6 Easy Steps Using Craigslist

Guess who’s back!? The same guy who helped you find that seller lead from craigslist has returned once again to help you convert them into a seller. I have received some feedback wondering what to do next my process consists of 6easy steps. It seems like it should be a simple process yet when people posts on CL they seem to become instantly stupid and forget they have to reply!

Do you have an address?

When you have a lead it definitely helps to know where  it is. It seems like common sense I know ,but sometimes the seller likes to keep things secret about their property. They will tell you everything right or wrong about the house just not exactly where it is! Step one is going to assume you already have this vital information, if not then go ahead and get it.

Step One-

Get your basic property info hopefully from the ad so you don’t have to ask the seller just yet. Bedrooms, baths, (keeping fingers crossed) a list of repairs, and the asking price. Then do a quick check of the area property values and see if it’s something to pursue. Yes I start qualifying really early, but to me it’s about saving my time.

Step Two-

Then it’s time to start the fun part contacting the seller. You can reply by  email to a seller, but that requires a great amount of patience. These people seemingly forget from the time they hit send that they need to check their email. So for quickest response give them a call. After that go ahead and communicate with them via email. Just go over the property with them with a few questions about the roof and foundation definitely. Be certain to have them detail their list of repairs.

Step Three-

Now is the time to start really pulling some comps however it is you choose to do so. This is a very important step as you all know hopefully. Get your comps together and get the number in your head and on paper where you want to be at for when you make your offer.

Step Four-

I wait before I really start talking money with the seller until about this point if it’s at all possible. Start going through what ever your closing system may be with them now and negotiating the price with them. It doesn’t have to be a definite acceptance but at least get them in the ballpark with you.

Step Five-

Make your formal offer. If they accept it go ahead and get your contract signed if not don’t forget about the property. I just had an instance today where I made an offer 3 weeks ago and I was far from the highest bidder on the property so she didn’t accept it at the time. She gives me a call and asks if my offer is legitimate because it turned out I was the only one trying to buy with cash! You don’t always have to bid the highest just be offering the best solution to their need or wants. I emailed her the contract she sent it back and I had a deposit from a buyer in 45 minutes from her first call.

Step 6-

This isn’t where the process ends remember these people are a little slow sometimes. Be sure you follow up with them until you get to the closing table. A lot of people have bought houses and have no idea what the selling process is like. So you have to stay in contact with them if they are a newbie, and kind of hold their hand through the deal. Yes your check is important, but helping the seller solve their problem is too.