REI Wealth Monthly Issue 17 | Page 8

HOW TO LEVERAGE THE SPRING SEASON FOR GREAT PROBATE OPPORTUNITIES LEON MCKENZIE the spring season to sell their properties. After having to deal with holding a home over the winter, plowing issues, roof leaks and other maintenance issues, they may have decided that selling the home as soon as the weather breaks is prudent. Also, for Executors or family members who live out of state, the spring season may be the time that they decide to lower the price of their property to • Get out into the community. Finding leads before other probate buyers means that you need to get out into the community. Take the time to drive by homes that may now be for sale based on your lead information and don’t forget to attend networking and community events where you may hear about homes that haven’t even been put on the market yet. the level where it will move off of the market quickly. How can you, as a probate investor, be ready to leverage the spring season to purchase a • Act quickly. As a probate investor, you have the ability to respond to the needs of Executors home? Here are a few things to keep in mind: by not only making an instant offer, but by • Follow up with communications. closing quickly. If you do find a home that you The spring selling season is the best time for probate buyers to find homes for sale. That are interested in, don’t wait! Act quickly to get the property before another investor takes advantage of it. means taking the time to follow up on leads with regular communications. Sending postcards, handwritten notes and formal letters on a regular basis will help you to get options into your purchasing pipeline. • Make sure to return phone calls. The pace of the spring selling season can be hectic. That said, make sure that you are answering and returning phone calls. A great opportunity may end up passing you by if you aren’t listening to the responses you are getting from mailings. • Assess exterior/landscaping. As a probate buyer, one of the benefits of the spring season is that you can see the exterior of the home and the condition of the landscaping much easier than during winter months. Make sure to check for issues with the foundation, roof and plantings. • Turn them quickly to take advantage of selling season. If your goal as a probate investor is to purchase a home and then resell it, the spring is an ideal time to do so. With a quick closing and a well-planned remodeling