Outreach scripts for contacting owners of tax-delinquent properties. These owners face growing penalties and eventual forced sale — but many don't know they have better options.
Source: Texas Signals — aggregate county data.
Unlike pre-foreclosure, there's no lender calling every day. No attorney sending scary letters. Tax delinquency is a slow burn — the penalties grow quietly, month after month, year after year. Many owners don't fully grasp how much they owe until someone tells them.
That makes your approach different too. You're not reaching someone in crisis mode. You're reaching someone in denial mode, or overwhelm mode, or "I know I should deal with this but I don't know how" mode.
"Hi [First Name], this is [Your Name]. I'm a real estate investor here in [City]. I was looking at public tax records and noticed your property on [Street Name] may have some outstanding tax obligations. I work with property owners in this kind of situation, and I wanted to see how things are going with the property."
If defensive:
"I hear you — and I'm not from the county or a tax collector. I'm just a local investor who buys properties. What I've seen is that unpaid taxes can snowball pretty fast with the penalties Texas charges. Sometimes the math works out better to sell the property and pocket the equity rather than try to catch up on the taxes. But that's completely your call."
If they're open:
"Can I ask — are you currently living there, or is this a property you're holding onto? And do you have a rough idea of how much has built up in back taxes?"
"Here's what I can do: I'd put together a cash offer that accounts for the back taxes. I pay those off at closing, and you walk away with the remaining equity — cash in hand. No agent fees, no waiting months for a buyer. Would you be open to seeing what that number looks like?"
Dear [First Name],
I'm writing about your property at [Address]. Public records show there may be outstanding property taxes on this property.
I know dealing with back taxes feels overwhelming — especially with the penalties Texas adds every month. What started as a manageable bill can double in just a few years.
I buy properties for cash and handle the back taxes at closing. You walk away with your equity in your pocket. No repairs, no commissions, no hassle.
If you're curious what your property is worth as a cash sale — or if you just have questions about your options — call or text me at [Phone].
No pressure. No obligation.
[Your Name]
"Hi [First Name], I'm [Your Name], a local real estate investor. I've been buying properties in [Neighborhood] and wanted to stop by and introduce myself. I buy houses in any condition — do you know anyone in the area who might be thinking about selling?"
This indirect approach works well for tax delinquent properties because it doesn't put the owner on the spot about their taxes. If they mention their own property, you can naturally transition:
"Oh really? Tell me about your situation. Are you thinking about selling, or is there something going on with the property that's making you consider it?"
Source: Texas Signals — aggregate county data.
Ready to find deals using these signals?
View Intelligence Scores →