Getting Started
What do I need before I can use EstateTrace?
To use EstateTrace you need:
- A modern web browser (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or Edge)
- A payment method: a credit card or a USDC digital wallet on the Base L2 network
No account creation is required. No login. No stored user profiles. Each session starts completely fresh and independent.
What is the Terms of Service modal and why do I have to agree to it?
When you first visit EstateTrace, a Terms of Service modal appears and blocks access to the chat until you scroll through it and click “I Understand and Agree.”
This is a legal requirement. The Terms define your rights as a buyer, your compliance obligations when contacting heirs, the 15-minute claim window, geographic restrictions, and the arbitration process. By clicking agree, you enter into a binding commercial agreement on behalf of your business.
What does EstateTrace consider a “business purpose”?
By agreeing to the Terms of Service, you represent that you are a real estate professional, investor, attorney, lender, or business entity purchasing leads for commercial business purposes — not as a consumer for personal, family, or household use. EstateTrace does not sell to consumers.
Finding Leads & Search Syntax
How do I start searching for leads?
When the chat loads, you will see starter chips with suggested queries. You can click any chip or type directly in the chat box.
You can search by:
- City: "Huntsville", "Tampa", "Dallas"
- 5-Digit ZIP Code: "35801", "33602", "75201"
- County: "Jefferson County", "Hillsborough County"
- Metro Area or Alias: "DFW", "NOVA", "Emerald Coast", "Birmingham metro"
Can I use voice to search?
Yes. EstateTrace supports bidirectional voice interaction:
- Voice Input: Click the microphone icon to speak. Your words populate the input field automatically.
- Voice Output: Search results are summarized aloud using your browser’s speech synthesis. A Stop Audio (🛑) button appears during playback to halt speech at any time.
Can I search by state only?
No. Statewide queries (e.g. "show me Texas") return a guardrail message asking you to narrow your search. EstateTrace requires a local scope — city, county, metro, or ZIP code — to protect data freshness and precision.
How fresh is the data?
EstateTrace enforces a strict 14-day pre-probate alpha window. Leads older than 14 days are never served to guarantee exclusivity before public filings. You can also specify tighter recency: “leads from the past 7 days” or “past 24 hours.”
Lead Tiers, Opportunity Metrics & Pricing
What are the three lead distress tiers?
| Tier | Description & Typical Signals | Price Multiplier |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 — Early Signal | Recent owner death, out-of-state heir identified, vacant property, no will on file. Likely 6–18 month horizon. | $26–$225 USDC |
| Tier 2 — Active Distress | Property tax delinquent 1–2 yrs, active contractor/HOA lien, multiple out-of-state heirs, mortgage default. | $49–$405 USDC |
| Tier 3 — Critical Window | Tax lien sale pending (3+ yrs), active foreclosure post-death, estate insolvency, demolition order. | $110–$900 USDC |
What are the Opportunity Metrics shown on each lead?
Each lead teaser and delivery panel displays calculated financial metrics:
- AVM: Automated Valuation Model estimate of property value (not an appraisal).
- Mortgage / Debt Estimate: Estimated outstanding encumbrances and liens.
- MAO (Maximum Allowable Offer): Suggested maximum purchase offer for a fix-and-flip (70% rule).
- Flip Profit Estimate: Projected gross profit potential on a flip at MAO (~30%).
- Wholesaler Fee Spread: Estimated assignment spread (5%–10% of AVM).
- Agent Revenue: Estimated commission if listed traditionally (3%–6%).
- Equity Indicator: Visual badge (e.g. "High Equity / Free & Clear Pre-Probate").
What does “AVM — Non-Disclosure” mean?
In non-disclosure states (TX, UT, NM, AK, ID, KS, MS, MO, MT, ND, WY), recorded sale prices are not public record. Valuation estimates in these states are labeled Estimated Equity (AVM — Non-Disclosure) and carry increased statistical variance. Never represent these estimates to owners or heirs as a formal appraisal.
What volume bundle discounts and launch promos are available?
| Lead Quantity | Automatic Discount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Lead | 0% (Standard price) | Standard single-lead pricing |
| 2–9 Leads | 15% Discount | Applied automatically at checkout |
| 10+ Leads | 35% Discount | Applied automatically at checkout |
Launch Promo (LAUNCH25): During the first 14 days after launch, enter promo code LAUNCH25 at checkout for a 25% global discount across your entire cart.
Purchasing, Payment Rails & Lead Delivery
What payment options does EstateTrace accept?
| Payment Method | Network / Provider | Processing Fee |
|---|---|---|
| ⚡ Pay with Digital Wallet | USDC on Base L2 Network | 0% Surcharge (Lowest cost option) |
| 💳 Pay with Credit Card | Stripe Checkout (Redirect) | 2.9% + $0.30 standard processing surcharge |
What is the 15-minute claim window?
After payment confirms, you have 15 minutes to claim your data by clicking:
📋 Copy Full Lead Data & Confirm Receipt
This button unblurs the sensitive fields (heir names, contact phone/email, full address), copies plaintext data to your clipboard, marks the lead as permanently SOLD, and triggers immediate deletion of living heir PII from EstateTrace servers.
Is my purchase data or history stored anywhere?
No. EstateTrace operates a strict Zero-PII-at-Rest architecture. There are no buyer accounts, no purchase history databases, and no wallet links. Once your session ends, the lead cannot be retrieved again from the platform. Save your clipboard data immediately upon delivery.
Surprise Post-Purchase Rebate Program
What is the Surprise Post-Purchase Rebate?
During active rebate windows, EstateTrace automatically awards a 25% cash rebate on qualifying purchases. The rebate credit is processed back to your original payment method automatically.
When active, an emerald green Surprise Rebate Banner appears on your delivery screen displaying your sequence number (e.g. “Customer #1 of 100”) and the credit amount.
Geographic Availability
Which states are excluded and why?
EstateTrace operates in 44 states plus Washington D.C. The following six states are strictly excluded due to regulatory data restrictions: CA, OR, WA, CT, NJ, and MD.
Buyer Location vs. Property Location: Restrictions apply to the property's physical location, not where the buyer lives. An investor located in California or New York can freely purchase leads for properties in Texas, Florida, Alabama, etc.
Legal Compliance & Buyer Responsibilities
Am I responsible for how I contact heirs?
Yes, fully. You are solely responsible for compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing outreach:
- TCPA: Prior express written consent is required before using automated dialers or text systems to mobile numbers.
- FCRA: EstateTrace lead data is NOT a consumer report and may never be used for credit, employment, or tenant screening.
- CAN-SPAM: Commercial email must include valid sender identification and opt-out mechanisms.
- Fair Housing Act: Prohibits any discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability.