 2003

    John, I would also would appreciate it if you send me a copy of your postcard, greatly appreciate it. Good Luck
    Fred_parra@yahoo.com

  • xakep4th March, 2003

    PAGE 6?! man
    mr.$cash$ hope im not too late?
    xakep@reizisto.net




    hrm wounder what the home owner gonna think when he get 5 identical postcards from 5 differant investors
    heh
    gonna have to do some editing if u dont mind
    thx ca$h

  • JohnLocke4th March, 2003

    xakep,

    Glad to meet you.

    I got a returned from the postmaster, when I sent you the post card.

    Please check the e-mail address you gave me.

    John $Cash$ Locke

  • 4th March, 2003

    What the heck, i'll join the crowd! john can i get a copy of that postcard for the pre-forclosure!

    thanks a bunch!!!!!!!!!!!

    email ej655@aol.com

  • rjarnold10th March, 2003

    JohnLocke,

    Nothing like peer pressure, can I get a copy of that post card too?? rjarnold@cfl.rr.com, thanks!!

  • gresmi10th March, 2003

    Hi John,
    Thanks for the offer. Would you please send me a copy of the postcard, also?

    gresmi@yahoo.com

    TIA.

  • noblephi10th March, 2003

    Hi John,
    Pls send me a post card to philnoblet@hotmail.com
    Also what was the answer to the hospital question?

  • movinhouses11th March, 2003

    $cash$


    Can I get a copy of that post card also. Please send it to tljm_2000@yahoo.com

    Thank You

  • mwm1212th March, 2003

    hey cash just wondering could you send a copy my way. thanks
    mwm12@yahoo.com

  • tntmoz12th March, 2003

    I'll just have one postcard please...!

    By the way, have you considered just posting what's written on the card?
    I hate to break it too you but I don't think it's a secret anymore!!!
    thanks-- tntmoz@ev1.net

  • jpupo12th March, 2003

    Geez John,
    Maybe you should consider "selling" your postcards? You may make more money then RE investing!!! Before you start charging, can you please send me a copy too??!!

    jpupo@blueheron-associates.com

    Thanks.....

  • tuvilito12th March, 2003

    Can I have that card also? Please send to THEHAPPYCLAM@AOL.COM

  • soloindy112th March, 2003

    Would you do me the honor of sending me that postcard?

    <sorry, just recently proposed>

  • JohnLocke12th March, 2003

    soloindy1,

    Glad to meet you.

    However, you will need to tell me where to send the postcard to?

    Welcome on board this board, talk soon.

    John $Cash$ Locke

  • hartmanjr24th March, 2003

    Could I please get a look at your postcard as well.

    Thank you so much,
    Joe
    hartmanjr@aol.com

  • AxisInv25th March, 2003

    John - I would love to add your postcard to my growing list of "tools" As a newbie, all of you veterans on TCI have been a great resource! Thanks in advance!
    Andy

    matriotti@yahoo.com

  • bigdreamsgary25th March, 2003

    Mr. John can I get a copy of that postcard Pleeeeeeeeeease
    I thank you in advance for your help. I wish all investors were as helpful and non self-centered as you.

    ggaf18@aol.com
    gary_fajardo@yahoo.com

    Thanks a million!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Gary

  • rbaldwinasociates25th March, 2003

    Could you also send me info about the postcard? Thank you.

    ebony0674@yahoo.com
    Quote:
    On 2002-11-16 22:08, JohnLocke wrote:
    Sherry,

    I have a post card that has worked well for me, doing Subject To's but it is suited for pre forclousure also, with your permission I will e-mail it to you.

    I will need your e-mail address if this is OK.

    John $Cash$ Locke

  • sire26th March, 2003

    I would also like to see a copy of your post card.
    Thank you,
    Sire
    rapidhousebuyers@mail.com

  • gwright28th March, 2003

    John,

    Can you send me a copy of the infamous post card? awright707@aol.com.

    Thanks,
    Graham

  • dricks28th March, 2003

    May I have the post card? So far, 2 distressed sellers have approach us, but I would like to buy faster than they are coming.
    dlricks@dhr.state.ga.us
    Thank you. [ Edited by dricks on Date 03/28/2003 ]

  • Cairns28th March, 2003

    laughing at CASH...emmm wonder what you'd do if u saw me.....ahahahahha .....C

  • bbowers28th March, 2003

    You guessed it; Could I get a copy of your post card? Here's my Email: bbowers@mckendree.edu

  • JohnLocke28th March, 2003

    Cairns,

    You keep teasing me telling me you are coming to Las Vegas, if there is a story to tell after you get here, I will certainly post if for everyone, with all the details.

    John $Cash$ Locke

  • Tazcat200029th March, 2003

    Hi John,
    I would like that postcard as well if you don't mind. I'm just getting started in pre foreclosures and will take all the help I can get. HazcatGroup@aol.com
    Thanks,
    Taz

  • 29th March, 2003

    Hi John,

    Looking for a copy of you infamous card. Please could you forward to my 'e' address. overcomers40@netscape.net.
    Thanks,

    Hammond

  • mikedemartino4th April, 2003

    forget about the postcard....can you tell us what to say when people call ?

  • JohnLocke4th April, 2003

    mikedemartino,

    Glad to meet you.

    Yes, I can tell you what to day when sellers call.

    Hello, this is Mike.

    Welcome on board this board, keep posting you will get plenty of answers to your questions.

    John $Cash$ Locke

  • UncleJaz22nd June, 2003

    John $Cash$ Locke,

    I bet you didn't expect such a deluge of requests for you post card.

    I'd love to have one too if you can squeeze me in.

    Thanks,
    James

  • bgn2fsh22nd June, 2003

    I woudl like to know where all you people are when we are asking questions. Do you ever post replys to anything other than to get something for free? How about lending some advice to all the good questions out there.

    John, is this the same postcard thats in the freebies section?

    Tim[ Edited by bgn2fsh on Date 06/22/2003 ]

  • JohnLocke22nd June, 2003

    To all posters with a post card fetish,

    The post card is available in the Freebie Section in Green here at TCI, be my guest and thank you all for asking.

    John $Cash$ Locke

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