Hi all.
Name’s Ken. I’ve been lurking here for years….but don’t really post much. I’m making a few random posts today to add some value to the group since I’ve gleaned plenty from you all over time.
I specialize in getting leads from public records offices. That might be your local courthouse, city hall, county offices, or state offices. That is, I get the government to release data to the public – often in the form of spreadsheets aka mailing lists.
Did you know that your local public offices and courts contain a goldmine of information – that you can get access to simply by asking?!
It’s true.
I’m a former government employee and worked on this stuff from the inside.
About 50 years ago the US government passed law called the Freedom of Information Act. Basically, it’s a law that says our government is supposed to be transparent – citizens can examine public government records anytime they want.
What Are Public Records?
Public records are those which are kept on file by Federal, State, County and City agencies.
Because they are publicly-owned, they are available for public viewing and use.
U.S. law specifies that members of the public may, at any time, walk into the public records offices and view all non-confidential data.
The same law specifies that you may submit a written request to have data sent via mail, email or fax. All you have to do is ask.
BUT…
You must ask the right office.
You must ask the right way.
You must ask for the right data.
You should also ask politely. You get more flies with honey….
Most citizens don’t realize how much valuable data is available through public records requests.
They have heard of “public offices” and “public records,” but few people are aware that they can easily acquire this information.
The information is there, waiting for you to grab it! You may have even been to these public offices or courthouses, but never known about the valuable information right in front of your eyes, invisibly hidden in plain sight.
This information is invisible to most people. Hopefully, it remains that way. You don’t want every Tom, Dick and Harry knowing about this and beating you to the punch by grabbing these leads for themselves. This course will help you SEE the invisible leads sitting in front of you.
Priceless data for your business. Readily available in open-to-the-public offices in your own town, city, county or state. Priceless, Invisible Leads—right in your own backyard!
It was there all the time.
“Close your eyes, and tap your heels together three times.”.
Then, open your eyes, and keep reading. I’ll show you how to get these invisible leads.
Example: In one county, they require everyone who owns a dog to pay $3 and get a dog license. I contacted that same office and requested that they give me a list of ALL the licensed dogs in that county. They complied and gave me a spreadsheet with 86,000 licensed dogs in that county. Can you guess who I contacted to sell that list to?
….anyone who needs a mailing list of dog owners to which they can market their products or services: dog walkers, groomers, doggy daycares, and of course veterinarians.
What is a Public Records Request?
The U.S. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a law which ensures that the general public has access to U.S. Government records.
Transparency means any citizen may submit a request to their government to acquire access to open records. Keep in mind, FOIA is designed to allow citizens access to Federal records. As a real estate professional, you need local information.
Each state in the U.S. has the right to create its own FOIA laws. Your state’s FOIA law may be named something like:
· Right to Know
· Open Records Act
· Open Public Records Act
In addition, there are FOIA laws that apply at the county, city, municipality and school district level. Whatever the name of the law or the level of government, the intent of the law is the same. FOIA laws exist to give citizens access to information and public records.
Public records requests are submitted every day by citizens, community action groups, journalists, and even nosy neighbors.
So, what type of lists can you get from your local offices? Here are a FEW examples….
CITY LEVEL:
--Code violations aka houses that are failing apart (great for real estate investors seeking fixer-uppers)
--All Dog permits: Great for anyone who wants to sell products or services to all dog owners in the city
COUNTY LEVEL:
--Divorce filings: (great for real estate agents and investors who want houses to buy/sell)
--Assessors: (Great for locating data on all properties in the county)
--Permits: Construction permits, swimming pools (great for anyone selling swimming pool supplies or services)
--Tax delinquent properties (great for real estate investors who want high-probability leads)
--Delinquent public water accounts (great for real estate investors who want high-probability leads)
STATE LEVEL:
--Licenses: Lists of all Real estate agents in the state (great for anyone selling products or services to real estate agents and brokers)
--Marriage licenses: great for anyone selling products or services to brides-to-be
Got any questions about getting prospecting lists/mailing lists from your local government offices?
Post them here and I will answer them!
Name’s Ken. I’ve been lurking here for years….but don’t really post much. I’m making a few random posts today to add some value to the group since I’ve gleaned plenty from you all over time.
I specialize in getting leads from public records offices. That might be your local courthouse, city hall, county offices, or state offices. That is, I get the government to release data to the public – often in the form of spreadsheets aka mailing lists.
Did you know that your local public offices and courts contain a goldmine of information – that you can get access to simply by asking?!
It’s true.
I’m a former government employee and worked on this stuff from the inside.
About 50 years ago the US government passed law called the Freedom of Information Act. Basically, it’s a law that says our government is supposed to be transparent – citizens can examine public government records anytime they want.
What Are Public Records?
Public records are those which are kept on file by Federal, State, County and City agencies.
Because they are publicly-owned, they are available for public viewing and use.
U.S. law specifies that members of the public may, at any time, walk into the public records offices and view all non-confidential data.
The same law specifies that you may submit a written request to have data sent via mail, email or fax. All you have to do is ask.
BUT…
You must ask the right office.
You must ask the right way.
You must ask for the right data.
You should also ask politely. You get more flies with honey….
Most citizens don’t realize how much valuable data is available through public records requests.
They have heard of “public offices” and “public records,” but few people are aware that they can easily acquire this information.
The information is there, waiting for you to grab it! You may have even been to these public offices or courthouses, but never known about the valuable information right in front of your eyes, invisibly hidden in plain sight.
This information is invisible to most people. Hopefully, it remains that way. You don’t want every Tom, Dick and Harry knowing about this and beating you to the punch by grabbing these leads for themselves. This course will help you SEE the invisible leads sitting in front of you.
Priceless data for your business. Readily available in open-to-the-public offices in your own town, city, county or state. Priceless, Invisible Leads—right in your own backyard!
It was there all the time.
“Close your eyes, and tap your heels together three times.”.
Then, open your eyes, and keep reading. I’ll show you how to get these invisible leads.
Example: In one county, they require everyone who owns a dog to pay $3 and get a dog license. I contacted that same office and requested that they give me a list of ALL the licensed dogs in that county. They complied and gave me a spreadsheet with 86,000 licensed dogs in that county. Can you guess who I contacted to sell that list to?
….anyone who needs a mailing list of dog owners to which they can market their products or services: dog walkers, groomers, doggy daycares, and of course veterinarians.
What is a Public Records Request?
The U.S. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a law which ensures that the general public has access to U.S. Government records.
Transparency means any citizen may submit a request to their government to acquire access to open records. Keep in mind, FOIA is designed to allow citizens access to Federal records. As a real estate professional, you need local information.
Each state in the U.S. has the right to create its own FOIA laws. Your state’s FOIA law may be named something like:
· Right to Know
· Open Records Act
· Open Public Records Act
In addition, there are FOIA laws that apply at the county, city, municipality and school district level. Whatever the name of the law or the level of government, the intent of the law is the same. FOIA laws exist to give citizens access to information and public records.
Public records requests are submitted every day by citizens, community action groups, journalists, and even nosy neighbors.
So, what type of lists can you get from your local offices? Here are a FEW examples….
CITY LEVEL:
--Code violations aka houses that are failing apart (great for real estate investors seeking fixer-uppers)
--All Dog permits: Great for anyone who wants to sell products or services to all dog owners in the city
COUNTY LEVEL:
--Divorce filings: (great for real estate agents and investors who want houses to buy/sell)
--Assessors: (Great for locating data on all properties in the county)
--Permits: Construction permits, swimming pools (great for anyone selling swimming pool supplies or services)
--Tax delinquent properties (great for real estate investors who want high-probability leads)
--Delinquent public water accounts (great for real estate investors who want high-probability leads)
STATE LEVEL:
--Licenses: Lists of all Real estate agents in the state (great for anyone selling products or services to real estate agents and brokers)
--Marriage licenses: great for anyone selling products or services to brides-to-be
Got any questions about getting prospecting lists/mailing lists from your local government offices?
Post them here and I will answer them!
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