Maybe this has been discussed before. If so I appologize I could not find anything on search.
For the ladies that have to offer cash for keys, Do you take someone with you?

I didn't my on my first one, but after finding out that the guy was a registered sex offender (from a neighbor long after CFK was done) I decided to be more careful in the future. I do take someone now.

I have my first CFK to do and did try knocking on the door alone yesterday. No one answered. I could tell someone was peaking through the blinds. Honestly made me a bit uncomfortable and would prefer to go back with someone.
Do you just tell them that you are a representative of the bank and have been asked to notify them to vacate?

If nobody answers when I knock, I have a letter that I leave asking them to call me. Most of the time, I actually make my forst "contact" when they call me to find out what they need to do to get the money I'm offering.

I usually do not take anyone with me. The only time that I do is if I know the area is not all that safe. Most of my Asset Companies have their own forms that I fill in my contact info on and if noone answers then I leave it taped to the front door. I have one property right now that is occupied by a renter who refuses to vacate and it has been on eviction status for about 5 months now.. REALLY getting ill with this lady... She is living there rent free think she is going to give that up... I DO take my husband with me when I have to go to her house...

I always take someone with me. My dad is retired and he loves riding with me to do my bpos, inspections and CFK's. I have run into one too many squatters and irrate homeowners to try to do this without some muscle. Oh and if it is a bad one I carry my 4 cell maglite flashlight with me. LOL

Usually, I don't take anyone with me. I do have my pepper spray on my key chain and also have the letter with the tape already on it. I just tell them that the bank now owns the property and they need to contact me if the want some money to help with moving expenses...yada,yada,yada.

My instructions state specifically "do not leave the notice on the door".
For those of you that leave a letter, Do you leave the cash for keys agreement, or do you just write something up?

If it says not to leave it on the door, I would leave my own letter that says something like mbrkr suggested above. Simple, short, don't put a dollar amount, and don't put your home phone number. Usually, they see monetary assistance and they call.

And by the way- YES, by all means, take someone with you! My male partner doesn't even do them alone. It isn't just for your physical safety, it provides a witness should there be any accusations later.

I like the mag lite idea.. I'm going to go buy one!

-A

Thank you all for all the help.

I always take someone with me. I'll do a drive-by and then go back later with someone. All of my CFK letters state that the letter must be left on the door. I also leave a letter on the door in bold letters that if I'm not contacted within 24 hours, the locks to their home will be changed. The phone rings every time!

I almost always take someone with me. If that is not possible, I tell someone the address and either phone them at a specified time or have them phone me. It has never happened, but if the phone check fails, the police are supposed to be called.

I have a generic letter that states I am trying to determine occupancy...if I do not get a phone response by xyz date (24 hrs usually) I will assume house is vacant and a rekey will be ordered to secure the home. I also have in there that I have relocation assistance money available for them-just call for details. I tape my business card to that. I have only had one I knew was occupied *not* call me and they ended up vacating a few days later. When you mention money avail...post it and they will call. I don't ever do the C4K offers in person.

Definatley take someone along for the ride. Its just too risky with all the crazies out there. I take my 6"5 husband who has a license to carry. You just never know....