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.
Thanks for the info.
Great letter to the point . Clean
This is great. Thank you for giving this away.
JUST WHAT I WAS LOOKING FOR ………GREAT
Hi JP,
Awesome content as always. Looking forward to using it in my RE Business.
Best,
Paul H.
I love the idea of going straight to a fire chief!!
Finally, someone talking about burnt properties. The letter is great and look forward to the burnt smell. Thanks for sharing.
The sincere condolences is a very real approach, & the transition into why you’re actually sending the letter is on point and straight forward. I like the fact that your letter is not forceful, and although this letter is used to buy burnt houses, this letter is still showing sensitivity to the victim.
The letter is awesome.
A Great way to help others by taking the property off of thier hands .
Great letter have to give title a try
Very Good Letter – Thank you
Great letter
Wow! Great Letter. I would like to implement this in my future projects.
I liked your approach, it got the message across and still showed heart. Thanks.
very good letter.
Should be interesting to see what the response rate is.
I’m so glad to see this. I have two burned properties I have been trying to work on. This will be perfect to send to the 2nd one.
I really like the letter because it’s sensitive and offering a solution at the same
time.
Very nicely written and sympathetic to the owner’s unfortunate event. Providing a solution to someone that may not have the means to fully restore their home and wish to start anew elsewhere.
Great content.
Great letter, to the point. no pressure
Great video and awesome letter. Very tasteful and to the point, without the appearance that you’re taking advantage of someone else’s loss.
Wouldn’t change a thing with the letter , but for Patrick, JP or those that have done this before is your initial offer around or slightly under the tax assessed land value especially when you find out it’s a total loss? and I’d assume their is some value in foundation remaining ? even if you demo entire house. Yesterday afternoon we decided to cruise around for abandoned homes and came across a burned home and as if Patrick had this sixth sense and knew which email to pop into that autoresponder at that moment this morning . Perfect timing and outstanding letter! Oh and JP ….I’m a Nashvillian and noticed your Titans hat so hoping for good things this Thurs in the draft!
Good information to add to your ammo of getting another property!
wow great info.
Symphatizing with the seller will captivate their emotion and attention.
bless you and your Family
I like the to the point way this letter is. The no B.S. way it gets there.
BUT… You got to do something with the Background Music of your presentation. It made me think of a 1930’s movie tale 🙂 LOL 🙂 🙂 ThanThinking of the Little Guys…
Awesome, thanks
Great info about expressing condolences and not trying to sell them.
Excellent one page letter, very easy.
Lots of good info, especially about expressing you condolences and not coming off like you are trying to sell them on selling their house to you.
Great letter. You guys rock.
I like the letter. I don’t care for the music being in the video.
Thanks much for this great tool…. Very well done and tasteful!
Thanks for taking the time and sharing it…
I would like to partner with you or anyone looking to expand markets and and efforts.
Thanks Again…
I think your letter is sensitive and well written and I would feel comfortable sending it.
I have a related question. Does the homeowner’s insurance pay off the loan on the house plus the owner’s equity? Or do you buy the house subject to the existing loan and repair the house “out of pocket” and hope that you can sell the renovated house for a profit?
Nice letter. It covered all of the important parts.
JP, Liked the letter, and your to the point in a concise manner in one page, At this point in their life they do not need more complications.
I agree that the music detracts from your letter presentation.
Sincerely
William Roll
dido
Love it,Thanks
Love the letter
Good creative angle, thanks for the sensitivity over this type of potential seller. Some may have lost loved ones or pets, very emotionally sensitive time. But also a win for a family that wants to move on to move away from the memories lost in home’s loss.
My brother-in-law’s entire family tree is filled with volunteer firemen, they deal with this all the time. Hats off to you! TK
Thanks JP, this is great information!
It never occured to me to directly approach the people involved in these types of situations.
Thanks for the great letter and info!!!
Well written letter and straight to the point without going on and on . Making them feel okay and at ease at the same time . This will give them confidence and trust in you . Thank You so much
Thank you Great info. Hope to put it to use soon!
Great free content
Great idea with much thought
Thanks for teaching us about burned out houses and the compassion needed in these homeowner situations. Keep these trainings coming!
I think this is some great information that most people would think is an opportunity. I certainly plan to use it as a prospecting tool.
Reginald Turner
Cool video, thank you so much for sharing
Great Letter I Would Love To Use This Approach
Please Send Me The Link
Very well written
This is a very unique concept. One that I think will come in useful when the situation presents itself. Thanks for sharing!
It’s a good letter. Covers some issues that are not readily apparent.
Hey JP CJ Thompson Jr. here, just wanna thank you for info & perfect letter for burned out house owners. I look forward to testing your exact profile for obtaining customers & helping people more easily deal with bad situation. Yours truly, Destiny Housing LLC.
think the letter will be very helpful in many neighborhoods in my area
What a awesome very thoughtful burnout letter.
It’s straight forward yet simple and seem very genuine and from the heart.
Great letter! Can’t wait to try it out!
Thanks for making the letter available! Still not sure where to “click” to get it.
The letter looks great. it’s sensitive, simple and to the point.
Tried once but didn’t get the link.
Its very thoughtful to consider the owners feelings, i really like your letter and know of some houses in my surrounding neighborhood.
Great info, thanks for sharing
This opens up new ideas to venture into in realist ate property investments. Thank you so much,
Sincerly,
Stephanie R. Sanders
Independence Missouri
Great letter no pressure tactics.
This is great! Because I never really knew how to approach someone with a burned out property
A well thought out approach. I have actually wondered how to go about this very thing, as I have one in mind.
Grateful to you composing this letter, it makes it easier to speak with the property owner.
simple and to the point. I like it.
this is awesome
Awesome letter, thanks
Fantastic very well written.
Dr. Chuck Norris (J.P.),
Thank you for sharing a great letter. I like how nicely worded it is, making it easy for the home owner to make a decision.
Seems awesome
I think its good , im going to try it out
Great letter, enjoyed your presentation about it. Please forward me a copy. Thank you
Never thought of this niche. I already have one in mind.
Great letter to address a tragic situation. I thought the weather was short and to the point without being overbearing. As always you and your team always seem to have the right answer for just about any situation situation. I’ve been going past a house that I understand had an explosion several years ago and the owner has done nothing with it. I’ll let you know how the letter Works in this situation. Thanks
Amazing, I never would have considered, let alone thought about this before this inforjmation.
WOW
gloria guzman
Coldwell Banker Apex
Thank you for sharing your burned-out house letter. What a nice letter to someone who just lost their largest asset. I look forward to trying it.
Thankyou for sharing this letter with me.
I have needed a letter like this so I’m excited that you are rite on time with this one!
If I had a house that was damaged by a fire,I would pick the person that sent me a tastefully written letter. That letter would be yours.
Great letter. Thanks.
This is amazing!! Exactly what we need to approach people with burned houses!! Thank you
Hey, thanks for this, it’s simple and to the point, I like it. I wondered how to approach these houses. I usually stay away from them but I think you are right they might be able to be purchased for less than most fixers and wouldn’t need TOO much more to make right. I usually do a complete thorough job on my rehabs anyway so doing a bit more is NOT a LOT more.
Thx
This is great! I have a burned out house across the street from me. I moved in after the house had been vacant for almost a year.
Always good insightful stuff that can be applied immediately !!!!
Very informative.
Look forward to using the “Burned House” letter at earliest opportunity. Thanks!
Very well written letter….I will give it a try soon…Thanks
I have a couple of your other products which I am very happy with. I look forward to seeing this letter.
Regards,
Karen Rosetti
That’s great to hear, Karen! 🙂
– Patrick
This would have been great 3 weeks ago, I passed by a burnt house and was trying to figure out how to contact the owner to make a offer. I passed by today and someone has just purchase the property !! Missed deal.
Great letter to have, just ran across a burn property that I will definitely use to send to the owner.
Excellent information. Thanks for the great tips. This is an avenue of leads not many people think of.
Short, simple, and straight forward. I thought this was very well written
Well thought out letter and I appreciate the obvious time you took to ensure that you are hitting the right tone for such a devastating event.
Erika Di Paola
Renewal LLC
I liked that its to the point and helping out the homeowner as well.
The letter will completely eliminate any back off in communicating with anyone who is having these unfortunate circumstances
Great stuff! A practical approach for situations and circumstances regarding fire, burned out houses.