There are many different methods and opinions on how to secure a probate listing. In some cases, it comes down to the most comfortable strategy for you to implement. I will offer several methods that have all worked in the past, but as with any other process, you will decide which method is best for you.

Methods of Contact-

Let's assume that you have received your first lead sheets from a probate lead service, and you are ready to contact the Executors. You will receive an address for the Executor and a phone number (if available). So, how do you plan on making contact?

(This audiobook is available for purchase on Amazon at purchase this book.)

In the past, a real estate agent would find out about a probate property listing opportunity by word of mouth, intimate knowledge of a person who is near death or dying, reading the obituaries, getting referrals from an attorney, or going to the courthouse steps and waiting for probates to be registered.

Word of mouth can be very effective when it comes to probate because, in a way, it is a referral. The problem with word of mouth is how often does someone call you and tell you that Mrs. Johnson on 19th Street just passed away? Thus, word of mouth is very reliable but not very frequent.

(This audiobook is available for purchase on Amazon at purchase this book.)

Every real estate agent or broker (depending on the state in which you practice) all have one challenge in common; where will they get their next sale? Traditional methods of finding buyers and sellers such as contacting FSBO owners, "farming" specific neighborhoods, hosting open houses, and pursuing "Expired" listings can be successful; however, they are often very competitive and leave agents weary. One avenue that remains constant and viable is estaterelated properties in probate, many of which are sold in the first 6-12 months after the owner passes.

As of this writing, probate will be the next hot market segment for real estate brokers, agents, and agencies. A few years ago, foreclosures, bank-owned properties, and short sales were all the rage because the housing market hit in 2006. Most available inventories came with a stigma related to the market's collapse. Now that the housing market is on the mend and short sales are not nearly as plentiful as they once were, the intelligent real estate agent is looking for the next big thing.

Congratulations! By acquiring this book, you have made your competitors appear to be less knowledgeable, less prepared, and less experienced. The result will be more listing agreements, buyer representation agreements, and closings.