The Probate Fox Podcast

In this episode, you'll discover what Ernie “The Probate Fox” Vargas learned about probate and inherited real estate on his trip to England – the birthplace of probate law. LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: ·      Probatefox.com ·      Ernie's free probate training   Thanks so much for joining me this week. Want to subscribe to The Probate Fox Podcast? Have some feedback you'd like to share? Connect with us on Apple Podcasts and leave a review!

So many people just focus on making money in real estate, they miss out on the bigger picture of helping people in need. The beautiful thing about probate is you are blessed to be able to do both!   In episode #17, host Ernie “The Probate Fox” Vargas shares how he has created lifelong friends by helping families stuck in probate's tangled web. And those relationships have turned into opportunities to buy and list properties for their family and friends.   IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: [02:25] The market may have shifted but it is still filled with motivated sellers if you know where to look for them [05:53] How to develop strategic relationships with the right people [08:20] Setting yourself up for probate success in the new year [10:11] Will wholesalers survive the market shift?   LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: ProbateFox.com Ernie's free probate training   Thanks so much for joining me this week. Want to subscribe to The Probate Fox Podcast? Have some feedback you'd like to share? Connect with us on Apple Podcasts and leave a review!

Contrary to what most people think, it's not just average and ordinary people who end up in probate. The rich and famous fail to plan as much as the rest of us. Notable celebrities such as Prince, Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse, and Sonny Bono all had their estates end up in probate after their deaths.   In episode #16, host Ernie “The Probate Fox” Vargas talks about his experience working with one of the legends of Motown on a complicated probate along with how to market to attorneys and what you can do with the personal property of probates.   IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: [01:30] Ernie's probate connection to Motown [06:30] Closing the deal by being a good listener [08:50] How to stand apart from everyone else when marketing to attorneys [16:50] Other than selling the house, what other services can a real estate agent offer people going through probate [19:18] How you can profit from the personal property in an estate [21:50] Creating strategic partnerships with attorneys   LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: ProbateFox.com Ernie's free probate training   Thanks so much for joining me this week. Want to subscribe to The Probate Fox Podcast? Have some feedback you'd like to share? Connect with us on Apple Podcasts and leave a review!

The financial freedom you create when you become a probate real estate specialist allows you to do pretty much whatever your heart desires. But when it comes to those you love, the greatest gifts are those that money can't buy.   In episode #13, host Ernie “The Probate Fox” Vargas shares how he gave his daughter something worth way more than what you can buy in a store or online.   IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: [01:45] How you can give the greatest gift possible. [04:10] What's the difference between probate and inherited leads. [09:30] How to open a conversation with probate leads vs inherited leads [12:44] What is the tried and true best way to market to your leads/ [18:00] What's the best schedule to use with direct mail. [25:15] Do the proceeds from the sale of a probate house belong to the personal representative.   LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: probatefox.com Ernie's free probate training   Thanks so much for joining me this week. Want to subscribe to The Probate Fox Podcast? Have some feedback you'd like to share? Connect with us on Apple Podcasts and leave a review!

As a probate real estate specialist, the last thing you want to do is force the seller to do something they clearly do not want to do. But how can you give them what they want and still make money on the deal?   In episode #13, host Ernie “The Probate Fox” Vargas explains what to do if they are not interested in selling directly to you. And he also takes a deep dive into marketing to probate attorneys.   IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: [01:06] What to do when the personal representative wants to list but you are not a listing agent. [03:45] How to profit by being a hybrid probate investor/broker. [05:30] Don't be a probate one-trick pony. [06:32] The low down on offering commission splits to listing agents. [09:15] Ernie explains how to market to probate attorneys.   LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: ProbateFox.com Ernie's free probate training   Thanks so much for joining me this week. Want to subscribe to The Probate Fox Podcast? Have some feedback you'd like to share? Connect with us on Apple Podcasts and leave a review!  

In real estate, speed is essential. Getting to the seller first can be the difference between a six-figure payday and ending up empty-handed. But that doesn't mean you should throw those old leads away.   In episode #16, host Ernie “The Probate Fox” Vargas explains not just why old probate leads are so valuable, but also exactly what you need to do to turn them into a profit.   IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: [01:02] What is happening in the probate market at this moment. [02:34] Should you be calling your old probate leads? [04:45] How I bought a house after the seller said they were not ready to sell. [07:53] How list maintenance can turn your old probate leads into gold. [09:05] Can you cold call probate leads before you mail to them. [12:30] Which name on a probate file should you contact first. [15:45] Can you put a property under contract before the probate is closed. [19:00] What can you do before someone has been assigned as executor.   LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: ProbateFox.com Ernie's free probate training   Thanks so much for joining me this week. Want to subscribe to The Probate Fox Podcast? Have some feedback you'd like to share? Connect with us on Apple Podcasts and leave a review!

During this call, Ernie focuses on the secret to becoming a smart real estate professional. The answer? Niche down!   Contrary to what some may believe, there is plenty of opportunity in the market right now as long as you know where to look. Ernie also discusses some fundamental probate questions such as: Who is inheriting probate What are they doing with it, and why? How do you find people who have inherited probate real estate?   Don't settle for ordinary, become extraordinary!   LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Register for next week's Probate Essentials Q&A call ProbateFox.com Ernie's free probate toolkit   Thanks so much for joining me this week. Want to subscribe to The Probate Fox Podcast? Have some feedback you'd like to share? Connect with us on Apple Podcasts and leave a review!

On today's Probate Essentials open-mic Q&A call, Ernie “The Probate Fox” Vargas starts out by outlining how you need to be intentional with the goals you choose and the actions you take to achieve those goals. And to always remember that you're in this business to make a better life. What good is wealth without health?   Then he answers your questions about probate real estate questions including:   [03:02] pay attention to your milestones and the success that is happening before you reach your end goal [04:50] create a goal, write it down, and create a plan to achieve it [07:49] How I overcame the fear that paralyzed me when I first got into real estate [11:45] Life rewards you when you make a decision to do something [13:10] There is a genuine need for honest real estate professionals [21:22] Why systems and processes are key components to achieving success [27:34] How do you differentiate yourself from everyone else in the marketplace [32:50] What systems should you put in place to succeed based on your strengths [42:55] Is it better to send direct mail or cold call real estate leads [45:15] How do you filter your leads to make the best use of them     LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Register for next week's Probate Essentials Q&A call ProbateFox.com Ernie's free probate toolkit   Thanks so much for joining me this week. Want to subscribe to The Probate Fox Podcast? Have some feedback you'd like to share? Connect with us on Apple Podcasts and leave a review!

On today's Probate Essentials open-mic Q&A call, Ernie “The Probate Fox” Vargas answers a variety of probate real estate questions including:   [00:37] What are the limits of the services a probate attorney can or will provide [08:10] Why you should approach a probate cold call with confidence [12:00] What info should you include in a direct mail campaign for probates [16:30] What are the differences between full and limited authority [19:02] What impact does the court appraiser have on probate [23:00] how is the market shifting right now   LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Register for next week's Probate Essentials Q&A call ProbateFox.com Ernie's free probate toolkit   Thanks so much for joining me this week. Want to subscribe to The Probate Fox Podcast? Have some feedback you'd like to share? Connect with us on Apple Podcasts and leave a review!  

On today's Probate Essentials open-mic Q&A call, Ernie “The Probate Fox” Vargas answers a variety of probate real estate questions including:   [02:00] Why do so many people lack success in real estate [03:20] What are the similarities between probate leads and inherited leads [04:45] What happens when someone files an objection to a probate [12:03] Can you close escrow on a property that probate hasn't been completed on yet [16:15] If probate hasn't closed yet, does the judge need to approve the sale of the property [22:18] Does the PR have the full authority to approve the sale of the property [26:22] How do you change a probate so the sale of the house does not require court authority [34:40] What happens when a will is found after the probate process has begun [37:40] What are the pros and cons of pre-probate leads [47:25] How should you address the heir when cold-calling probate leads   LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Register for next week's Probate Essentials Q&A call ProbateFox.com Ernie's free probate toolkit   Thanks so much for joining me this week. Want to subscribe to The Probate Fox Podcast? Have some feedback you'd like to share? Connect with us on Apple Podcasts and leave a review!

On today's Probate Essentials open-mic Q&A call, Ernie “The Probate Fox” Vargas answers a variety of probate real estate questions including:   [00:49] What to do when you realize you need to modify an offer for a house already under contract [15:50] how to take advantage of the changing market [21:40] Is there a general rule to use for computing repair costs [28:00] Strategies for overcoming objections during a probate cold call [35:12] How to use NLP to help people get what they need [44:43] What is the best way to follow up with interested prospects   LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Register for next week's Probate Essentials Q&A call ProbateFox.com Ernie's free probate toolkit   Thanks so much for joining me this week. Want to subscribe to The Probate Fox Podcast? Have some feedback you'd like to share? Connect with us on Apple Podcasts and leave a review!

Probate Essentials Q&A 6/23/22   On today's Probate Essentials open-mic Q&A call, Ernie “The Probate Fox” Vargas answers a variety of probate real estate questions including:   [02:20] How to respond to a personal representative when they tell you they have an attorney [11:21] What is the best way to market to probate leads: direct mail or cold calling [23:20] What is the best time of day to make cold calls [28:00] The 3 steps you need to take every day to get in the right frame of mind before making calls [35:00] Who is your perfect probate prospect [39:40] What are the biggest motivators for probate property sellers [46:45] how long should you mail your probate leads   LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Register for next week's Probate Essentials Q&A call ProbateFox.com Ernie's free probate toolkit   Thanks so much for joining me this week. Want to subscribe to The Probate Fox Podcast? Have some feedback you'd like to share? Connect with us on Apple Podcasts and leave a review!

On today's Probate Essentials open-mic Q&A call, Ernie “The Probate Fox” Vargas answers a variety of probate real estate questions including:   [03:00] How to stand out in a competitive market [09:51] What is the best approach to contacting sellers directly and position yourself as an authority [16:12] Overcoming fears that are holding you back from finding real success [23:42] How to find probate leads on your own for free [39:40] How often should you cold call leads [51:20] What do you do when the petitioner or the decedent's spouse lives in the probate property   LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Register for next week's Probate Essentials Q&A call ProbateFox.com Ernie's free probate toolkit   Thanks so much for joining me this week. Want to subscribe to The Probate Fox Podcast? Have some feedback you'd like to share? Connect with us on Apple Podcasts and leave a review!

On today's Probate Essentials open-mic Q&A call, Ernie “The Probate Fox” Vargas answers a variety of probate real estate questions including:   [02:20] How to set yourself apart from your competition when talking to attourneys [05:15] Why you should use scripts when talking to atourneys [07:25] The best places to get recommendations and testimonials [13:45] The real fortune is in the long term followup [23:40] How to talk to people who have recently lost a loved one [26:20] The difference between inherited leads and probate leads [45:25] Lack of success is not because of a lack of information – it's because of a lack of mindset   LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Register for next week's Probate Essentials Q&A call ProbateFox.com Ernie's free probate toolkit   Thanks so much for joining me this week. Want to subscribe to The Probate Fox Podcast? Have some feedback you'd like to share? Connect with us on Apple Podcasts and leave a review!

Competition in the marketplace is fierce. One way to give yourself an edge over other investors when talking to a seller is to know what's going on in their head. So how to you become a “psychic investor”?   In episode #11, host Ernie “The Probate Fox” Vargas shares how he reads body language when talking to a seller to know where to lead the conversation so you can get what you want by giving the seller what they want.   IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: [02:02] What is an analytical seller [03:45] The huge difference between a certified appraiser and a court-appointed appraiser [05:50] How to read your seller's body language [07:02] Why, when, and how you should give the seller more power and control in the conversation   LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: ProbateFox.com Ernie's free probate training   Thanks so much for joining me this week. Want to subscribe to The Probate Fox Podcast? Have some feedback you'd like to share? Connect with us on Apple Podcasts and leave a review!

Inspiration and motivation can come from lots of different places. Sometimes we find our biggest “ah-ha” moments far outside of the real estate space.   In episode #8, host Ernie “The Probate Fox” Vargas shares how his friendship with Chicken Soup for the Soul author Mark Victor Hansen has shaped his entrepreneurial journey. Hansen's many books and seminars have helped Ernie not only define and achieve his dreams, but become a better person through Hansen's generous example.   IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: [02:00] Experiencing rejection while door knocking and cold calling can mess with your head - Hansen's flagship book, Chicken Soup For The Soul, was rejected over 140 times before a publisher picked it up. [05:01] How to wake up in the morning excited about life and what today will bring. [06:20] It doesn't matter what age you are or where you are in life, dreams don't have deadlines. [07:35] Why many of my students come to me later in life. [10:38] Dreaming big requires clarity. Clarity requires faith. Faith must be followed up with action. [11:05] There is no lack of money, just a lack of ideas.   LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: ProbateFox.com Ernie's free probate training   Thanks so much for joining me this week. Want to subscribe to The Probate Fox Podcast? Have some feedback you'd like to share? Connect with us on Apple Podcasts and leave a review!

The life of a real estate entrepreneur can be lonely and difficult. The temptation to give up can hit you when you least expect it. In episode #9, host Ernie “The Probate Fox” Vargas talks about one of his students who was just about to give up, but through Ernie's coaching kept going and just closed on his very first probate deal making him over $30,000.   LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: ProbateFox.com Ernie's free probate training   Thanks so much for joining me this week. Want to subscribe to The Probate Fox Podcast? Have some feedback you'd like to share? Connect with us on Apple Podcasts and leave a review!

It's a fact that the vast majority of investors, brokers, and agents who pursue probate end up crashing and burning in short order. And that's unfortunate because not only is there a ton of money to be made in probate real estate, but there are also so many families who desperately need help liquidating the property they inherited.   In episode #8, host Ernie “The Probate Fox” Vargas shares how probate cold calling requires a much different mindset than traditional cold calling and gives you actionable steps to connect with the personal representative on a deeper level and close more deals.   IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: [01:02] Who is sabotaging your business? [02:30] What you need to believe before you even pick up the phone [03:50] Steps to take to set up your mindset for success [04:51] How you should end your day to prepare your mind for a successful tomorrow [07:08] The power of personal rituals   LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: ProbateFox.com Ernie's free probate training   Thanks so much for joining me this week. Want to subscribe to The Probate Fox Podcast? Have some feedback you'd like to share? Connect with us on Apple Podcasts and leave a review!

Cold calling personal representatives in probate real estate is a bit of an art. But you don't need to be a “cold calling artist” to realize massive success.   In episode #7, host Ernie “The Probate Fox” Vargas reveals two of the biggest mistakes most investors, brokers, and agents make when getting started in probate cold calling. And he shares what you can do right now to start getting properties under contract fast.   IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: [01:20] Cold calling mistake #1 – when you should call prospects [02:40] Why you need to get your cold calling on a regular schedule [03:18] Cold calling mistake #2 – how much time should you spend on the phone [04:35] Are you unknowingly looking for a “NO”? [05:20] What happens when you get cold calling right   LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: ProbateFox.com Ernie's free probate training   Thanks so much for joining me this week. Want to subscribe to The Probate Fox Podcast? Have some feedback you'd like to share? Connect with us on Apple Podcasts and leave a review!

The most valuable asset you have in real estate is sitting between your ears. Making the transition from a labor to a thinker is one of the most powerful moments of an entrepreneur's life   In episode #6, host Ernie “The Probate Fox” Vargas shares how he discovered this lesson through an experience with accelerated learning on a mountain and how you can apply what he discovered about himself and real estate in your life an business.   IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: [03:05] What it takes to get what you want [04:40] Those who think govern those who labor [06:00] How to accelerate your earning ability in real estate [08:02] The power of accelerated learning [08:53] Becoming the real estate professional who thinks rather than labors [09:32] How I learned accelerated learning on a mountain [13:45] How to successfully work with your personal limitations   LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: ProbateFox.com Ernie's free probate training Thanks so much for joining me this week. Want to subscribe to The Probate Fox Podcast? Have some feedback you'd like to share? Connect with us on Apple Podcasts and leave a review!

Probate leads are a powerful tool that, when used properly, can lead to huge and consistent paydays for real estate investors, brokers, and agents. But are all leads the same?   In episode #5, host Ernie “The Probate Fox” Vargas takes a deep dive into what is and is not a probate lead. In addition to explaining how to get probate leads for free from your local court house, Ernie explains how to make sure you are getting what you pay for when you subscribe to a lead service. Does the lead have confirmed property? Are you paying extra for that? Is the lead actually a probate lead or are they pulling the old switcharoo on you? You'll get all of these answers and more in today's episode.   IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: [00:45] How to obtain probate leads for free [01:35] What is the best use of your time? [02:09] How I got my leads when I got started in probate [04:18] What is a probate lead provider? [04:36] Things to look for when subscribing to a lead service [05:28] How to avoid wasting your time and money on bad leads [07:56] Is there a difference between probate leads and inheritance leads? [09:57] Understand what your buying before you subscribe to a lead service [11:47] The secret sauce behind a good lead service   LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: ProbateFox.com Ernie's free probate training Ernie's Probate Lead Service   Thanks so much for joining me this week. Want to subscribe to The Probate Fox Podcast? Have some feedback you'd like to share? Connect with us on Apple Podcasts and leave a review!

Not every seller is ready to make a deal the first time you contact them. In fact, over 80% of sellers require long-term nurture but are virtually ignored by most real estate investors, brokers, and agents.       In episode #4, host Ernie “The Probate Fox” Vargas breaks down the difference between hyper-sellers and skeptical-sellers and how you can create huge profits on a consistent basis by playing the long game. While just 20% of probates are hyper-sellers, most investors focus solely on this small group creating a saturated market where cutthroat competition creates razor-thin margins and lots of failure. By shifting your focus to skeptical-sellers where 80% of probates fall, you'll find yourself working with a much larger number of potential leads, less competition, and huge margins.   IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: [01:08] What exactly is a “hyper-seller” [01:35] How I bought a probate house in less than an hour [02:52] Why hyper-sellers shop for the highest offer [04:04] Why most real estate investors, brokers, and agents focus solely on hyper-sellers [04:38] Where the real money in probate real estate is at [05:18] Why you need to develop long term relationships and nurture sellers for huge paydays [06:00] The reason most investors, brokers, and agents fail at probate [06:40] How a 19 year old small-town kid found his first probate deal [09:08] Why old probate leads are real estate gold   LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: ProbateFox.com Ernie's free probate training   Thanks so much for joining me this week. Want to subscribe to The Probate Fox Podcast? Have some feedback you'd like to share? Connect with us on Apple Podcasts and leave a review!

Some people think real estate investing is just about buying and selling houses. But that's not necessarily the case with probate real estate.   In episode #3, host Ernie “The Probate Fox” Vargas not only talks about how he negotiated one probate deal to cash in on a broken down corvette, but he also explains how you can create a secondary revenue stream within real estate investing. Ernie explains your options when it comes to dealing with personal property and how you can both help the seller deal with a major problem while creating a nice payday for yourself.   IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: [01:04] What to do with the personal property left behind when you purchase a property [02:08] Rolling out the probate red carpet [02:30] Making their problems your problems helps to seal the deal [03:26] The deceased's treasures are often a burden on the seller [04:10] How I got stuck with a broken down Corvette [05:00] Different ways to convert personal property to cash. [06:02] He gave me a briefcase full of $7,000 in cash [07:29] Why you shouldn't pass on personal property   LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: ProbateFox.com Ernie's free probate training Thanks so much for joining me this week. Want to subscribe to The Probate Fox Podcast? Have some feedback you'd like to share? Connect with us on Apple Podcasts and leave a review!  

Probate deals are some of the most profitable in all of real estate. Why? Because they most often come with the biggest problems to overcome.   In episode #2, host Ernie “The Probate Fox” Vargas shares how to avoid the pitfalls that cause 97% of investors to fail within the first three months of working probate. Knowing the technical side of probate is only half the battle. You need to approach sellers with the right attitude and have the right mindset before you even talk to a seller. Most agents, brokers, and investors are too lazy to learn the secrets that lead to passive income, financial independence, and personal freedom. That leaves the door wide open for the willing.   IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: [01:10] Why probate leads must be treated differently than traditional leads [04:58] How to compete and dominate a crowded marketplace [06:55] When to say NO to a seller [08:54] Why you should create a network of industry professionals [10:05] An attitude that will make you succeed [12:26] Probate cold calling success secrets [15:10] The riches are in the probate niches   LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: ProbateFox.com Ernie's free probate training   Thanks so much for joining me this week. Want to subscribe to The Probate Fox Podcast? Have some feedback you'd like to share? Connect with us on Apple Podcasts and leave a review!

Probate is a hot and sexy topic in real estate, but it wasn't always this way.     In episode #1, host Ernie “The Probate Fox” Vargas shares how he stumbled upon probate real estate literally on accident over 20 years ago and how this incredibly profitable real estate niche was born from his discovery. Ernie also explains how the probate market has evolved over the past two decades and shares where to find the profit in our current market to create passive income.   IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN: [03:10] Ernie's accidental discovery of probate real estate [06:38] A real estate gift in disguise  [09:55] There's no shortage of real estate leads – even in a saturated market    LINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: ProbateFox.com Ernie's free probate training   Thanks so much for joining me this week. Want to subscribe to The Probate Fox Podcast? Have some feedback you'd like to share? Connect with us on Apple Podcasts and leave a review!