Last spring I put together a database of out-of-state owners of property in the Plano, Frisco and McKinney areas of North Dallas.  I got a good response from the letter with several new investor clients, and a future listing from a client that decided it was best to wait a couple of more years before selling based upon his tax situation and the potential for a later deferment through a qualified 1031 Like-Kind Exchange.  I had no idea, however, that a simple introductory letter would be so long-lived.

Last week I received a call from an out-of-state owner of a home in Plano asking if I could evaluate his property for sale or lease.  I asked him a few questions about the property and his plans, and then got around to asking him how he got my name and number.  He told me that he received a letter from me and so I pulled up my spreadsheet that I use to send out and monitor expired letters.  I couldn't find his name and asked him if I had the address correct.  He then astonished me by saying that he had received my letter last spring and decided that he liked my information and credentials and saved it until a later date.  Then when his current tenants abandoned the lease, he called me to assist him in evaluating and either selling or leasing the home.

I had no idea that a simple introductory letter would have a shelf life of several days, let alone nearly an entire year.  This particular house is worth nearly $375,000.  Keep this in mind whenever you introduce yourself in a letter, postcard or similar vehicle.  You never know how long it will last.