BiggerPockets

It takes a very special personality to door knock. If you get discouraged easily or have soft skin and take doors slammed in your face personally, I would suggest another option.

I am not the type to door knock, although I have done it. I just don't like it one bit.

I started off with, "Hi, I was looking at the foreclosure property down the street and wondered if you could tell me anything about it. _____________ Do you know of anyone in this neighborhood who is wanting to sell, because I am eager to buy right away."

I think Owen's suggestion of placing a written offer on the door is a great idea. Mailers can be very costly and only work with repetition which in return takes money and time.

Your welcome and good luck. Let us know how you faired and don't give up. You must be repetative for campaigns like this to work.

"Different strokes for different folks"

Door knocking is going to appeal to some and not to others. Just as mailers or any other approach. The trick is being consistent. In this business you can't just try an approach and then change and try another. If you are consistent, then you will get results. After that, it's all contingent if you can close.

Melissa-

I've never door knocked but I've read you should do the following:

1. Don't wear perfume
2. Don't show up in a mercedes or a nice car
3. Dress casual (I take it as business casual)
4. No sunglasses or hats. Let them see your eyes.
5. Don't use the word the word "foreclosure". Instead phrase it as their "situation".
6. A man and women door knocking is okay, but it should never be two men door knocking.

Again, just what I have read. I prefer direct mailing over door knocking, but door knocking is cheaper. You can make mistakes door knocking, but if you mess up the leads with direct mailing you're out a few hundred bucks.

Melissa,
Door knocking is a great way to start, especially if you're low on cash. However, I have found its possible to cover a lot more ground if you also combine that with phone calls and direct mail. Use the many online sources to research phone numbers and start small with the direct mail until you've found what works for you. And oh yes, be prepared to find yourself face to face with some abrasive people. Just keep in mind they aren't mad at you, they're mad at the situation they've found themselves in. Start off the conversation with the attitude of trying to make a friend by finding something you may have in common and then open your ears. You'll be surprised when they finally open up.

Good luck! :cool:

I have a real good friend that door knocks. He doesn't go after a specific list he just hits entire areas where he wants to buy homes. He approaches the door and will ask if the home owners knows if anyone in the area is thinking about selling there home. Neighbor's know the problems of other neighbors as he says.

One thing that has happened recently as the cops were called on him as someone going door to door. The cops told him he needed a solicitation permit.

Well he beat that idea to death with the police. They put him in back of the squad car. The next day he went to see the local chief and sherrif dept along with county attorney and seen that he did not break any law.

So what ever you do out there just be careful. I like some people prefer to direct mail. But if I did door knock I would hire it out.

Consider that the homeowner may not want anyone else knowing (including family that lives in the house. e.g. older children) what's going on. Be discreet.