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Lead Generation Through Door-Knocking: Top Old-School Strategy

By
Services for Real Estate Pros

Call me "old school," but one of the most effective strategies I use to get into contact with potential clients is door-knocking. I work with distressed property clients and relish every opportunity I can get to be face-to-face with them. Getting in front of the homeowner--when done the right way--can yield impressive results.

Instead of waiting for a callback to schedule an appointment, agents who use door-knocking as a main part of their marketing strategy are able to conduct a home appointment immediately and sign a listing agreement all in one visit. 

Consider the following tips I use for door-knocking:

  • Go at a reasonable hour to avoid any unwanted intrusions, but when all decision-makers are likely to be home
  • Pay close attention to the homeowner’s tone and body language as you meet with them at their doorstep
  • Don’t press. Treat this first contact as an introductory visit. Ask for a few minutes of their time or set an appointment for a time that is convenient for the homeowner. If you’re invited in, be prepared with a very brief introductory presentation that includes specific discovery questions that will help your clients recognize the need and value of your services
  • Be courteous and professional, but don’t be timid or afraid to ask for the listing on the first visit
  • If the prospective client is not ready to list at this point, tell them that you will stay in touch and that they can contact you at any time with questions.   

Colin Egbert, a popular real estate investor and short sale guru, uses door-knocking in his marketing strategy. He offers the following advice:

  • Don’t wear sunglasses: they create a threatening appearance.
  • Dress in business casual to encourage trust and promote likeability.
  • Speak with the actual homeOWNER of the property and ask to be invited inside to discuss their situation.
I do not go about my door-knocking days blindly. Have a prepared list of areas you would like to visit, especially if you're trying to find potential distressed property homeowners. You could use a list from your county courthouse (lis pendens) that displays all homeowners in your county who have been mailed a Notice of Default letter, or you can use a pre NOD list to find homeowners whose default has not yet been made public record. Have a plan in place before you start knocking.

 

 

Comments(5)

Nicole Arsenault
Huntsville Houses For Sale (Level 10 Realty) - Huntsville, AL
Huntsville, AL Real Estate

GREAT information!  Though as a woman, I am still very apprehensive about knocking on doors.  I am not sure which way I lean on the subject.  I want to do it, but don't know if it is the smartest thing for me...

Feb 04, 2011 04:59 AM
Street Russell
Short Sale Asylum - Louisville, KY

So, I shouldn't pull up to a distressed property in a Mercedes, new suit, and Italian shoes? Oops. 

Cool post Jonathan. It's definitely an old school strategy but if you've got a list of names and addresses, you might as well make the most of them. It's been my experience too that distressed property homeowners wait too long to finally get help. Maybe door-knocking puts you in a position to help them earlier in the pre foreclosure process. Later. 

Feb 04, 2011 05:05 AM
Kevin Nash
Shorewest Realtors, Metro Milwaukee - Germantown, WI
ABR,SRES,CRS,CSRS

I like some of your suggestions as they represent who am, For example dressing casual. For although I like to meet people, it's usually at community functions.

Feb 09, 2011 02:24 PM
Anna Snyder
Exit Realty Central - Maitland, FL

Jonathan do you mind sharing the script you are using when door knocking distressed homeowners? Thank you!

Nov 23, 2011 03:32 PM
Charles Stallions
Charles Stallions Real Estate Services - Pensacola, FL
850-476-4494 - Pensacola, Pace or Gulf Breeze, Fl.

All good points I follow a system than includes 20 doors on each side of a new listing. Plus 10 doors a week in a farm area I have had people see my car at someones home and ask for me to come to their home when finished

Feb 21, 2013 01:47 AM