Welcome to Texas Gals Bird Dogs FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions). The content on this page will be updated as questions arise. So check back every now and then to see what has been added.
If you have a question you can email you questions to TexasGalsBirdDogs@gmail.com.
QUESTIONS:
How do I find out how much the owner owes on a property? Do I just ask them?
How do I know how many repairs the house needs?
Do I talk to the owner or does Cheryl or Roisann?
It seems like talking to a person whose lost someone or is in a stressful situation would be really hard to do.
I have a friend who is a Realtor. Can I ask her to help me find properties?
But I thought you said that properties on MLS will be rejected.
What kind of camera should I use to take photos of the properties?
How do I keep track of all the leads I'm finding?
How do I find the owner's info, like the phone number?
What if I can't find a phone number and only have their address?
I've read the Training Packet and the Lead Information Sheet. But I'm not sure how to ask the questions.
Q. How do I find out how much the owner owes on a property? Do I just ask them?
A. Yes, just ask them. You don't want to make that your first question, though. After chatting with them for a few minutes and establishing a little relationship, it is appropriate to ask something like, "If you don't mind me asking, how much do you owe on your house?"
Q. How do I know how many repairs the house needs?
A. This is also a question you will ask when you are talking about the property. You may get a variety of answers from "oh, nothing. I live there." to "Oh, it just needs EVERYTHING." Then just ask them what kinds of repairs. You can just write down what they say on your Lead Information Sheet.
Q. Do I talk to the owner or does Cheryl or Roisann?
A. Initially you talk to the owner. You will ask the questions that will help you complete the Lead Information Sheet.
Q. It seems like talking to a person whose lost someone or is in a stressful situation would be really hard to do.
A. Yes, it can be hard. When you talk to someone like that, be sensitive to thier feelings and needs. Be gentle and non-threatening.
Q. I have a friend who is a Realtor. Can I ask her to help me find properties?
A. Yes, you can. But there are some things to consider. If the property you get from her meets our criteria, then we will consider it. Refer to the Training Packet for the criteria. Also, the Realtor will be paid his/her realtor fee if the lead is listed on MLS.
Q. But I thought you said that properties on MLS will be rejected.
A. As a general rule, they will be. BUT if they are a good deal, we will consider them. See the Training Packet.
Q. What kind of camera should I use to take photos of the properties?
A. A digital camera is the best by far. That's because you can easily email them to us. If you have a way to scan a paper photo and send it that would be ok, but we prefer digital cameras. They are much better in many ways.
Q. How do I keep track of all the leads I'm finding?
A. Use your Lead Information Sheet and put them in a looseleaf binder. Maybe use alphabetical dividers.
Q. How do I find the owner's info, like the phone number?
A. The telephone book works great. Also the online information services are helpful. Remember, if there isn't a phone number we can't contact the owner to make the offer. Without an offer, there is no deal and no money coming to anyone. You can get their addresses from the tax records. Try www.taxnetusa.com.
Q. What if I can't find a phone number and only have their address?
A. If an address is all you have, you can send them a letter or a postcard. This mail peice can be short and sweet. All you need to say is that you were wondering if they were interested in selling their property and that you know someone who may be interested in buying it. Put you phone number and/or email address and mail it to them. We've used this techinque and it is effective. When they call you, you can get thier phone number and ask them the questions for the Lead Information Sheet.
Q. I've read the Training Packet and the Lead Information Sheet. But I'm not sure how to ask the questions.
A. That is a completely appropriate question for someone who is just getting started with Bird Dogging. I'll give you a little example:
Ring Ring...
Owner: Hello
You: Hello, may I speak to Mr. Owner?
O: This is he.
y: Mr. O, My name is ____. I work with a realestate investment company here in ____ and we are looking
to buy properties in your area. Is now a good time to talk? (Always ask this question)
O: Yes, I have a few minutes.
Y: Great! Mr. O (Always use their name, but not too much. People like to hear their names).
I noticed____________. (here you will tell a little about how you found their property. Saw it driving
by, sign in yard, ad in paper, was vacant, being worked on, etc) Are you still looking to sell? (Or are
you interested in selling?)
O: Yes I am.
Y: Well, Mr. O Do you mind if I ask you a few questions about the property?
O: No, go ahead.
Y: Thanks. (now, work your way through the Lead Information Sheet. As you talk with him, chat about
things that come up that may be common points of interest or things that build raport. Be friendly and
non-threatnening, but business-like.)
When you have completed the questions, you can close the conversation like this:
Y: Mr. O I'd like to thank you for taking the time to chat with me about your property. I really appreciate it.
I will pass on this information to Cheryl, the investor I work with and she will be giving you a call or
sending you an email. Is there any particular time that is best for you? (write this on the Lead Info Sheet.)
Then say good bye and hang up.
