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.
very good to know I am learning so much with this program thank you so much
The letter is very heartwarming and concise. If I were in the situation of a burnt house/home, I would welcome this letter and it’s offer. JP you are truly awesome as a teacher/moderator.
I would have never thought to look into burned down properties, however, this is great tool to have in case you stumble upon this type of situation. We are in business to help people out of what may be a bad situation and I always wondered if there was a way to help homeowners in this type of circumstance and I would love to have this helping tool as a resource, thank you JP!
This is different. Thank you.
Anothe rnuget to add to the collection. Awesome
This is awesome
This letter will be great for my business! I like the letter because it is thoughtfully well written. I am anxious to use it. Thanks JP
Need all the guidance I can get
Need to keep motivated
Thank you,great news.I drove pass one recently and was uncertain as to how to handle it.
thaink you for all the info that you are passing on to all of us
I like how it is personable to the owner and how you use both your wife and your names as a small mom & pop business and not be a big conglomerate just trying to take the home.
This letter will be great for my business! Thanks JP
Awesome
Looks very interesting, thanks for sharing!
makes sense good approach
Awesome, thanks
Thanks for another piece of Awesome!
This is area I have wanted to be involved in.
Would appreciate any information you can provide,
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise. You have shown me something I probably never would have thought of.
I never even considered obtaining a property in such a way… Amazing!
Very well written. The tone was on point. Thanks for the free gift.
Yes this is awesome in fact I’ve tried this before but I didn’t know how to approach them so thank you for being on the level spiritually with me in this picture I so appreciate it thank you very much and I love helping people so this is awesome
Thnks for the source.It’s simple and to the point .
Offering condolences to me is the key .
Nice ND SIMPLE, IT LLOKS GOOD
Simple, subtle and to the point. Like how it answers many questions and objections before they are asked. The open end of act now or whenever the seller is ready is a great long term approach.
I actually saw it on the news.
Just another great source, of finding distressed properties, for long term gain. Thanks again, for this valuable resource.
Another useful tool from JP and the gang.
Love the idea and using your experience.
Thanks again for such informing and free information
Thank for the opportunity with this letter I’m excited to take it to the next level
great idea. I never even considered this as an option.
I just ran across a burned-out house in my community. I actually saw it on the news. Neighbors were complaining that the house has sat like that for months. So I say: Watch the news. There are segments about houses being on fire all the time.
Once i access the letter, off to the owner it goes
Grateful for being a part of the family.
Right on! Let’s put it on practice
Thanks for this precious information that I have been seeking for a long time.
This is Awesome! Great letter, I need it. Thanks so much for sharing it!
Hi JP
Thanks for sharing another important agreement.
I deleted FakeBook as advised by Elon Musk.
I request for more Free CHECKLISTS
I think the letter is Awesome
I’ve heard of buying burned out houses, but I’m not sure how it works. I don’t know how to use this letter yet, but when I do learn, I will have it.
Thanks for sharing, I probably never would have thought of writing anything like this to be very considerate and not pushy…well written. thanks.
Fantastic letter. Can’t wait to try it out myself.
Thank you for this letter.
Thank you for the information, definitely needed info, you’re awesome.
Great letter. Straight to the point
Love the burned house letter
Super excited to learn more
Great info. Pretty straight forward. I agree 100%, people don’t want to be SOLD TO, they want to BUY FROM.
I really the personal and sincere tone of your letter. Thanks so much. You are AWESOME!
The burned out house letter is great
Excellent letter, concise.
Love this great letter. thank you
Not sure what type of letter to send to condemned and burned houses but I am sending letters for this type of list.
Awesome letter and amazing information as always
Great letter I know of a few homes to use it on
Appreciate your experience and insights!
I love it, sounds more like very sincere on your side and offer to get off from their hands
This letter is true, people don’t see what you are saying as important due to they can’t think beyond their overwhelming situation. Looking forward to using these words to soothe a situation that’s hurtful in many ways.
Hi: awesome content.
After dealing with any insurance company i think everyone is open to a fast reliable solution to put a bad situation behind them as quickly and painlessly as possible. Great work and thanks for the free copy. Your Awesome!
Very considerate…well written. Not pushy.
I like the letter well written I can’t wait to use it.
Loved this letter
The burned letter is definitely on point. Thanks!
Awesome letter. Thanks for the insight.
This is very creative and is something I would be interested in.
Great letter
Great work. I truly appreciate you giving knowledge to the world, my friend
Just subscribed to Awesome REI on YouTube and came across this video on your letter….never even knew there was a market on burned out houses so thank you for the great letter and tip!
What a great explanation of how to present yourself to owners of burned homes and very generous of you to give away for free. I would love a downloaded copy of this!
The letter looks great and it’s not something I’ve thought about before
This is the perfect letter the tone and content is awesome
This is so awesome. You clearly have done your homework
Thanks!!!
i love the tone and the style of you letter. It is tasteful, to the point and not hyped.
great letter and content!
You are the best, Thank you all so much. This is a subject very near and dear to us as my son works with children who are burn victims from unfortunate situations in life. I would love to get involved in this and maybe be able to put the refurb or rehab houses up for burn victims.
Straight to the point, I love the sincerity about their loss and consideration. Please send me link to download burnt house letter
Thank you very much
I think I will use this very soon.
Sounds real good. Hope can use for future deals with me trying to get onboard with this business
I think it sounds great! Because of my personality it sounds like a letter that fits the way I talk. I would definitely appreciate a copy of your letter.
Thank you!!!!
I think it’s AWESOME! The letter is straight to the point. Thanks JP Awesome simplicity of this document! I can’t wait to use this! Tanks again for the wonderful output!!
So straight forward.! Great letter!
Hay JP I thought you put just enough flavor and realness in it. I personally like it would like to use it if that possible nice job very tasteful .
Thank you for the letter – hope I can use it sometime in the future.
As usual you have done it again. I am learning so much from ya’ll. Now I’ll have my eyes peeled for burned out houses. I believe the letter was great and JP’s explanation made a lot-o sense. Keep it comin’
Wow! So many resources from these guys. You’ll truly awesome
I like your Burned Down Letter because, it is carefully structured to respect the Sellers Time during this hectic time in their life. The respect of the letter alone sales itself.
You guys are the best everything i watch is huge i am leaning
a lot but the burnt out house blue me away unique and so good
I think God I can here great video thank you for your team do.
This is great! I’ve wondered the better approach with working these leads. Your letter makes sense so I’d like to give it a try. Thanks again!
Interested
I’m interested.
Some good ideas even for vacant house in need of repair.
Good Deal
Great letter for burned out houses. I look forward to utilizing your letter as a guide. Thank you!
Very informative and straight to the point.
One of the better written letters I have read lately. It gives all the right information and asks for a call to action.
Wow! I had no idea burnt houses were on the table like that. Very clever, and unique technic.
I think you really put the human side to the sensitive approach which I feel would make you stand out above the other investors who may have contacted the owner.
This is very beneficial to me as I have found some burned out houses and now know how to approach them thank you.
Just found a burnt house in my area and didn’t know how to approach the owner. Perfect timing.
Just getting into this a wondered what was already out here and came across your letter.
This info was so timely as I have noticed a burned out house in my area and wondered if it would be worth my while. Can’t wait to download letter. Thank you!
This is extremely helpful
If I was the receiving party of the burnout letter I’d definitely give him ah call.
I somewhat translated it in Spanish and text it to a Burned house lead I have which is Spanish speaking.
Please send me the download letter in English.
Burned out houses are a great opportunity in any market but especially tight markets. Thank you for sharing your insights and approach to marketing to these types of properties!
WOW! I never thought of that, BTW, very nice letter.
Awesome letter
Great idea!
This website is awesome!
Still looking for burnt out houses
Love this letter for lien and vacant properties. Thanks a lot!
Honestly, this is major league awesomeness. You have provided true value here; I mean what kicks more a$$ than Chuck Norris sending links?! LHH
Good letter
Good letter for burned out houses. Thank you
In Houston you can subscribe to Fire Notifications. There is an App you can get on your phone. There is a monthly subscription. Each city is different in how they provide this info.
I like the tone of the letter thanks for sharing it.
Great letter- approach for sensitive scenario. Cheers and Thanks in advance