How to Get Real Estate Leads by Door Knocking

You can generate real estate leads through door knocking!

Going door knocking is often a scary concept for real estate agents. The misconception
is that your presence will be unwelcome. On the contrary, this can be more effective than
direct mailing or calling. There are a few rules to follow that will make even the people
who don't like solicitors enjoy your visits. All you really need to know is how to do it right.

Visit an area where you or your office has a listing or just sold a home.
Don't just find a house and start knocking. Start with homes close to the
listed home, then fan out.

Create an address log containing a list of every house you intend to
visit.Your log should have each address listed one after another. Leave
a little space for notes, such as: "Never answers the door," or, "Growing
family may be ready to buy a another house in June."

Ring the door bell and then take a step or two back. People sometimes
feel a little scared when there is a stranger standing too close to the door.
This is especially true if you are male. Put a soft smile on your face and
enjoy the uniqueness of their porch and yard instead of waiting anxiously
for the home owner to answer.

Ring the door bell and knock on the door, then wait 30 seconds.There may
be an elderly or disabled person inside who can't make it to the door in
less than 30 seconds. If no one answers, knock again and wait another 30
seconds before moving on.

Come bearing gifts. You can buy calendars, refrigerator magnates, pens,
notepads and other convenient goodies for a nominal cost with your name,
phone number and address on them. Something useful with your name on
it is less likely than a business card to be thrown away.

Introduce yourself. Let the homeowner know who you are and what you
do, but don't jump in and ask if she wants to sell her home or knows
anyone who does. Instead, start by explaining that you just listed/sold
a house down the street and want to get to know the area. Give the
homeowner your card and the gift and let her know if she ever needs your
services, or knows anyone who does, feel free to contact you anytime.

Find out a little bit about the homeowner if she seems receptive and keep
track of it in your log. Some people will be glad to tell you what neighbors
might need your services, how happy they are living in the area or if there's
a certain house you might want to avoid.

Continue visiting houses for three months. Then start back at the first
house again. Bring your handy log and return bearing gifts. By then you'll
get an idea who is happy to see you and what leads are going nowhere.
After they've seen you four times in the past year, some will know and trust
you. So when they want to buy or sell a property, or know someone who
does, they're going to call you.