The first call with a motivated seller
The goal of the first call is not an offer. It is understanding what the seller is actually trying to solve.
Open by being clear about who you are
Sellers on any distress list have been called by people being vague on purpose, and they can hear it. Saying plainly that you buy houses, and why you are calling this one, disarms most of the initial resistance.
If the seller replied to a message, reference what he or she actually said. It converts the call from an interruption into a continuation.
Situation first, property second, price last
Why now, and what happens if nothing changes. That is the motivation, and everything else is downstream of it.
Then condition, honestly assessed — what works, what does not, what has been deferred. Sellers routinely understate this, not to deceive but because they stopped noticing.
Price only once you understand both. An offer made before you know the situation is a guess, and a number you have to walk back later costs you the deal.
The mistakes that end calls
Talking more than the seller. If you are, you are not learning anything.
Asking something the conversation already answered.
Manufacturing urgency that does not exist. If there is no deadline, inventing one is transparent and it is the point at which a seller decides you are like everyone else who called.
Ending without a specific next step. "I will get back to you" is how a live lead goes cold — name the day and the time.
Questions people ask
Should I make an offer on the first call?
Only if you genuinely understand the condition and the seller’s situation. Otherwise say what you need to check and set an exact time to come back — a considered number lands better than a fast one you retract.
What if the seller wants full market value?
Then he or she may not be motivated yet, and that is worth establishing early rather than talking anyone round. Explain plainly what you do and what you can offer, and leave the door open — situations change, and a straight answer now is why he or she calls you back later.
Related
Every lead on Freedom Leads is a seller who already replied to a text. $5 each, sold once, to one buyer.