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Heidi Theodore, We know where the buyers are coming from (KELLER WILLIAMS COASTAL ESTATES)

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3,345,091
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

I do not door knock.  If I may be frank about this ... it does not help our industries reputation. 

May 17, 2017 04:33 PM
Ambassador
2,061,803
Alan May
Jameson Sotheby's International Realty - Evanston, IL
Home is where the hearth is.

I don't door-knock.

I don't consider myself a door-to-door salesman.  I am a real estate consultant.  I help people who already want to buy, or sell, accomplish their goal.  I don't go hunting for people to fund my retirement.

I don't go hunting for people to fund my retirement.  I'm fortunate that I don't have to.  I do know agents who door-knock, and I have a lot of respect for them.  But it's a hell of a tough way to make a living.

May 17, 2017 07:25 PM
Ambassador
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Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

    What's in it for them?  What can you offer that isn't all over the internet, for free?  Also, beware of "no soliciting" signs... you can be cited for trespass in Florida if you ignore those signs.

   Door knocking has to be part of your "Farm".   Handing out B-cards one time won't provide an ROI.

   FWIW, I door knocked back in the 1980's.  I agree with Wayne Martin; I believe that door knocking's time has come and gone.

May 17, 2017 04:40 PM
Rainmaker
1,712,676
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

To be glib, a fast getaway. I look at this type of door knocking like have a Jehovah's Witness come to the door.

May 17, 2017 03:54 PM
Rainmaker
911,338
Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

If you door knock around here, one of your tools better hold six bullets.

May 18, 2017 03:29 AM
Rainmaker
953,617
Pete Xavier
Investments to Luxury - Pacific Palisades, CA
Outstanding Agent Referrals-Nationwide

I believe in strategic door knocking, I mainly prospected default properties in my t-shirt and jeans, hide my luxury car around the corner. The touch points and the process would actually take a book length explanation.

Different techniques for other situations like expired listings, probate, divorce or just meeting some prospects in your "farm" etc. Door knocking can work when done strategically with the right touch points.

 For tools; having the right words is the best tool ever. The impression you would want to make with a particular type of prospect is another tool to consider (tooling or re-tooling the impression you give off)...the reason why I dressed down and hide my car when hunting for prospects with a NOD or a court ordered auction date.

Door knocking can be difficult, but that didn't stop me from being a highly paid door knocker.

Hope you're not knocking for those "offshore" prospects that I've seen you mention in your past posting. 

May 17, 2017 04:08 PM
Rainmaker
1,543,817
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

Do you open your door to door knockers?

Run Forest Run!

May 17, 2017 07:22 PM
Rainmaker
2,781,173
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Dress professional, have a gift to give & a leave behind sheet or card. Be aware of the whats in it for me dynamic everyone thinks about. Answer it

May 17, 2017 04:56 PM
Rainmaker
7,836,134
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

What you leave when there is no answer is really important.

May 17, 2017 04:35 PM
Rainmaker
5,216,398
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Not a fan of door knocking. It's time has come and gone like the Fuller Brush Man.

May 17, 2017 04:19 PM
Rainmaker
3,416,038
Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

I no longer door knock, due to safety and changing times, people get very angry. 

May 17, 2017 04:18 PM
Ambassador
5,230,079
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

I love Richie Alan Naggar's answer but, also agree with Kathleen Daniels

May 17, 2017 09:08 PM
Rainmaker
5,005,642
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Please listen to Kathleen Daniels what she says is true!

May 17, 2017 07:26 PM
Rainmaker
3,988,007
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

If you are going to door knock and give them something, make it valuable information that they will want to know. Notepads and ink pens are not good enough. 

May 17, 2017 07:04 PM
Rainmaker
5,772,575
Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Heidi,

I would do door knocking by getting involved in the community in some fashion or other.  Get known as a real estate agent, whether it is the Rotary club, or the PTA if you have children, or any other group that you have interest in.  Face to face is what very few are willing to do, and this is your advantage.  A

One of our clients here in Santa Barbara farms on the luxury areas.  He door knocks regularly among the estates and gates.  Everyone knows him as the market expert, and they are happy to talk to him.  He has already established himself, and when he drops in with his branded pads of paper, it works for him.  A

May 17, 2017 05:00 PM
Ambassador
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Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

It has been  while since I did one, but when I did it just involved a targeted brochure and my friendly smile.

May 17, 2017 06:08 PM
Rainmaker
2,390,620
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

If you are a fairly new agent I would go heavy on printed information about your brokerage info along with your personal bio Heidi Theodore .

May 17, 2017 05:00 PM
Ambassador
5,049,183
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hopefully some people will have some advice. I won't do it. But I would think you would need a very succinct introduction that will capture their attentionwith something of value to offer them 

May 17, 2017 04:23 PM
Rainmaker
599,274
Nathan Gesner
American West Realty and Management - Cody, WY
Broker / Property Manager

I've never knocked on a door in my life and don't intend to.

May 18, 2017 05:25 AM
Rainmaker
679,404
Diana Dahlberg
1 Month Realty - Pleasant Prairie, WI
Real Estate in Kenosha, WI since 1994 262-308-3563

Personally I am not a fan of door knocking as I feel it is too intrusive of one's lifestyle.  I don't like "surprise visits" and I guess I don't want to be the who just shows up on someones door thinking they really want to know all about me and what I can do for them ... IMHO

May 17, 2017 08:08 PM
Rainmaker
1,239,901
Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

Little gifts and a solid pair of shoes. If they slam the door you can can your solid shoe as door stopper........

May 17, 2017 08:00 PM
Rainmaker
5,104,931
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

None... in 25 years I have never door knocked and don't plan to start now. I don't like people knocking on my door... why would I subject someone else to it?

May 18, 2017 04:43 AM
Rainmaker
4,434,127
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

I do not.

May 18, 2017 02:55 AM
Rainmaker
1,622,432
Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

You just go there and do it. I just watched very inspirational video of a realtor who started door knocking with nothing ( just her business card, but she did not even have money to print any other marketing) and just in few years now she is very successful realtor of luxury homes. Just go there, do something, do not give up. 

Good luck. 

May 17, 2017 10:28 PM
Rainmaker
3,986,258
William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

I start with a smile

May 17, 2017 07:59 PM
Rainer
259,005
Mick Michaud
Distinctly Texas Lifestyle Properties, LLC Office:682/498-3107 - Granbury, TX
Your Texas Lifestyle is Here!

My hand last time I did that, but that was well over 20 years ago.

May 17, 2017 07:20 PM
Rainmaker
5,868,554
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

I had a buyer a few years ago that specifically wanted one neighborhood, but only the ones backing to open space.  I put together a flyer and put them in sleeves.  I knocked, but if they were not home, I left it on their door.  I found a home for her and got two other listings.

May 20, 2017 03:12 PM
Rainer
16,958
Heidi Theodore
KELLER WILLIAMS COASTAL ESTATES - Carmel, CA
We know where the buyers are coming from

I knocked on 100 doors and got 2 buyers 1 listing today.

May 18, 2017 09:06 PM
Rainmaker
2,220,323
Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTAcondos.com
Harry Norman, REALTORS® - Atlanta, GA
Associate Broker

I do not door knock, too dangerous 

May 18, 2017 06:19 PM
Rainmaker
1,502,998
Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

It still works out here.  One of my friends does it in his farm area and he has gotten several listings from it and found a few buyers too!

 

Only tools you need is mace/pepper spray in case a loose dog comes after you.

May 18, 2017 09:54 AM
Rainmaker
4,936,677
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

I aways have a door hanger bag with me if there is no answer, it has 6 items in.  If they answer they always like them.

May 18, 2017 07:28 AM
Rainmaker
4,882,355
Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

If I were inclined to door knock it would be with a big smile and a business card in my hand.

May 18, 2017 05:00 AM
Rainmaker
4,319,419
Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Heidi Theodore - just think about what they would want from a Real Estate Professional - and GIVE, unconditionally.

May 17, 2017 09:43 PM
Rainmaker
1,617,916
Harry F. D'Elia III
WEDO Real Estate and Beyond, LLC - Phoenix, AZ
Investor , Mentor, GRI, Radio, CIPS, REOs, ABR

sneakers, water and be ready for rejection

May 18, 2017 04:43 PM
Rainmaker
142,796
Diana White-Pettis
Bennett Realty Solutions - Upper Marlboro, MD
GRI, CDPE, CNE, WHC Upper Marlboro Homes for Sale

I do not door knock.

May 18, 2017 01:18 PM
Ambassador
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Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

I don't like door knockers coming to my door so I never did it.   

May 18, 2017 09:56 AM
Rainmaker
466,767
Katina Hargrove 352-551-0308
Stake Your Land Realty, Inc. - Eustis, FL
Broker/Owner, SFR®, e-PRO®, GRI, AHWD, REALTOR®

a 380

May 18, 2017 09:40 AM
Rainmaker
1,466,207
Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Heidi Theodore Bare knuckles. It probably isn't worth the effort unless it is a farm area where you are well established.

May 18, 2017 09:17 AM
Rainmaker
989,652
Jennifer Mackay
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Your Bay County Florida Realtor 850.774.6582

Not a fan of this marketing technique - I did it once years ago when I started and did not get very warm receptions.

Not to mention finding out 6 of my potential farm area were licensed agents LOL - put the brakes on that area real quick

May 18, 2017 06:27 AM
Rainmaker
5,583,278
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

I knocked on doors for one week during my first year in the business, 39 years ago..... never did it again... from that point on, it was USPS for me....

May 18, 2017 06:09 AM
Rainmaker
4,800,082
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

I don't do this.

May 18, 2017 05:37 AM
Rainmaker
3,071,489
Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

A confirmed appointment with the occupant!! 

May 18, 2017 05:35 AM
Rainmaker
1,725,996
Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

We don't door knock.

May 18, 2017 05:25 AM
Rainmaker
921,504
Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

Well, you are going to hear a pile of hogwash regarding door knocking.

A whole bunch of 'raise the bar', our fragile image and my favorite, "I don't like getting my fat a$$ out of the recliner so I don't want to do that to others."

This is a business not a hobby. Sometimes being an adult means doing things we really don't want to do, like changing diapers, taking out the trash, paying the bills and meeting the owners in your geo farm.

Here is what I've done (and I will extend the opportunity to you) recently. Send a post card announcing the owner empowerment of CIS Score.  Followed by, 'I'll be on your street Sat at 1 pm to deliver your  access code."

Now, you can also enter into a collaboration with a local yogurt shop, new business or service, and deliver the 'welcome to the neighborhood' promotion.

EBM and scheduled and purposed Open House invitations are door openers also. 

When you actually do this door knocking, it will become clear that what you hear on Active Rain is the biased voices of those who long ago forgot how they got started.

Now, go have fun and start building your list of welcoming home owners.

May 18, 2017 05:05 AM
Rainmaker
851,242
Brenda Mayette
Miranda Real Estate Group, Inc. - Glenville, NY
Getting results w/ knowledge & know-how!

A very thick skin.

May 18, 2017 04:53 AM