Here's My ‘Burned House' Letter
I have a question for you…
Have you ever driven by a burned-out house and wondered about it? Wondered how you might approach that owner, acquire the property and fix it up?
Well, you’re in the right place at the right time… because today, I’m going to share what I like to call my “burned house” letter. And not only am I going to show you the letter and explain how to use it, you get to download a copy for free.
JP Moses here, and I’ve used this letter for years quite successfully, and now it’s yours to use as well.
Uh, you’re welcome, my friend!
Now this is important…
You’ll want to keep in mind that you’re stepping into a rather delicate situation. This homeowner has suffered a great emotional loss, and perhaps, may have even lost a loved one or suffered an injury due to this fire.
So, a word to the wise is to handle with care. And as you’ll see in my video below, my letter can help you do exactly that, plus I’ve given you a few more helpful tidbits as well.
Here are a few other things you’ll take away from my video lesson about this letter:
⟶ Finding burned-out houses
⟶ Who to contact
⟶ How to create the best tone for the letter
⟶ How to present yourself and your company entity
⟶ How to create a subtle but effective call to action
Enjoy…
Video Transcription:
Hey, what's up guys? JP here and in this here video, I want to walk through a letter that I put together a few years ago that we will send from time to time when we come across a burned out property.
Alright, so burned houses are a little bit of a unique animal in that you can often get a seller to almost give them to you for nothing.
Why is that? Well, it's because in a lot of cases they're getting an insurance payment that is well above and beyond what they actually owe. The property, they may have a house that's worth , you know, $150,000 on the market. Maybe they owed $79,000. The thing burned to the ground.
Well, they're not just getting a check from their insurance company for 79,000 to pay off the mortgage… they're getting the amount of money it would take to rebuild that house in most cases. They might even in excess of a $150,000 many times.
So they're getting a check, it's a payday and they're going, oh, do I really want to rebuild here? Maybe I just want to take my money and go buy another house… or, maybe put a big fat deposit down somewhere.
So, I've really like farming burned out properties. In my area it has proven very hard to put my finger on the pulse of that list, like someplace that is a database of a burned out properties. I think it's got to exist, but I haven't cracked the code on it yet in 16 years.
You know, the fire department certainly has some kind of database of calls that they answer for fires. But I've tried man and try as I might have gone down to the fire department, I've talked to the fire chief and they just don't seem to want to give me that information. Some of you guys out there may have cracked the code on that. It's probably different even from county to county.
So regardless, even if you only ever did this on burnouts that you just happened to drive by, it's still a handy little letter to have at your disposal.
So, let me jump into it and just show it to you and you can download it here on the page somewhere in this lesson.
Our normal important disclaimer needs to apply here. This form is provided to you as is without any warranty of any kind of use it at your own risk and all that good stuff, right?
And here you go. Here's my little personal note. I came up with this template letter to mail out to any burned houses I happened to notice. I just take down the address and mail it directly to the burned house, trusting the good old USPS to forward it wherever it might need to go.
So, let's take a look at it.
Alright, right from the get-go, let me point out and just let me get the little Microsoft Word ribbon out of here. There we go, right from the get go. I'll tell you, this is the specific address. Obviously this is a date merge fields. So whatever today's date is, it should populate based on whatever your computer thinks today's date is.
Obviously, you want to put your information here, your return address, your name, and I want you to notice that I've got John and Mary.
There’re different schools of thought on this, but personally I think that I get a better result in my market when I come off as a mom and pop real estate investor, not the big, professional, slick, home buying company. Now other people will dispute me on that and have probably tested it and gotten different results.
I know my friend Cody Sperber takes a totally different approach. He'd much rather look like a big company show up wearing a polo with the logo on it and all that good stuff. I don't really know that there's a right or wrong. You kinda need to know the approach that you're going to feel the most comfortable in your own skin with. And bottom line, one approach is gonna work better with some people than others and it's going to go both ways. So I don't really think it's a right or wrong, but I personally over the years have chosen to try and frame our company as a small mom and pop operation.
So, got a wife and husband name here if you're married. I think that's nice little, you know, if that's the angle you want to take, that's how you can play it.
So here's the seller you know, I just take down the property address, go to the tax assessor's website and look up who the owner is and where their tax bill is mailed to and I mail a letter directly there.
There might be a landlord, might be a homeowner, and then of course you got to change who it's to—dear Mr. or Ms. Jackson in this case.
“Recently I noticed that your house has sustained extensive fire damage. I offer my sincerest condolences for your loss and an earnest hope that your loss was limited to only monetary damage.”
Now I start off that way because I don't want to gush. I don't want to come off as insincere, but you know, people could have lost their lives in this fire and I don't want to just get right down to business without at least acknowledging that there could be that there's definitely some loss here. They've lost a lot of memories, you know, a lot of family life that happens in a property.
There's trauma at some level that is has occurred here and hopefully it's only monetary and not a family member or something, so I don't go on and on. I think that would be counterproductive, but I do take a moment to offer sincere condolences and an earnest hope that it was limited to monetary damage.
And I get right to the point: “My reason for contacting you as simple. My wife and I are in the business of buying severely damaged houses like yours”.
Now that is front and center bold for a reason. I want it to stick out. You know, it's the first big message of the whole letter.
And notice again, my wife and I, of course if you're not married, you have to change that. Or if you're perhaps the wife, then you'll say, “my husband and I.” But again, that plays the way we like to frame ourselves.
“If at any time while you are working with your insurance company, you wish to consider selling your house and its present condition as is quickly and easily, please consider giving us a call. Here are some highlights if you wish to accept our offer to purchase your house…”
Now, let me take a moment while I'm thinking about it and point out that there's not a single exclamation point in this entire letter.
Why is that? Well, you know, most people who putting marketing piece together, they use a lot of exclamation points and a lot of, they kind of overdo the bold and Italics and underline. And it's almost like you've been conditioned to think that that's what gets people to respond. I think maybe once upon a time for a real narrow timeframe, maybe it had that desired effect. But any more people see that and a lot of times consciously, but probably even more so subconsciously as a turnoff. And they see it as if they're being marketed to, and that you're trying to persuade them of something.
What I don't want to do is try and persuade in this. I just want to make them aware of what I can do if it's a good fit for them, but I want to do it in as compelling a way as possible.
I want this letter and all of my marketing materials, frankly, to be laid out in a way that's easy to scan. I want to chunk down, I don't want any big paragraphs. I like the use of bullet points. I like the use of bold and underline as you can see here. But I like to use it tastefully. If you overdo it, you overdo it. It's just too much it loses the impact.
So, in any marketing that I put together, I'm always replacing exclamation points with periods or question marks. Question marks are great—they hook you. It's shaped like a hook, and you draw people in with it. There's not a lot of them in this one. But I would much rather make the same statement and put a period at the end then a question mark, because that one little difference could be the difference between somebody smelling bs in whatever it is that you said and not.
Okay? You may disagree with me, I don't know, a lot of marketers would, but that's my story and I'm sticking to it.
So that said, here's my list of bullet points and these are benefits, right? “We will offer a fair price for your property and pay all cash. We will offer you a quick no hassle closing.” And of course, as you're scanning this, what do your eyes do? What do you see? You start at the top usually, but then you're going to “Severely Damaged Houses”… these people buy severely damaged houses. Okay? “…Fair price….” “…All cash…” “
Quick note: So, you can scan this and kind of get the meat of it, right? It looks like that needs to be corrected. So “We will offer you a fair price for your property and pay all cash. We will offer you a quick no hassle closing. We want to make it as easy as possible for you. We want to buy your house as it is in its current condition.”
I've already said that, yes, but I'm saying it again here. “Current condition, we will take responsibility for all repairs. We have a proven track record of purchasing homes like yours. This is our full time business. You can completely avoid the hassle of hiring contractors, handyman, or inspectors for your home repair.”
This is actually very benefit-heavy. You know, think about a burned-out property—there's a lot of hassle associated with dealing with that situation. I mean, the moment that your house is burned, you still own it and you have a great big liability on your hands there. You have a dangerous situation perhaps. Some kids could get in there and start rummaging around and who's on the line if some kid goes in there to your previously burned out house and steps on a nail or the floor falls through you as the homeowner? So you know, this line is speaking directly to easing the pain of all the hassle associated with this.
“I realize that at such a time as this, it can perhaps seem overwhelmingly difficult to be burdened with so many decisions at one time. If this letter has happened to you at such a time, please either disregarded or set aside for future reference. We do not wish in any way to add to your burden. If, however, you wish to further explore the option of selling your house to us, please do not hesitate to call us at any time. There's no obligation and we will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. Thank you very much for the generosity of your time. Wishing you the very best, John and Mary Buyers.”
And then of course all your information you're going to fill in there.
So, it's one page, one side. It's very simple and straightforward. I'm not in favor of waxing on and on about benefits and it's just all hype. I think you just want to clearly, simply state what's in it for them if it's a right, if there's, if you're a good fit for them, they should be able to read this letter and know that or they're going to keep it and explore it later, but there's not an ounce of hype here.
So there you go. This letter, like I said, just keep it in queue. Whenever you or somebody on your team comes across a burned out property, whip it out, send this thing out. You can even upload it into Click2Mail.com mail and have it ready to deploy there. I don't usually like to use click to mail for things like this. I think it's better if you just print it off and hand address an envelope and put a real stamp on it. Pretty much any hand addressed envelope somebody is going to open.
So, there you go guys. Hopefully you enjoy that. Just keep it in queue and whip it out at the right time and the right place and make some money on those burned out houses.
JP out.
Burned House Letter: Get Mine Now 🙂
Well, now that you better understand the components of this doc… I hope that you use it to level up your real estate investing game.
Ready to just grab mine for your own bag of tricks?
Awesome, here's how…
Step 1 ⤸
“Like” our Facebook page please?
Step 2 ⤸
Just leave a comment below sharing your honest feedback on the burned house letter I'm freely sharing with you. Whatever you think after hearing my thoughts behind it in the video above. Good, bad, and anywhere in between. Seriously.
Alternately, I’m also interested in hearing anything else (another resource or tool) that you’d like us to share in a future “Swipe & Deploy” like this. Do tell.
Step 3 ⤸
Then Chuck Norris will hand you over my template.
Totally serious. Just try it. 😀
Remember…
Obviously, you’re not going to find a burned-out house on every block, maybe not even in every neighborhood, but they are out there. Have your birddogs and other people keep an eye out for you.
So now, when you locate one, you won’t be wondering about what to do and how to make a deal with it… you’ll know exactly what to do, and in the process, you’ll be helping a family and an entire neighborhood.
Hey JP Thanks for the burned out house guide it will fit in nicely with my abanded home search . I have spotted a delapadated house close to an apartment complex which the lot will be great for their expansion.
so now I appreciate for helping me expand my oppurtunites inburned out houses.
Its my way of say , contributing to community improvement.
Thanks again
A great letter!!
Great letter. It is extremely well written and has a nice balance between being empathetic and thoughtful and conveying the sales message. Now I can help my neighbors.
That’s a great letter. I’ve always been told to stay away from burned houses.
Informative “burned house” letter is very helpful! I’m looking forward to using it!
Burned house letter – more awesome tools. Thank you, again!
Amazing content. Thanks for providing some value.
Great content. Thanks for providing so much value.
A simple and well crafted burned house letter.
Sebastian
Hey JP…. thanks for another awesome share. Always over delivering.
I will add this to my tool kit. Thanks!
There is a burned out house on my route to and from… guess what I’m going to do.?
Great Tool! I need this, thanking you in advance!
MY first burned out house was my neighbor’s house.I bought it and made a good profit, but my neighbor moved to another neighborhood.I miss my neighbor but we see each other now and again. I’m ready to do another burned house. this letter would help speed up my research. Great Letter Thanks. Mike. Have A Great Day!!
Love this.Very simple and to the point.
GREAT LETTER
The letter is well written and to the point. Keep up the great work!
Thank you so much for sharing this letter. It is extremely well written and has a nice balance between being empathetic and thoughtful and conveying the sales message. Really appreciate you sending it over to me.
great letter template!
I like it. Some of my best deals have been burn outs.
Great letter, thank you so much for this info.
This is Awesome, I never thought of this
I really like it, it’s straight forward and to the point. I am definitely going to use it for the burned properties in my area.
Thanks J.P.
Lisa
This is a very well written letter. Thanks for the info.
Always wondered about these houses. You see alot of them around Atlanta in certain parts of town. Thank you this should help alot.
I Appreciate this one as it shows compassion yest still not beating around the bush. Thanks!
Just reached out to my firefighter buddy. Thanks
Awesome stuff, I just closed on a fire damage house!
Thank you for sharing the Burned House Letter. I look forward to receiving this document. I would like to see a document or information how we can actually find the sellers information to contact them. I would like to partner with you to see the process and we can split the funds we get!!!!
Good Stuff bro!
JP
I have often wondered how to approach such a situation. Thanks so much for sharing. I know your methods are successful and as you say, “why reinvent the wheel”.
Thanks
Susan K-A
Pretty cool info. I just found a fire property. Very helpful.
Go get it, Ephraim! 🙂
you guys really are awesome!
This is on time. Just found a burned house. You’ll are truly awesome.
I never took a second look at burned houses, but this has given me a totally different perspective
Man, I need this letter ASAP
I want to be able to buy all types of distressed houses, thanks for your help
with purchasing burnt houses…
Regards,
Terri
Your presentation is really laid back….good .
GREAT VIDEO, GREAT LETTER, GREAT CONTENT. i’M GOING TO TRY THIS LETTER
BURN BABY, BURN!
This was great! I came across a burnt property and wanted to reach out to the seller but didn’t! This will me tremendously!
Unfortunetly, I found a couple of the houses and Yes, you must tread softly when talking to the home owner. But I had the tools to hamdle this by the previous posts! Thank you all!!
This comes at just the right time, have a property I’ve been course about .Thanks JP
I really like the burned house letter, all the reasons you gave for the layout is awesome and right on point.
Burned house script – hot topic – hot deal
I see them all the time, and wonder how to monetize them.
Thanks for tthe letter. I’m going to test this one.
you guys really give out a lot of golden nuggets on real estate. I never thought about trying to purchase fire damaged homes but that’s now going to be part of my business as well. I would to have the letter that you guys send to homeowners, thanks.
Louis
Thank you for the letter, I never thought about trying for burned houses
Looking forward to having success with your letter.
THANK YOU FOR BEING KINDHEARTED ENOUGH TO GIVEAWAY THESE LETTER FOR LITTLE TO NOTHING. THIS LETTER WOULD WORK PERFECTLY FOR A HOUSE THAT I CAME ACROSS.
This letter looks great. It would be an excellent tool for every investor, great job!
Look forward to getting this letter. A bird dog just informed me of a burned house last week and working on contacting the owner. Many thanks for sharing.
very sincere approach and at the same time showing respect for any lost.
Very good explanation of how to approach a sensitive situation.
This is vital information glad l found it here.
I really like the gentleness of this letter.
Great letter and tastefully done
It was a very compassionate letter. ..as a family member could have been injured. It was also pointed to show our interest in buying, and at what price, if they choose to sell.
You are awesome for giving out a letter to help other investors
I liked the letter because it doesn’t go over board with marketing. Personably and Tastefully to the point!
I have been looking for this exact letter, thank you
Awesome info! Can’t wait to use the letter!
this is incredible i have been searching for helpful content and you are the real deal i thank you
This is great! I didn’t target on burned down houses and I am definitely going to target those owners. Its very helpful and have a lot good information, I am glad i saw your video. It Will grow my business.
I was searching Google in this very thing. I can’t believe I found your Burned House Letter! Even Yellowletters couldn’t come close. Thanks.
Love the letter, please send it to me! I just saw a fire damage house two days ago. Thanks for the great information you provide.
Loved the video. Keep e’m coming!
Needed this letter
Thank you I never thought about trying for burned houses
Thank you for sharing.
Excellent introduction and lead – I hope what follows is a concise method of determining the remaining value and repair costs to yield a profit in a timely manor.
possibility to implement.
Amazing stuff
Awesome presentation video!
Like the beginning
Best written letter I’ve seen in years. Outstanding!!
I like the ‘no pressure’ feel aspect of the letter.
Ive been looking every where for something like this.
Thank you for sharing and giving back to help others. I appreciate you for your generosity. Wish I had this 2 months ago.
Another great bonus idea for me to implement in my options on how to acquire property using different strategies. Thanks again…
The letter is sincere. I needed this in my database.
WOW!
GREAT STUFF
Love the sharing!
Cool I haven’t targeted burned out houses yet. However, with this letter I will start looking.
Thanks!
I like the idea of a mom and pop operation.
I’m very appreciative of the information you share! Blessings!
The important thing to remember is you are dealing with people who have suffered a loss and are in a stressed situation. Do what you can to help them. Don’t worry about your profit so much as helping them. You will benefit in the long run, what goes around comes around.
Totally agree, Bill. Thanks for commenting, man. Come authentically interested in helping someone find the best solution for their problem—even if it’s not yourself. The money will follow your integrity.
Well written!
Never heard of this before. Thanks.
How well do you know my friend Chuck ??
We go waaayyyyyy back 🙂
Very helpful information. I am more confident in pursuing properties of this nature.
Great opportunity!
Thanks for everything!!
awesome!
The letter is excellent, albeit of limited use / opportunity.
I would intend that it be used to plant a seed for possible future use – either directly (this house, after the insurance company has weaseled out) or indirectly (the seller has us in mind for a different scenario or a referral.
Awesome.
I have several of these as well, but I like this one. Also, the information is very intuitive. I look forward to experimenting with this. I just happened to have driven by one, so I will be trying it on this one.
Awesome
Great letter