Ok -

I heavily prospect expired listings.  I find great success in prospecting sellers that are discouraged with their previous sales efforts and helping them sell their home.

With that said, the way I prospect is very non-threatening.  I do it via direct mail.  No phone calls, no door knocking, no bugging of sellers.  If they are interested in my services, they can call me at their leisure.

Every so often I get an owner that calls me and is defensive, suspicious and absolutely certain that I'm doing terrible things because some how I sent them a letter.

Ok - let's see...  they listed their home with an agent on the Coeur d'Alene Multiple Listing Service.  Check.  I have full access to the Coeur d'Alene Multiple Listing Service.  Check.  Kootenai County maintains an online database that one can input a property address into and up comes the owners name and mailing address. Check.

Yes, it's that simple - I obtain prospective sellers mailing address information from the Kootenai County assessors office.  This record is public and I'm a member of the public.

99% of the calls I receive are sellers that are interested in talking to me about their home.  They want someone who loves their home as much as they do - who will do everything in their power to sell their home - someone who will communicate with them (actually, I could leave off everything else and communication is still key) and someone who will keep them educated honestly about the market, not feed them information that makes them feel good.

So, don't freak out and think I'm stalking you if you get something in the mail from me.  I'm just here to help you achieve your real estate goals :)