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Short Sale Leads Door-knocking, Cold Calling and Farming Door-knocking, Cold Calling and Farming Subtitled Lions and Tigers and Bears!bear with rocks in background Like Dorothy and her friends in the Wizard of Oz I have feared Door-knocking, Cold Calling and Farming. Three forms of Lead generation which many Realtors disparagingly refer to as Old School techniques in this day of internet exposure, SEO and social media. I will admit I have searched far and wide for an alternative lead generation model bitterly fighting against the idea; but this past month I made the commitment to give them a try and learned some interesting facts about myself and the process. Today I actually went door-knocking in my farm, which happens to be my own neighborhood (I guess this is more of warm door-knocking) which allowed me the opportunity to introduce myself and begin to form relationships with a few homeowners. With one neighbor I discovered we shared a common concern - aging parents. We spoke for a while and afterwards he said he would be happy to provide me with real estate referrals. Take away: Offer something of value when knocking on a door but after the door opens the ability to connect with others is based upon a sincere interest and finding a common thread. Then you may beginning building a relationship which may lead to future business. Cold calling was not as unpleasant as I expected. Some how I kept replaying an imaginary conversation in my mind in which terrible things would happen. Except I wasn't really sure what the terrible thing would be. It was just a vague, nebulous feeling of doom. Imagine my surprise when the results were totally different. I found some homeowners were polite, some abrupt however it should not be taken personally.

Take away two: cold calling may not be the fearsome beast I had imagined. Preparation and rehearsal give me the confidence to initiate calls to potential clients and facing the fear of rejection was not as bad as I had thought. "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." Farming a geographical community provides the agent with the opportunity to truly become the neighborhood expert. Previewing every listing available, compiling market analysis reports and developing a community newsletter creates value to the homeowners within the farm. Additionally local knowledge and familiarity with homeowner concerns and issues provides benefits to the community. I discovered the pro-active action is much more fulfilling than a reactive response. Waiting for referrals is not enough to keep the pipeline full. For me a mixture of lead generating activities leads to more relationships, clients and closed transactions. Why I was resistant for so long to this type of lead generation I don't know. But now that I have tried it I will incorporate some of these activities, along with my continued enjoyment of the AR community. Door knocking, cold calling and farming - Lions and Tigers and Bears, oh my! For assistance selling, buying or investing in Real Estate in Riverside Call me! If you are thinking of buying or selling real estate in Riverside, call, text or email me. I would love to assist you! kristal wilson - kristal clear team making it kristal clear! Real Estate Associates cell: 951-288-7097 email: kristal@kristalclearteam.com www.kristalclearteam.com

Star Posted by kristal wilson Riverside Real Estate on 04/30/2011 07:08 PM Comments (206) Lead Generating in the Sales Strategies / Tactics Channel lead generating, farming Short URL: http://actvra.in/99y Post is included in group: Keller Williams 'Rainers Post is included in group: Diary of a Realtor Post is included in group: Agents who want REFERRALS! Post is included in group: Active Rain Newbies 206 Comments on Door-knocking, Cold Calling and Farming APR 30 2011 115,999 Points 4 Featured Posts Just the words..."cold calling" don't drum up any warm and cozy feeling! Diana Manzato - Denton County TX Lakefront Property Specialist 7:13pm #1 Called Shot Master Congratulations on facing your fears, and prospecting the old fashioned way. I have struggled with the question, should I, or is it too invasive. Unfortunately, I'm still on the fence about it... David Myre (VIP Realty) 7:32pm #2 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master Diana ~ it's true, not a warm fuzzy feeling but I got listing from contacting an expired. Maybe it's not true cold calling but i didn't know them. David ~ I've gone around and around with this one but decided to give it a sincere try. kristal wilson Riverside Real Estate (Real Estate Associates) 7:49pm #3

143,394 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master Kristal, I try to farm my own neighborhood also, and I find that I fear door-knocking in the neighborhood the most. I've done it, but I'm secretly glad when no one is home! Rose King / Friendswood / Pearland Homes (United Texas Realtors) 8:08pm #4 178,809 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master Kristal --- to me, it doesn't really matter if you decide to door knock or cold call --become great and do it consistently in a great way. That's the ticket! Michael Jacobs, Pasadena CA/SanGabriel Valley Realtor, 818.516.4393 cell (Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate) 8:22pm #5 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master Rose ~I took a deep breath before I started but I promised myself I would do it and I did! Michael ~I agree, doing it consistently over an extended period of time, and do it well. kristal wilson Riverside Real Estate (Real Estate Associates) 8:32pm #6 243,716 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master Kristal: It is a great way to generate leads. I am sponsoring neighborhood garage sale and will be knocking on 431 doors in the middle of May. It is a little easier if you can find a way to provide a service. Best of luck with your efforts. Doug Anderson's Tri-Valley Real Estate Views (Executive Brokers Real Estate Group) 8:55pm #7 456,608 Points 9 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

I am very happy for you Kristal. This is something that I need to start doing now. Now that the weather is warm,it is a great time to do it. Much success to you in doing it on a CONSISTENT BASIS. Great post. Lanre Folayan"The Real Estate Farmer" DC and PG County MD homes for sale (EXIT Advance Realty-Upper Marlboro MD Homes for sale) 10:57pm #8 MAY 01 2011 141,522 Points 9 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master If you find Door-Knocking, Cold Calling and Farming effective Kristal, then I wish you much success. Be careful, be safe, and remember to avoid those on the do not call list. Mike Mayer, Broker/Owner - i List For Less Realty, LLC 2:47am #9 899,390 Points 17 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master Good luck to you. I do not do any cold calling because I receive so many annoying calls from others that I feel others may feel the same way about my calls. GITA BANTWAL, REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI BUCKS COUNTY & Philadelphia, PA HOMES (RE/MAX Centre Realtors) 5:36am #10 328,598 Points 11 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Hit Router Called Shot Master Your door-knocking story is inspiring, Kristal. For your cold calls, did you focus on certain streets or neighborhoods? Just curious. Sturbridge MA Real Estate Kathryn Acciari - REALTOR - CDPE, CIAS (RE/MAX Professional Associates, Sturbridge) 7:26am #11 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Door knocking - YES! Cold calling - not so much for me.....I just know out of personal experience how annoying "sales calls" are.

Gina Nugent RE Agent in Miami Beach, FL (Seiss Realty in Miami Beach and Palm Beach, FL) 7:27am #12 109,753 Points Good post Kristal. We tend to ignore these "Old School" techniques but the bottom line is to have as many lead-generating activities as possible. GLORIA LAUGHTON ALLSTON, GREEN, SRES, SFR (COLDWELL BANKER/PRINCETON) 7:35am #13 Outside Blog Nice post Kristal. I am just starting BOLD and I think you know the drill. I don't like it at all, but agree that there have been surprising results. Like Gita, (#10), I resent the intrusion of a call soliciting anything and I honestly feel disingenuous calling a friend to ask for a referral. I am not looking for listings, contrary to the system, I want buyers and I think the Internet is the way to go. Mike Kozlow (Keller Williams Elite Realty) 7:43am #14 Like my mentor zig ziglar would say, don't use negative words. It's not a wrecker(you've had a wreck) it's a tow truck. It's not a stoplight, it's a go light(since it enables you to go) and it's not cold calling but warm calling as people will warm up to you with your call. Jeffrey Smith (Only Way Realty) 7:53am #15 847,657 Points 17 Featured Posts Hit Router Called Shot Master

Kristal, this is a good reminder for me. Something I have not done enough of lately, thanks! Gabe Sanders, Stuart Florida Real Estate (Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales) 7:57am #16 Great ideas Kristal. I've learned that most things aren't as scary as they seem. It's just our fear of it that makes it worse than we think. Kieno Simeon Your South Riding Real Estate Consultant (Keller Williams Realty) 8:22am #17 473,856 Points 6 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master I think its an agressive approach. I probably fear it but have no problem with someone doing it. Chuck Carstensen (RE/MAX Results) 8:25am #18 897,824 Points 23 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master Just the fact you did this. . it shows me that you are a go getter. . and your career's success will be reflective of this side of your personality. Fernando Herboso Broker: Check All www.ReallyNiceHomes.com in MD & VA (Herboso & Associates LLC- Broker 240.426.5754) 8:49am #19 410,030 Points 57 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master Why you rejected these viable options for so long: other people's distaste for them have instilled the same distaste AND fear.

Charita Cadenhead, Accredited Consultant in Real Estate & Property Manager (Bham WIiRE Realty LLC ) 8:49am #20 238,791 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master Fortunately, we never had to resort to any of those tactics to generate business. We started when almost every phone call we answered was someone wanting to buy or sell a home, and now our business comes from referrals, past clients, our web sites or social media. We don't fear the methods you describe (well, maybe a little!), but we're certainly glad we don't have to rely on them for our business. We applaud you for having the courage to use them though, and wish you much success in your business! May your days of door knocking, cold calling and farming be short-lived! Pat & Wayne Harriman - Broker/Owners Wallingford CT Real Estate (Harriman Real Estate, LLC (203) 672-4499) 9:07am #21 I grew up in an alcoholic household. I've had enough rejection for the rest of my life. No cold calling here, but if it's working for you that's great. I applaud you for trying the technique! Jeanne Gregory, RE/MAX Southwest, Sugar Land, TX 9:12am #22 806,137 Points 39 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master For 31 years have knocked on doors, met the people, neat folks. Some who say how did you know I was ready to sell, others who invite me in for a cookie and one by one give me excellent intelligence on who in the area IS thinking of selling if they are not this year themselves. Connections, don't wait for the phone to ring in the office, the seller to come in, go to them. Find places you want a listing on and start getting to know the owner. Do farming every year in 38 towns around my primary zip code. Success in real estate is meeting the people, buyers and sellers anyway you can and today what a slew of media. Videos for local events are another way to gain a following and the only thing you are "selling" if your local area promotion. No sticks, bricks, brand. Just local spark, spirit, flavor. How hard do you paddle your canoe is the question.

Andrew Mooers | Northern Maine Real Estate / Aroostook County Broker (MOOERS REALTY) 9:13am #23 597,790 Points 55 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp The new buzz word for door knocking is 'community outreach'. Every time I hear it, I want to laugh. Melissa Zavala Realtor North San Diego County Homes (Broadpoint Properties) 9:41am #24 115,264 Points Outside Blog Awesome post !! I've been teaching my agents that the internet makes you credible or relevant but if your not writing contracts...you better be having conversations face to face with people looking to buy or sell in the next 30-60 days or your not getting paid...the bill don't stop coming in... Cory Barbee ~TL ~ Keller Williams North County San Diego 9:44am #25 210,059 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp I haven't found anything that works better for listing leads than door knocking. There are some tools out there that claim to make you a better & more efficient door knocker as far as which homes to target but even these experts point out that you need to be wearing out your shoes! Michael J. O'Connor, Eastvale Resident (Diamond Ridge Realty) 9:55am #26 Wow, good for you, it definitely takes a certain personality type to do that. Years ago we had an agent that farmed our neighborhood, he stopped by one time in the 9 years we lived there, which was enough to remember him, he listed 50% of the homes in that neighborhood and created quite a business from that farm.

Jennifer Marshall - Win-Win Realty 720-339-6191 (Win-Win Realty) 10:00am #27 483,551 Points 11 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master Kristal, thanks for reminding us that getting down to basics still works in this industry. Thanks. Michael Setunsky (Michael's Commercial LLC) 10:06am #28 165,546 Points You can never go wrong by going back to the basics. Two hours of door knocking will typically pay a higher dividend than 12 hours of Facebooking. Kevin Kueneke (AmeriFirst Financial, Inc. Carlsbad CA Mortgage) 10:08am #29 357,445 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master I am from the old school and one of the many coaches that I have listen to and participated in their programs, I learned that social media and mail outs etc, are all passive lead generation, Cold calling, door knocking are aggressive lead generation and very cost effective. It takes meeting new people daily to keep the pipeline full, business leads are the best. Lorraine or Loretta Kratz-Certified Negotiation Consultants (Crescent Moon Realty, Inc. & Land N Sea Auctions.) 10:15am #30 163,858 Points 1 Featured Post Attended Rain Camp

None of it is as bad as people make it out to seem. The key really is to be relaxed when you do it and to expect that not everyone is going to embrace you. Just don't be pushy. I like to act like I'm talking to my best friend. Morris Massre, Broward County Florida Realtor (Fortune International Realty) 10:24am #31 334,702 Points 27 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master I hate doing it but respect those that do...I like to just stay exposed, friendly and inviting and what comes my way...comes my way. so far, so good. thank you Richie Naggar Ran Right Realty Riverside, Ca 10:50am #32 Kristal, Enjoyed your post. I actually think door knocking in your own neighborhood is a great idea. It gets you out there to meet your neighbors and see what's going on in their lives. I don't feel it's as cold when you can tell them you live in the subdivision. Thanks for sharing!! Stacey Clark (Century 21 Judge Fite Company) 10:53am #33 As it is said "there is nothing to fear except fear itself". Great reminder Kristal of what we as realtors need to be doing. Thanks Charles Gardner-Realtor/Investor (ZIP Realty, Inc-Houston District) 11:21am #34 661,909 Points 3 Featured Posts Kristal,

Just about all these forms of marketing work. The advantage is that it is efficient in your farm area. The internet is largely non specific in terms of areas, but AR does its best to focus. Brian Brian Madigan LL.B. (Royal LePage Innovators Realty, Broker) 11:22am #35 1 Featured Post Hi Kristal, I'm not sure if you're a new agent or not, but you should be proud of yourself because over 90% of real estate agents quit the business, and one of the main reasons is due to lack of leads. Cold Calling should be call "Building New Friends". May I suggest that you pick only 100 to 200 and work to make them your friends. Here is a point I make in my training classes: In advertising people only believe about 80% of what they read, but they believe 100% of what a friend tells them. Great Job Don Keeton RE/MAX The Producers of Omaha Nebraka We Love Referrals RE/MAX The Producers 11:51am #36 289,643 Points 24 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master I actually wouldn't mind door-knocking but I would probably get arrested! Solicitors need permits from our village hall and I would get rejected for that. But if it works in your area - then it should definitely be done. Margaret Goss, Realtor Winnetka & North Shore IL Real Estate (Baird & Warner) 12:07pm #37

I believe that there is no majic way to lose weight and there is no majic way to get new business. I need to practice the old school versions of both. Thanks for the reminder!! They also both seem scary and I feel like I the fear holds me back on both! Elizabeth McDermott (Keller Williams Mt. Juliet) 12:07pm #38 Wait... are you saying that we actually have to work.. they never told me this at license course... Michael (Mike) Robinson (Broadmoor Realty, Inc.) 12:11pm #39 1 Featured Post Called Shot Master Wow... kristal... You seem to really have a way of making these 3 "Beasts" a little easier for me to cope with... I dred door-knocking!!! Cold-calling is hard too these days with the DNC List... Thanks for your words of encouragement! Heather Russo, SRES, REALTOR Kerrville, Texas Homes for Sale (Ricki Eichler Real Estate Your Texas Hill Country Connection) 12:34pm #40 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master Doug~ I am going to add this to my "community outreach program" (thanks Melissa # 24) Lanre ~ keyword...consistency! Mike ~ Safety first. Gita ~ I am very respectful of others time and if it is not a good time, politely say goodbye.

Kathryn ~ I divide the cold call into 3 categories - expireds, short sales & agents. Gina ~ experimenting with a mixture,to discover my best brew. Gloria ~ must keep the pipeline full in order to be paid. Just like Corey # 25 states Jeffrey ~ its all in the perception and I like the "warm calling" analogy. Michael ~ now I get the secret to your success! kristal wilson Riverside Real Estate (Real Estate Associates) 12:39pm #41 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master Charita ~ One of my biggest take aways I have learned hear at AR. It's OK to be myself and find my own path! Andrew ~ thanks for sharing the idea of "Video for local events." Morris ~ with more practice I became more relaxed and felt more confident. Richie ~ thanks for the comment from a fellow Riversidian. -:) Don ~ it's all in the perception and mindset. I like it "Building New Friends." Stacey ~ now I am going to walk the dogs wearing my Keller Williams t-shirt daily. To All, this is what I love about the AR community and being here has helped me to find my own path, my voice and permission to be me! Thanks kristal wilson Riverside Real Estate (Real Estate Associates) 12:49pm #42 This is on my list of things that we are goint to do to grow our business. Thanks for making cold calling and door knocking a little warmer. Mary Hillerman (Crye-Leike Realtors )

12:52pm #43 Mary told me to read your post. This is what we have been talking about, We've practice our scripts once again. We use to prospect fsbos and expireds. It works when you do it. It worked for us and created transactions. But it is easy to slip out of the routine by getting busy and just putting it off. I will be scheduling prospecting as an appointment for me to keep. You put a smile on my face with your post. Your timing for us was great. Thanks! Phil Hillerman / E-pro Crye-Leike Realtors (Crye-Leike Realtors) 12:59pm #44 987,549 Points 145 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master The door knocking and phone calling many people do find highly annoying and ignore the opening of the door or answering the phone with caller id. Farming with direct mail works as a numbers game and is less intrusive. This is not to say that anything can't work though. Some door knockers bring their dog or babies along as a trojan horse warm up. I still think if you surveyed people in neighborhoods they predominantly HATE solicitors of any kind, hence it being referred to as 'old school.' Gary Woltal - Assoc. Broker REALTOR SFR Dallas Ft. Worth (Keller Williams Realty) 1:04pm #45 Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Kristal - Excellent post, and isn't it always fun to make new friends. Especially when it's your own neighborhood it really is a "warm call". On Valentine's Day this year I went around my immediate neighborhood, and passed out Valentines cards introducing myself and offering to be a resource for any reverse mortgage info they might need. In my note I described my daily habit of walking my dog Diva. Now, when we walk - Everyone ignores me and says "Hi Diva!" LOL. Deborah Nance - Reverse Mortgage Consultant in Southern California (Serving Corona, Riverside and All of the Inland Empire) 1:09pm #46

152,681 Points 5 Featured Posts I dislike cold calling and door knocking because it's an invasion of privacy and I hate it when a salesman calls my cell or comes to my door selling something. I prefer to get involved in volunteer work and make relationships through common interests. People who know you and like you are more likely to want to work with you, give referrals, and be easy to work with. Colleen McConnell, Tallahassee Realtor (Advanced Realty Group) 1:25pm #47 356,016 Points 5 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master Kristal, congratulations to you on tackling your fear--and finding it less fearful than you had thought. Sometimes our minds are our worst enemies. You've inspired me to RIGHT NOW make a phone call that has to be made today and tackling MY bug-a-boo. Lottie Kendall, CA DRE#01215160 Seniors Real Estate Specialist (Today | Sotheby's International Realty) 1:33pm #48 136,391 Points 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog How BOLD of you! Keep going and have fun. i have found asking for business has helped me a great deal! Scott Fogleman, Witt-Fogleman, Inc. Bedford, Lynchburg, and Roanoke VA (Keller Williams Realty) 1:43pm #49 2 Featured Posts Hi Kristal--Good for you on facing your fears and trying these methods! Me, I'm too much of a wimp to cold call! It's so easy for me to talk myself out of doing something I don't want to do, like cold calling or door knocking. But I know myself well enough to realize I'm NEVER going to do these things, and I'm OKAY with that...I just have to find other things that work!

Susan Brown, REALTOR Cary NC Homes for Sale (Coldwell Banker Howard Perry & Walston) 1:54pm #50 178,424 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master I hope this system works out for you. I, on the other hand, won't do any of these. Don't need to. Referrals and the internet have taken over. Eric Michael, CDPE -Real Estate & Short Sale Professional 734.564.1519 (Remerica Integrity, Realtors, Northville, MI) 2:17pm #51 1 Featured Post I always leaarn more about myself when I get back to basics. They are called "basics" for a reason . . they are fundamental to success! Michele Myers - Harrisburg/Hershey Realtor (Prudential Homesale Services Group) 2:38pm #52 337,164 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master Glad you did not come to my door. I'll be frank here and tell you I would have been polite but asked you not to bother me again. I have never done and never will. Corinne Guest - Barrington Real Estate - Relocation & Property Management (Royal Advocate Realty-Barrington) 2:42pm #53 890,406 Points 3 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp I am moving into my farm area soon. We'll see if that makes breaking the ice at the door any easier. Vickie Nagy, 925-407-7987 Broker for San Ramon, Danville, Dublin, Pleasanton (Vickie Nagy, Broker Associate BMC Real Estate DRE#01363932)

3:04pm #54 4 Featured Posts Called Shot Master Kristal - I have not cold called or door knocked in several years. I use reverse prospecting with something of value and a call capture 800 #. I have a flyer sent to my farm, about 300 houses, every 14 days. However I will state if this works for you I hope you the best with your venture. Peter Lavelle NextRE Direct 267-348-4008 Greater Philadelphia Real Estate (Homes for Sale in Philadelphia $175,000 -$420,000) 3:25pm #55 The term go-getter almost coins this activity. What I have found more time efficient is to combine the cold call face-to-face thing in my daily activity, like if I'm at the store, or restaurant or whatever. If they look like the type of client I would want, I walk right up to them and say 'I know you don't know me, but you look like the type of client I would love to have. Let me know if I can help you anytime' I then hand them my card. That's it! No knocking on doors to people not home.....no more calling phone numebrs where people aren't home.....they are right there standing next to you. 15 seconds and done. Quick and easy and it works! Nick Krehnke TriStarFinance 206-497-8605 "Let's Co-Market together and save $$$" (Zero Down Home Mortgage Loans FHA VA Jumbo Credit Repair Wa) 5:33pm #56 Outside Blog Hi Kristal, Thanks for sharing your tips. If that works for you then go for it. I wish you success. Cheers from Lake Tahoe, ~Grace Brandon & Grace Yee - Lake Tahoe Real Estate (Chase International)

6:17pm #57 Outside Blog I commend you for focusing these marketing techniques in your farming area. It's a great way to get name recognition close to home. Barb Merrill GRI, Associate Broker (Cactus Mountain Properties, LLC) 6:44pm #58 353,500 Points 36 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master Hi Kristal...I farm geographically and with my SOI. Cold calling is out. Most people do not want solicitations by phone and I respect that. I'm out in the country so going door-to-door is out of the question. Not sure I'd be doing it anyway. Blogging, my web site, referrals, and other forms of marketing provide me with my business. Kate Kate Elim, Realtor 540-226-1964 Selling Homes & Land at LAKE ANNA 10:43pm #60 313,067 Points 20 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master I prefer door-knocking to cold-calling. I am better in person that's why open houses work well for me. Tammie White Realtor Franklin TN Homes For Sale (Benchmark Realty, LLC) 11:15pm #61 284,467 Points 12 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master I don't really think that dor-knocking is a great route to go, at least not around my market. Dangerous for agents, and can be off-putting to clients, I think.

Agent Aaron | Short Sale Specialist | 512-845-4204 | Austin MLS Listing Agent (Austin Texas Homes, LLC / ShortSteps) 11:24pm #62 106,836 Points 3 Featured Posts Kristal, great insight! I'm still leery of door knocking, but cold calling is not as bad as it is supposed to be. Depends a lot on tone of your voice, and the way you carry the conversation... Anna Glebova (Preservation Properties) 11:55pm #63 MAY 02 2011 2 Featured Posts Called Shot Master Making phone calls is a very important part of our business. But make those calls good calls to qualified leads, to your sphere of influence, to people who can have an impact on your bottom line. Don't waste your time useless calls Donald Reich (Prudential Centennial) 12:10am #64 1 Featured Post Congratulations Krystal for using your initiative to do what was necessary in gaining leads for your business. As we all know, real estate is the business everyone seems to want to indulge in these days and as stated earlier, a good many agents leave the business because they begin to realize that it takes more than just passing a test and getting a license. Many hats are worn in this profession and as far as I'm concerned, an agent or broker should do whatever it takes to gain recognition. This includes all the technologies and what I call (field work). Those who have been fortunate enough to draw business without extra effort are a lucky few. Ann Gravel (Pat Bennett Realty)

12:44am #65 110,180 Points 6 Featured Posts Good information from everyone

Steven Wright CRS~ Home Real Estate720-989-5283 (Home Real Estate) 1:08am #66 224,645 Points 2 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Called Shot Master Hi, Kristal. Cold calling always reminds me of telemarketers, and door knocking reminds me of unwanted solicitors, but I admire agents who do these. Yolanda Hoversten | Broker | Illinois Real Estate (Prudential One Realty Centre) 1:20am #67 394,552 Points 7 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master Kristal, re-visiting these methods is always great - you rightly said, it was warm-doorknocking. Should work. Just door-knocking may or may not. Disagree with referrals, though. No, you should not WAIT for referrals - you GIVE something of value to your clients, you ASK for it and you'll RECEIVE! No need to wait, for sure! We need to bring in the TWIST to orthodox methods to make it work.

Praful Thakkar - Real Estate Consultant Andover Homes For Sale North Andover (Keller Williams Realty) 1:55am #68 110,216 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog Did door knocking in my own neighborhood and even though it was my worst fear, it wasn't narly as bad an experience as I had imagined.

Bernadine Hunter, MBA, SFR (Keller Williams Greater Ohio Realty) 2:33am #69 207,726 Points Kristal, unfortunately this is a must unless you have been around for a long period of time, hen referrals will come on more rapidly. Ronald DiLalla (Century 21 Discovery DRE 01813824) 3:38am #70 614,637 Points 20 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master The OLDIES are still GOODIES * I have used DIRECT MAIL to absentee owners of desirable rental homes to build 2 property management firms....DIRECT MAIL still works Wallace S. Gibson CPM * Landlord Whisperer (Gibson Management Group, Ltd.) 7:07am #71 582,070 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master Kristal, good post and god idea. Very proactive idea in your Farm area. Cheryl Ritchie, Southern Maryland Real Estate (RE/MAX 100) 7:17am #72 Outside Blog Kristal...Everyone should use whatever techniques are valuable in their own market. What works in one area may not work in another. The most important thing is to do something. Howard and Susan Meyers (The Hudson Company Winnetka and North Shore) 7:37am #73 269,494 Points 31 Featured Posts Called Shot Master

Kristal, just doing it takes the fear away. Congratulations and keep up the good work, Pamela Seley, REALTOR Temecula Valley California Homes (REALTY EXECUTIVES) 7:41am #74 Great Kristal! I have thought about door knocking, and I am looking forward to the challenge. From the AR experts, I have learned to door knock in your farm communities. They will recognize the face and the name and some will greet you with open arms. Many doors will open for those who conquer their fears. Thanks for the reminder. Linda Lewis (Century 21 New Millennium) 8:00am #75 524,311 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master Kristal , from most of the posts you're reading here and the opinion of most agents, you have VERY LITTLT competition out there on the in person prospecting trail !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Michael J. Perry, Lancaster Relo Specialist (KELLER WILLIAMS Realty Lancaster, PA.) 8:37am #76 Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Whatever works for you is great. I respect and admire your courage for trying these methods. For me personally, I could never do it since I would never select my realtor based on them knocking on my door or calling me out of the blue. Bob Zorechak - Sells Homes in Morris/ Somerset/Hunterdon Cos., NJ 908-267-2465 (Keller Williams Towne Square Realty) 9:00am #77 1 Featured Post Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master "Door-knocking, Cold Calling and Farming"

Yikes, those are dirty words! [grins] Joe Lane 509.438.9344 www.LaneRealEstateTeam.com (Kennewick Richland (and West) Pasco WA Homes For Sale) 9:09am #78 483,551 Points 11 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master Kristal, the biggest hurdle is just getting out there and doing it. Good Job! Michael Setunsky (Michael's Commercial LLC) 9:19am #79 396,068 Points 1 Featured Post THanks for posting today. I don't like "door knocking" it's a thing of the past, but if it works for you then why not. Patricia/SEacoast NH & ME PATRICIA AULSON, REALTOR Portsmouth NH Homes-Hampton NH Homes (PRUDENTIAL VERANI REALTY- Portsmouth NH Real Estate ) 9:20am #80 1 Featured Post Attended Rain Camp Kristal, Good for you! You don't know what may work if you don't try. Getting out into your community makes you visible, accessible and approachable. Risa Liebster, Toluca Lake Real Estate (Realtor - Ramsey-Shilling Associates) 9:25am #81 Outside Blog It's said there is no reward without risk, in this case the risk of rejection. It sound like you confronted your fears, took the risk, and found out it wasn't lions, and tigers and bears, but just imaginary gremlins beneath the bed.

Marshall Brown (Inspection Consulting) 9:33am #82 Door knocking is great way to meet new prospects, and you never know ... I personally have fear about door knocking myself alone, but doing it with friend realtor can be even fun ... Olivera Mavrak (Century 21 Heritage Group Ltd) 9:44am #83 410,030 Points 57 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master Kristal, Frank Sinatra would be proud. Charita Cadenhead, Accredited Consultant in Real Estate & Property Manager (Bham WIiRE Realty LLC ) 9:59am #84 125,102 Points 1 Featured Post Glad this is working for you. DNC scrubbed numbers is important for the cold calling. We have four Realtors in our 500 home community. They all farm the neighborhood. About 10% of listings go to them. Farming is not universally effective. Daniel H. Fisher, MCRP, Charlotte Real Estate, NC or SC (www.FisherHermanRealty.com (704) 617-3544) 10:05am #85 Find a good reason to knock on a door. Use your listings as a reason. New listing? Don't mail postcards, print something up and hit the streets surrounding your new listing. "Know anyone you'd like to be your neighbor?" There's nothing cold about that.

Putting out directionals for an open house? Use a TON of signs and knock on doors to ask permission to place a sign in their yard so you can draw in more people and ultimatly get the highest price for the home which will help the value of their home. Or print up personal invitations inviting them to a sneak preview of the open house for neighbors only an hour before the open house is open to the public...sounds so special and exclusive. :) Now they know you, you've impressed them, you have their name, and a warm handshake. Sara Kraemer (Realty World Mays, Realtor & Property Mgr.) 10:07am #86 Outside Blog If you're walking the neighborhood solely to introduce yourself and get business for yourself, your time and effort probably won't be successful. however, when you provide useful and valuable information to your neighborhood, you're not just another Realtor but a welcomed member of your community. You can plan for success and achieve it but you must also implement it, don't you? You can be fearless about anything when you know the outcome of your actions, so keep on keeping on. Kimo Jarrett, Realtor, Huntington Beach, (714) 476-3822, Wiki Wiki Realty (Investments, Commercial, Residential) 10:12am #87 door knocking works, but i don't do it in my own 'hood anymore. i learned that when you maximize the sales price for a seller the guy who just paid full retail is your new neighbor. awkward. i am still crossing paths with the guy who paid the highest price per square foot in my neighborhood. cold calling pisses people off and violates most Do Not Call lists. farming has always worked. years ago i was advised that if you are hungry TODAY it is better to hunt than farm...door knocking is hunting EncinitasHomes.com

10:13am #88 1 Featured Post Excellent article Kristal, with very good advice. Cold calling, while it may be old school, remains an effective way to make the contacts. If you do your homework and eliminate those on the DNC list, you're bound to hit a few people who may be interested in chatting with you. In general, we know that the majority will not want to talk to you, but, hey, this is a numbers game, so the more people you speak to, the better your chances. An instructor of mine used to remind us, "What's the worst that can happen?" and that phrase has done wonders for my ability to step outside my comfort zone. Keep up the good work. Stephen Silver (Royal LePage Your Community Realty) 10:24am #89 427,036 Points 5 Featured Posts Outside Blog Not that bad if you live in the neighborhood especially if you are active at HOA meetings already. When you door knock on foreclosures though it can get pretty scary. Rob Arnold, metro Orlando full service, investor friendly & foreclosure Realtor (Sand Dollar Realty Group, Inc.) 10:24am #90 Good for you, the hardest thing about door knocking is going to the first door. If you can make this a regular part of your day you will be very successful, good luck! Gordon Corsie 10:25am #91 1 Featured Post Good for you Girl... way to go. Keep it up! Justin Morgan- Seller Finance Consultant (TEAM SELL-NOW Southern Utah= Keller Williams Realty)

10:31am #92 Kristal, I started dooring knocking when I first got in the business in 2004. I still do it today. I have only come across one (yes one) rude person during this time. I find itrefreshing to meet people and get out of the office. It also gives me the opportunity to see neighborhoods as well as pick up FSBO's. I always plan first with knowledge of the area/sub-division (sales, actives, etc). People find this refreshing and they see you are "walking the walk". I use this activity mostly to pick up expired listings. Home owners are stunned when I show up. Many invite me in to look at the home and a large part of the time, I will get that listing. I just have to overcome what the last agent did, or did not do. I take large 4' x 8' cards to leave if they are not home. I remember one expired I got because the owner didn't answer the door so I left the card. When I met with them and asked them, "why did you invite me to your home, instead of all the other cards, letters and calls you must have received"? The owners said "Because we were impressed that you would not only take the time to come by my home, but you did it in the rain!". I do not farm my own neighborhood/sub-division, but have great respect for those who do. I steer clear of my neighborhood because this is the place I come home to get away from things. It can also have a negative affect if you cannot sell the home quickly, for the best price or at all. I do let all my neighbors know that I am a Realtor, but I refer that business out and just take a referral fee. Congratulations on overcoming your fears and thinking outside the box. I say, "If you knock, YOU'LL ROCK". Eric LaMay (StarStateHomes & RE/MAX Heritage) 10:35am #93

I am grateful that most Realtors are afraid to door knock and pick up that 500 pound telephone. It gives me more business in the long run. Although most agents don't understand how to ask the right questions that incite a response, blah blah blah...You must open up your list of contacts and quit being so scared to do things that are uncomfortable to you. Many people are not very loyal to their old agents and are open to

change. Crap, why do I have to convince you to work harder? Go mow your lawn and plan a vacation, come on... Ron Aguilar 10:36am #94 Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp It's not as bad as it's made out to be, but shhhh. That's how I'm building my business. I walk my farm. I meet people in my neighborhood. Last week a got a call from a gal who said "You met my Dad last week and we need a realtor." I had a nice conversation with her Dad about horses and the fact his daughter wanted to buy a house. Cold calling? I worked at Morgan Stanley in 2000-2001. What are you going to do? Make some vicious remark and hang up? I just think you're a very angry unhappy person and I'm glad I won't be getting to know you. Really, because my cold call in unassuming. I have the distinction of cold calling Archie Manning who was a very nice man, and then had his real broker call me and tell me to knock it off. I'm pretty proud of that. The goal is 100% by referral, but in the meantime, I need to build up the database in order to generate the referrals. I also do open houses. And in my spare time I'll achieve world peace. :-) Valerie Crowell (Keller Williams) 10:40am #95 357,471 Points 7 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master Excellent analogy to lions, bears and tigers! Love your take-away thoughts, too. Congrats on earning Featured Post, Kristol Mary Yonkers (Howard Hanna/Alan Kells Schools of Real Estate) 10:40am #96 Outside Blog Dear Kristal: Your post was very well written and it reminded me that there is another way of approaching the good old "door knocking". Instead of viewing it as a form of cold

calling, you approach it as a direct form of socializing, something that we have all forgotten how to do. We hide behind our computer screens and behind the safe facade of the so-called social media. What you are actually doing, is saying hello to your neighbor and getting to know them a little bit. At that point, you are letting them know you too, by offering your services as a professional real estate specialist. it's that simple! I knew you would be faced with 80% of the naysayers, but don't let that discourage you. Your approach is great and my hat off to you! Keep doing what you are doing! Kate Kate Smith, ABR, CRS, E-Pro,TRC, LHM, SFR, CD (Advanta Realty) 10:42am #97 I have felt the same way for a long time. I realize that this is probably the only way to make great money in this market. Thanks for the encouragement. i need to get over that feeling ,and just do it. Angie Murphy 10:45am #98 Kristal, you go! I have recently taken up the walking trail myself! I think it's more productive than direct mail. Last week I place 100 doorhanger invitations to an open house in my new listing's neighborhood. Had a HUGE response on yesterday's open house. Many neighbors, many of whom have friends ready to buy. :) I'm still chicken on knocking on the door...vastly prefer the hang & run technique! :) When I occasionally see someone in the yard I love to have a conversation! Going out today to walk a neighborhood, my door hangers have neighborhood stats and an offer for a booklet on selling for top dollar in a buyer's market. Plus, it's really good exercise! Linda Brady

10:49am #99 What a great insight on how to learn something new and become successful at it. For over 15 years we have been educating our customers about the benefits of cold calling and door knocking. Give it a try. You may find it is the most effective and least expensive forms of marketing you can do. www.pioneerinfo.com 10:50am #100 1 Featured Post The trick with farming and door-knocking is CONSISTENCY. You should be in your farm 1-2 per month, so it's important not to have too big a farm. I have knocked on doors since I started in real estate and found most of my business that way. On my very first day on a Saturday morning I was asked what the condos were selling for and I was dumb struck. I was unprepared because I did not expect such a direct question. I thought it was a meet and greet. Advice to newbies: Run a market analysis and keep it as a cheat sheet. You don't have to memorize the information. Just pull it out and make it look like you brought it along just so you can show to THEM. After you farm a tract for awhile, you will know what sold and what's active.

Sylvia Jonathan - Broker Associate, SFR (Coldwell Banker Platinum Properties) 10:57am #101 Kudos to you! Business is tough now, "back to basics" is what a lot of the agents in our office are focusing on and it is working! A door knocking campaign combined with mailings on a consistent basis DOES work. And according to the posts here you will not have much if any competition. I am surprised by the several agents' comments who think this is an offensive intrusion into their privacy. Put up a "no solititation" sign and don't answer the door! But don't discourage another agent from being pro-active and getting out there trying to reach the many homeowners who need our help. After all, aren't we in the people business? Sue Follansbee (CB International Realty)

11:00am #102 1 Featured Post Outside Blog Hi Kristal,

Great post and last year we implemented a focused effort to build strategic alliances with 24 business owners which is resulting in really growing our business and bottom line! Sandra Corrigan (The Corrigan Group/Keller Williams Executives Realty LLC) 11:01am #103 You just have to be careful out there. In real estate, we all know that you can't tell how someone is living or their state of mind just by looking at the facade. Door Knocking is also a great way to get killed, wounded, etc. Just stay vigilant, and never go inside of a house that you even have an INKLING of suspicion. Becky Griffin 11:01am #104 3 Featured Posts Hit Router It is KRYSTAL clear: not everyone does/wants to/enjoys/believes in FARMING, DOOR-KNOCKING and COLD-CALLING; but those who do believe/do enjoy--they BENEFIT!!! I love the "WARM-CALLING" approach. Several good ideas were offered in the comments. It makes sense to offer something of value. It makes sense to move-on when you see the contact is busy (respect their time & wishes), and it makes sense to be consistent. KRYSTAL, I bet you will keep it warm, be respectful and offer value; therefore I bet you will be successful IF you will keep it up. Good luck to you!

Fred Cope (Reliant Realty in Nashville, TN)

11:04am #105 I also resisted this and finally did it. I had an invitation to come in and see the home at the first door that I knocked.....I made a new friend who plans to list his home with me soon. The idea is worse than the reality. DiAnne Arnette/Keller Williams Fort Worth 11:07am #106 Terrific post, Kristal; I'm going to re-post it on my blog. Even though we have a bunch of new technologies at our disposal to help us reach out to one another, I'm finding that face-to-face is still the best. You can't read someone's expression when they post on Facebook or their blog, and with all the tweets flying around everyday, they can be easy to miss (or dismiss). I'll be the first to admit that coldcalling (or sometimes even following up with someone you met briefly when exchanging business cards) can be downright intimidating, but you took the right approach by being prepared and not taking abrupt responses personally. Thanks for motivating me to get out there too! Jill Banks, South Jersey Stager (Happily Better After Room Redesign & Home Staging) 11:13am #107 Kristal, Great Post, I totally agree, don't be afraid to fail, thats how we learn! Brian Marderosian (Sankey Real Estate ) 11:16am #108 154,120 Points 1 Featured Post Called Shot Master Door-knocking has been very successful for me. I don't approach it as a sales call - it's a mix of socializing and offering both some information and my services. Tim Bradley, CCIM Jackson Hole Commercial Real Estate (Contour Investment Properties)

11:20am #109 1 Featured Post Outside Blog I cannot make myself do it for many reasons but the one I like the best is that I don't like it when it's done to me. I'll have to rely on other methods for success. Beverly Femia -Serving the NC Coast From Brunswick to Onslow County (Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty) 11:21am #110 1 Featured Post Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp My team and I have also struggled with whether or not to implement these "old school" approaches. We've currently settled in on an alternative but realated strategy of community outreach. We are hosting a graffiti cleanup and contacted every local home owner to be involved, we are revitalizing a long-dead block association, and I've applied to be a member of a local Community Board that makes advisory decisinos on landmark issues for our local historic district. We've also used blogger outreach by interviewing local business owners in a "small business spotlight" that highlights who they are and how they opened their retail business. These strategies are supplemented with traditional mailings and hyper-local blogging. All of these tools were meant to integrate my team members into the local community, but they were also designed to avoid door-knocking and cold calling. The difference being that we're attempting to become known by every single local owner without doing it through a sales pitch - of course hoping that the sales will come! It remains to be seen if this model will be effective. Thanks for the encouragement. I'm still considering given your techniques a shot as well as they obviosuly work in some cases. Akerly Real Estate Team 11:27am #111 Hi Kristal, I agree with you, it is all in our minds.....you do need to be in the right frame of mind, but once you are there it is a great way to fill that pipeline. Like you I have just recently embraced the all 3 and have started to fill that pipeline!

Good luck, Ines Ines de Lima (Signature Service GMAC Real Estate) 11:28am #112 122,523 Points 1 Featured Post Called Shot Master Great post....back to basics works but not in all markets....you just have to know your market well and do what works.

Aida Pinto Real Estate Broker (562) 916-3237 (United Associated Brokers) 11:28am #113 Hi, Kristal, I happen to enjoy door-knocking, especially when I can honestly say I have a client looking for a home in the neighbourhood. Some people are impressed by the lengths I go to to help a client. I always leave a copy of my latest market report. And I find the exercise de-stressing! Dorothy Mazeau (Royal LePage RCR Realty, Brokerage) 11:35am #114 Kristal, I love it when Real Estate Agents do not like to do the things it take to create new business like door knocking or calls to Expires,fsbo, Farm calls.More business for me . Here is the fun part it is a great feeling when you are sitting in the home signing a listing Agreement with the client" You ask them why they decided to go with you and they show you a stack of Direct mail from Realtors who did not make follow up calls .How about the seller who wanted a free maket Value from you internet site .You stop by their home in person with the CMA. Real Estate is a contact sport, you choose the people you want to make your freinds or Clients. Real Esate is a business not a feeling(fear) !!!!

Tyrone Brown (Better Prpoerties South sound) 11:37am #115 Hi Kristal, Good for you! I am struggling with my neighborhood "farm", doing a poor job of connecting. I hope I can be inspired by your post.

Debbie Lynn ~ North San Diego Realtor 858.775.9771 (Prudential California Realty) 11:42am #116 Good Job! Giving an energy to walk out and talk to people. VJ Krishnan (Royal LePage) 11:44am #117 336,229 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master Farming a neighborhood makes the other activities much easier to do, especially the cold calling because you already have that built in following. Eileen Hsu Manhattan NY Real Estate (Prudential Douglas Elliman) 11:45am #118 Outside Blog There is another way to get leads. Sell somthing. If you can get one listing. You will generate leads for that listing and give you the opportunity to sell other homes to these leads that do not buy your listing.

Randal Jenkins YOUR INVESTOR FRIENDLY REALTOR (Coldwell Banker F I Gray and Sons Residential, Inc.)

11:53am #119 Attended Rain Camp kristal, I have success with door knocking. I am working on calling expired and FSBO. Farming by mail has poor results for me. Farooq Khan Real Estate Broker CDPE (Pacific Realty Partners) 11:55am #120 I too was terrified of the idea of cold calling. I quickly realized that this was the only way to get my business going. I then started knocking on doors, but unfortunately nobody would come to the door and became discouraged. I started cold calling and found it to be more productive, scary but much more productive. Out of those calls I started getting appointments, and then started getting leads. Still until this day, I do my cold calling on a daily basis and have become much more comfortable with it. I have realized that not too many agents do this form of lead generating, therefore I must commend you for taking the leap. mildred molina 11:58am #121 1 Featured Post Outside Blog I do all of these activities as well and I find that it is the combination of the three that provide me quality leads and good relationships. I offer something of value when I door knock, which could simply be an open house invitation. I get a much bigger turnout to my open houses when I door knock open house invites a day or two prior. By the way, I get a bigger response when I door knock rather than just leave it on the doorstep.

Also, it's important to remember that "action begets action". You may not see direct results from these activities, but you will most likely find that the more active you are in your lead generation efforts, the more business will come your way. Great job and keep it up! You can't beat the marketing price for these activities either! Valarie Swanson (Century 21 Award) 12:00pm #122 We have a gentleman in the area here who sells insurance and is a door-knocker. He decided to tote a red wagon along with him and collect canned goods as well. He started toting the wagon because it balanced out the "no thank you" responses that came with door-knocking. The red wagon helped him to get a few "yes, I will" results along the way. This has turned into some annual red wagon events where he collects hams in his farm areas for Easter. He also visits many local offices encouraging agents to door knock with a red wagon to help his cause also thereby effectively placing his brand. It's been a huge success for him. Beth Butler Barbour Realtor Temecula California Horse Property (Allison James Estates & Homes) 12:01pm #123 Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp WOW...I remember when I first started in real estate and my broker made me do that...I almost quit, but then found exclusive buyer agency. My hat is off to you listing agents! Eve in Orlando Buyers Broker of Florida/ 12:04pm #124 Outside Blog Your timing for this blog was perfect. I just insisted that I call expireds this weekend and I was so happy. I did not get the terrible abruptness I had feared. In fact, one woman asked me to send a listing agreement and she would review it. I spoke to her this

morning and she sounded like she would consider using me as her listing agent. Another woman asked me to send her my card, and to follow up with her next month. Wow -- all those lions, tigers, and bears that were in my head started to go away. I agree -- there is nothing to fear but fear itself! Ellen Kippel Realtor Suffern Rockland County NY 914-588-2365 (Weichert Realtors) 12:08pm #125 Prospecting 101! Genius! Barnstable Mortgage Group 12:10pm #126 I think we all fear cold calling yet if we as you did (plan, prepare and rehearse) we find it gets easier. You article did a great job addressing the feelings we all have on this subject and I am so glad you have shared it. Thank you.

Steve Turner CSP (Keystone Custom Homes) 12:15pm #127 3 Featured Posts Outside Blog Kristal, as loan officer it's impossible for me to go door knocking. What would I say? Do you need a mortgage? But, I do admire your tenacity. Ray Waisler NMLS #6621 Specializing in Jumbo FHA & VA (Home Savings of America-Atlanta, GA Lending Nationwide) 12:22pm #128 165,168 Points 4 Featured Posts

Sometimes, incorporating these old school methods of marketing can be necessary when you are not seeing results from other forms of marketing. It sounds like you are off to a good start, congrats on the referral from door knocking in your neigbhorhood. Colorado Springs Realty Patricia Beck (Re/Max Real Estate Group, GRI, CDPE) 12:26pm #129 Kristal. I have found success in both door-knocking and farming. I have gotten great and last clients this way. Not a fan of cold-calling though. anyway keep up the great work soon knocking on doors will come easy. Don Forrester 12:29pm #130 134,782 Points Outside Blog If it works for you, and you enjoy the process, carry on my friend. I choose to leverage myself and my time with effective marketing that produces measurable results. That which gets measured improves; That which is not measured declines. Erick Erick Blackwelder, Realtor Northern Virginia suburbs, Washington DC (Exit 1st Choice Realty, Cell: 703-677-1120) 12:34pm #131 Great back to the basics post, you can feel the fear in some of the replies...Door Knocking and cold calling, ewe... From my experience, Cold calling: It is easier if you take out the I/me out of the equation and don't take it personal. Don't try to make more out of an "Encounter", that is all it is, nothing more, nothing less.

If you have something of value to offer, you are just inquiring if the timing is right for them to being open to listen. If you don't do it someone else is...yes even in your neighborhood. :)

Ryan Flinn 12:40pm #132 Good posting. Thanks for the pep talk. I am encouraged to try your "Old School" method. John Chaump 12:45pm #133 Outside Blog Great to read about your experience. We find many of our agents have "call reluctance." What would you say to help them get over thier fears? Warm Regards,

Dustin Dustin Oldfather Delaware Ocean & Water Front Homes (Ocean Atlantic Sotheby's International Realty) 12:59pm #134 445,498 Points 1 Featured Post Localism Sponsor Outside Blog HiKristal, We are currently in a program where cold calling is a major component. Most agents experience your results and have made some excellent contacts, leads, etc. Very well written post !

Bill Gillhespy Fort Myers Beach Realtor Homes & Condos (16 Sunview Blvd) 1:07pm #135 2 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master Great post - such interesting comments from all. I'm working with these methods myself, but not really getting the results (just yet) but people have been very pleasant. I much prefer door knocking to phone calls. Good luck to you! Karen Hawkins, MBA - Langley & Surrey, BC (Royal LePage) 1:07pm #136 Hi Kristal, Very nicely put! I have had this fearsome list hanging over my head for the last couple weeks! It is great to hear some positive results and not so bad outcomes! Thanks again. Nicole Nicole Perry (Sothebys International Realty Osterville) 1:17pm #137 Outside Blog Hi Kristal - Cold calling never. But calling people I have at least met before OK. As for door knocking, I have 3 Chow Chows and wherever we go most people comment. I love going for walks with the dogs on the weekend when a lot of people are out enjoying the sun, working in their yard. Conversations are easy to start. Then I get them on my newsletter list too. John M Scott - Broker / Owner San Francisco Real Estate (DRE # 01442690, Century 21 Scott Keys Properties) 1:21pm #138 Outside Blog Hi Kristal,

You have inspired me to get out and doe these things. While business is slow it is important to be proactive and create the business. Be safe and successful.

Marilyn Wier, ABR, CDPE, CIPS, CLHMS, CRS, SRES (RE/MAX Space Center) 1:30pm #139 I just got into a group 3 weeks ago to drop farming materials during the week, after the 4th week or so, start knocking. I haven't knocked yet, but I have been encouraged by many people saying it has been a pleasant experience, and the imagined fearsome events just don't come to pass. I will just need to get over it, this post helped encourage me to go forth, thanks! Rusty Eddy (Prudential California Realty) 1:40pm #140 I feel very thankful that I am blessed to have a very successful practice - I have been doing this for 18 years and have never "cold called" or "door knocked". . . I have done other things. My thoughts are to do what works for YOU. Theses great ideas work, but they aren't for everyone.

1:45pm #141 1,333,261 Points 248 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master Kristal, any form of prospecting can work if you actually do it! And while some of your prospecting efforts are not everyone's cup of tea, you're the one that's drinking it! If you enjoy it and it works for you, go for it! Patricia Kennedy (Evers & Company Realtors) 1:47pm #142

Kristal, Those methods are antiquated. People no longer answer their doors, the phone, and they throw away what they get in the mail. At least that is the way it's moving in Arizona. Savvy agents are utilitizing technology to grow their business and it's working. Things like call capture, text capture for listings, Twitter, Facebook fan pages, and the list goes on and on. I'm doing well in this market as a result, but I also call old clients of mine, network in person, and form relationships with business professionals. Best to you in the future, you're doing something , which is more than most agents. Matthew Coates 1:48pm #143 129,496 Points 2 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master Kristal, good for you. Matthew (#143) doesn't understand that the human contact has more staying power in building thos relationships that last and produce referrals than the new social media. We need to do both!

Linda K Mayer- Southern California A REALTOR YOU CAN TRUST! (License # 01767321) 1:52pm #144 Well... I still hold open houses when my business starts to slow down. I hold them longer than most people do (an average of six hours) and I tend to get good results from the time I spend.I open the house some time between 10::00 and 11:00 and hold until just before dusk. The key is research. Know the area well and know the target audience. A good open house is no more then three or four turns off a main drive. Richard PS... Be prepared and safe at open houses, I do not go un-armed to my open houses anylonger. I have been attacked walking into vacant homes (and REO work). Sorry to you

gun haters out there, but if you are allowed to carry a gun in your state... Get the required permit, get trained to use it SAFELY and smartly, and then carry one. Richard Foster ABR/M, CREN, CRS, GRI, RRG, SFR (Elite Realty) 1:55pm #145 Kristal, I have done some Cold Calling and Door knocking but I know I need to do more. You have inspired me to get out and do it!! Thanks Mary Pat Munding 2:04pm #146 Outside Blog Thanks Kristal, In cold calling, I have found it easier, as you said, when I have something to offer. It becomes easy for me to call when I have a new listing in the area. I call and let them know that I just listed a house and that I could use their help in finding a suitable new owner. Generally people are very helpful and I have received referrals through these contacts. But, cold calling is, by no means, the easiest thing for me. Michael HassanPour, Esq. Beverly Hills properties, Brentwood, Bel Air (Beverly HillsColdwell Banker Beverly Hills North) 2:09pm #147 119,534 Points 1 Featured Post Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Hi Kristal, Like anything else in life, if we don't give it the power of fear, we're all good. I always liked, "The paralysis of analysis". Funny how, once we do something we've feared for so long, we realize how ridiculous and easy it really is...and what a waste of precious time it was letting that fear reside in our heads...

Brian Morgenweck Broker/Owner, GRI, CRS, ABR, SRS (Power Realty Group, LLC Bergen County, NJ ) 2:13pm #148 Great post! I like door knocking, I find it is easier to talk to someone face to face then calling. Down where I live at least customers get very upset when you call them. Very few have actually talked for a while, but it does happen. The other problem is so many people are on the do not call list it makes it hard. In my opinion, I think "door knocking and old school" tactics work well. Most people will not get online and google you directly unless your a big name Realtor. But, in the door knocking they are meeting you directly. I think alot more people remember "the nice person who came and talked with them, over what they googled last week!" Josh Bickel 2:18pm #149 Kristal, Some of my biggest pay checks have been generated by consistent farming and cold calling. Good for you for stepping out and up into the lead generating methods. Good luck to you and eep on knocking. Michae Nugent 2:24pm #150 Kristal, congratulations on getting started on these old school tactics. Seeing a "For Sale" sign go up in my neighborhood is motivation enough for me to get out and introduce myself. Michael Emerson (Newman Realty) 2:24pm #151 Localism Sponsor Outside Blog

Good post. I would love to walk door to door for our farm (where we live). Unfortunately, our city has a non-solicitation ordinance, so we are not permitted to go door-to-door. Pat & Steve Pribisko (Keller Williams Greater Cleveland West) 2:32pm #152 603,111 Points 309 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master Door knocking, cold calling, FSBO's and Expireds. Commonly known as the 4 greatest forms of rejection known to an agent.... but not all agents right!?!? :-O Great post Kristal, and congrats on the feature!! :-) Brad Andersohn (Zillow - Outreach Manager) 2:38pm #153 Great article! Even with technology and social media....this is still a "contact sport." It's all about the contacts you have and make on a daily basis. Thanks for your story! Kevin Ward (Keller Williams Beach Cities) 2:40pm #154 Outside Blog I liked the article. It gave me some things to think about. I also enjoyed Jeffrey's comment refrencing Zig Ziglar. Jason McDowell (United Country Twaddle Realty) 2:44pm #155 Outside Blog Kristal - you sound just like our hero Dianna Kokoska during our BOLD training! Good for you going through the neighborhood. I am intimidated by my own neighborhood's

rules not allowing any 'solicitation'. I try to overcome it by taking walks (perhaps need to get a dog), going to the fitness center, complimenting people on their gardens, attending the homeowners meetings, providing market info to the board members, etc. It is problematic though - I'd love to get some ideas from you as to how to create opportunities. Also, do you send monthly postcards, newsletters? Susan Jacobsen (Keller Williams Realty) 3:25pm #156 Best of luck! Good for you for facing your fears! Jodi Theis 3:56pm #157 Hi Kristal, If you're comfortable with doing it and it works for you then it's a no brainer, carry on. Cold calling has always been something I don't like when it's done to me, so, I feel I shouldn't do it to others. However, I've noticed that if someone calls me while not reading a script and sounds more sincere, I don't get my back up. Thanks for the post. Dimitri Matsis-REALTOR (818) 599-6083 (Troop Real Estate Inc. Westlake Village CA) 3:58pm #158 Great post! It's comforting to know that we all face similar fears, and you deserve a pat on the back for not only facing them, but for blogging about it! Amy George (Design by Amy - Home Staging) 4:01pm #159 Outside Blog

p>What Script do you use? I use the preNOD so I need to approach it a little differently</p> Jack O'Neal (Solutions Real Estate) 4:38pm #160 309,469 Points 32 Featured Posts Called Shot Master Life has certainly changed. When you read books about how things were just a few years ago, everyone in a neighborhood knew everyone else. You wouldn't have been door knocking, you'd have been visiting. Marte Cliff (Marte Cliff Copywriting) 4:46pm #161 I love the advice of cold-calling and door-to-door in neighborhood. Be the local expert! Makes perfect sense :) Madison Carlson (RE/MAX Excellence) 4:48pm #162 Outside Blog It's called "Back to Real Estate Basics 101" and it works as long as you do it consistently. Whether you do it by mail, phone, door knocking, or a combination of all 3, if you do it make it part of your schedule, you will be successful. It's important to remember that only those who are thinking of buying or selling are going to be interested now, but people that respond with a few lines of conversation can become golden leads.The next time you speak with them, it's really a warm call. Be sure to have something of value to give them or speak about and always try to get an email address. Great job for overcoming the lions, tigers and bears! Marie-Denise Kratsios (Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty) 5:06pm #163 Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Kristal, Great reminder post. I do know that face to face contacts (or at least phone conversations) are necessary each week. Unless you are lucky enough to reach out to many new people in other ways some of these methods must still be utlilzed if we want to continue to genertate new business. Thanks for the push, Carol Carol Faaland-Kronmaier e-PRO Manville, Hillsborough, Somerset NJ Homes For Sale (Weichert, Realtors; Hillsborough) 5:20pm #164 Great post Kristal ! These "old school techniques" are still some of the most effective in my opinion. They also as you mentioned can lead to personally meeting people in the area you are farming. This can only be a good thing when you are farming your own neighborhood. Tim Woodcock (E Flat Fee Realty SWO ) 5:34pm #165 Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Cristal, as just discussed by phone.... Great Article. I certainly look forward to working with you again in the future. Best of luck getting into resale.

MICHELLE FRY - Harcourts TCG Real Estate Selling the Coastal Lifestyle (Orange County, CA : Laguna Niguel, Dana Point, San Clemente) 6:41pm #166 Outside Blog I am 100% with you Kristal! I made the most money ever, in the years I was new in the business and decided I'd try doorknocking. It turned into a very productive farm and in an area of 500 homes, just about everyone recognized my face .. it was fun to drive thru with buyers in the car and have owners wave in recognition :-) That was in Santa Clarita, CA where it was always a good day to get out and doorknock. Since moving to Washington

State, where rain is the norm during most months, I got away from farming and have never had as much fun or made as much money. Keep it up! Diane Kawell (Windermere Real Estate / West Campus / Federal Way WA) 7:07pm #167 Great Post Kristal! I just like you had a tough time embracing this "old school concept of door-knocking" especially in this "electronic age" of SEO's Social Media and etc... Fear and over coming objection were the driving forces holding me back. But, after much hesitation I decided to give it a try and what I found out was that I really... really... dug it. Of course, I use a "soft approach" introducing myself as the local Realtor asking the question if there were any Real Estate questions or concerns I might be able to answer for them. They almost always take my information and even if they don't I'm almost always told "gold luck" and have a nice day! I can't wait to get my first "listing appointment" and evantual listings!!! Ken 7:11pm #168 Cold calling is really cold for me even living in Sunny Florida.. George P Cruz Sr CDPE, TRC, CIPS (Galleon Realty of Treasure Coast) 7:38pm #169 Doug Anderson had a great idea.....sponsor an event and kill two birds with one stone. Glad to see you overcame your fears. I've never door knocked..for me, it would be great exercise and the opportunity to meet new people.

7:46pm #170 487,264 Points 8 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Doug Anderson had a great idea.....sponsor an event and kill two birds with one stone. Glad to see you overcame your fears. I've never door knocked..for me, it would be great exercise and the opportunity to meet new people.

Ok, I forgot to login. Kay Van KampenSpringfield, Ozark, Nixa Greene County Missouri Real Estate Agent (RE/MAX Broker, RE/MAX Solutions) 7:48pm #171 Attended Rain Camp Door knocking is scary for me but I still do it.I also call expired and COI.My last couple transaction came from COI.Great post and thanks for everyone input.I start reading part of the post in morning than went door kncking and read most of the post. Jogendra Patel (Keller williams) 8:25pm #172 193,523 Points 6 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Well said! I especially love your comment about door knocking and finding that common thread. Even with the internet, social media, etc, I still am a true believer in farming your neighborhood. After more than a year of farming my (new) neighborhood, I think it is really paying off this Spring! KERRY LUCASSE - Your Intown Atlanta Real Estate Consultant (Nest Atlanta Real Estate Group) 8:25pm #173 I was reluctant too to do door knocking. I now know that it is an effective way to generate leads.

Claudia Gardner 8:58pm #174 276,427 Points 8 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Kristal---seems that you have tackled many of your fears and potential obstacles. We all have our own comfort zones and sometimes getting out of the comfort zone is the challenge. Just find what works and do lots of it...no matter what it is. Congrats on the feature! Keisha Hosea- Realtor, Chino Hills, CA (Keller Williams Realty Chino Valley Market Center) 10:05pm #175 125,474 Points Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Kristal, whichever method you feel most comfortable with, consistency is the key! Steven Pahl - Real Estate Consultant Tampa, FL 813-319-6423 (Keller Williams Tampa Properties) 11:02pm #176 109,746 Points 2 Featured Posts Kristal, Congratualtions on working to overcome your fears! I know that these things are hard to get started with. I have had my struggles too that is for sure. However, I guess it is just like anything else...the more you do it, the less scary and difficult it becomes. :-)

Wendy Wendy Rich-Soto CDPE, "Your San Pedro Real Estate Girl" (Keller Williams) 11:12pm #177 MAY 03

2011 Outside Blog Called Shot Master Congrats on such a huge response! You've obviously struck a nerve, both positive and negative. I honestly did not take the time to read every response, but I'm sure the range of responses is amazing. Personally, I hate cold calling, but could call expireds if that's what was needed. I can tell that a farm area, your own neighborhood would be perfect. Mine used to be until I sold my old house 1 1/2 years ago and put the money in the bank thanks to our economy. Oh well - gotta start a new neighborhood. Happy for your success - best of luck! Jan Green, RE/MAX Excalibur, Scottsdale, AZ (Scottsdale, Phoenix, Cave Creek, Carefree, Fountain Hills) 1:02am #178 116,750 Points 1 Featured Post Cold Calling, Open House, Door Knocking, Farming, FSBO if I had to do any of these I'd have changed careers long ago! I am a people farmer. Everyone goes into my Top Producer Program and gets an email newsletter once a month. Daily I call the hottest leads in my data base. All clients that have shown current interest get a call between weekly or up to 3 months depending on the type of communication we have. The Internet has made the world smaller and created a means of turning all cold communication into warm or hot leads. The phone is our friend! Tony Lewis CDPE RE/MAX Hall of Fame (RE/MAX of Valencia (Hall of Fame) 30 year Valencia Resident) 1:11am #179 Attended Rain Camp Kristal, Bringing something of value is helpful. Every door will be different but you mentioned that you had some fears that were preconceived which was actually very far from your actual reality. Good for you and continued success! Adan Properties, Carlsbad, CA (760) 720-9710 1:32am #180

Kristal - Sometimes getting the something of value takes too long and we never make it to the farm!! Your post describes what it takes, but the most important thing I got from what you shared was, you decided to go and went. No excuses! Robert Courtney, RA, CDPE, MCRE, CIAS ( CENTURY 21 ALL ISLANDS ) 2:51am #181 Kristal, I really enjoyed your post .. I've been a realtor for along time and I use to door knock, cold call , call expired's , etc .. but haven't done it in so long .. I started working listing Reo's a few years ago , so I kind of got away from that part of the business. But in the past few months my reo listings have been few and far between . Your post really inspired me to get back on the band wagon get a farm and start working it .. Thankyou for sharing your information ..

Thanks Ce

CeCe 4:36am #182 You really struck a sympathetic nerve with the Active Rain community here Kristal, judging from the many posts above. And i have to add to it. Good for you. Congratulations in facing your fear (which we know to be irrational but debilitating nonetheless). I share that irrational "fear" and have to push myself to make the calls and knock on the doors. I am not a psychologist, but I suspect it (the "fear" that is) is rooted in our parents telling us as children to "don't bother those people." So now I always approach them with an apology about interrupting whatever they were doing when I called or knocked.

Again, good for you for doing it. I find that the "old-fashioned" way is bringing results. You really struck a sympathetic nerve with the Active Rain community here Kristal, judging from the many posts above. And i have to add to it. Good for you. Congratulations in facing your fear (which we know to be irrational but debilitating nonetheless). I share that irrational "fear" and have to push myself to make the calls and knock on the doors. I suspect it is rooted in our parents telling us as children to "don't bother those people." So now I always approach them with an apology about interrupting whatever they were doing when I called or knocked.

Again, good for you for doing it. I find that the "old-fashioned" way is bringing results.

George Walsh (Keller Williams Realty Premier Properties) 6:42am #183 I am a former Realtor from the "farm club" era. If we were to get our name out there, these were our only options. I did pleanty of door knocking, phone calling, postcard mailing and my first year in business I did win the Listing Rookie of the Year award! It was not easy, but I learned that if a Home Owner is not thinking of selling any time soon, you may get a negative greeting from them, but if they are considering selling, believe me, they will greet you like their best friend! Now, as a Home Stager, I might just go back to farming again! Peggy A Lynch (Capitol Home Staging, LLC) 8:19am #184 1 Featured Post Outside Blog Krital, Eversince I saw on my phone App the title of your featured post, I've been thinking about it and I had a chance to read it this morning. Thank You for the encouragement, consistency is the key and also be able to display enthusiasm. Beth Atalay (Charles Rutenberg Realty)

9:28am #185 Outside Blog We made hundreds of cold calls the first few years in the business and it jump started our successful real estate careers right out the gate! After 27 very successful years in the industry we continue to meet and greet neighbors around our new listings and open houses. We stay in touch with our SOI and continue to market our farms. It pains us to see new agents looking for business in front of their computers every day. Be visible! Great Post! Jane & Garry Smith, ABR, GRI, Realtors Portland, ME (207) 253-3195 (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) 9:34am #186 Kristal I recently lost my part time job so now I have to face the Real Estate business full on. There's no safety net anymore. Cold calling and door knocking is what I now have to do and I will admitt it litereally terrifies me. I often picture the home owner going off on me or I choke with some form of stage fright once they open the door. I'm still building the courage to do this. Your blogg has given me a little courage and I hope soon I can face my fear head on. As a matter of fact I will try it again today. Thanks Kristal! Charli Reese 9:49am #187 Outside Blog I am glad one of us tried, it scares me to death! Michelle Forneris Realtor Specializing in SW Florida Homes (Southwest Florida Lee County home search Cape Coral Homes) 10:23am #188 1,218,776 Points 15 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master Kristal, Congratulations on the feature. Great post - this is classic lead generation - highly recommended! :)

Steve Steve Hoffacker - Real Estate Sales & Marketing Consulting and Strategies (Hoffacker Associates LLC) 12:01pm #189 Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Kristal, I love what door knocking brings; it is all about going back to the basics! Yes, it is intimidating to start knocking, but after the first or second house, it becomes fun and I find I like meeting and talking to these homeowners. If I am farming in an area that I don't know everyone, it is also a great way to introduce myself. Is it the old way of working? Maybe, but I think people are getting tired of all those generic emails in their inboxes and like the one-on-one contact. This is also a good way to get some fresh air and exercise! Kudos to you! Nancy Aroneck (Keller Williams Realty) 12:34pm #190 1 Featured Post Outside Blog Great way to overcome the fears of the unknown...go throughout your own neighborhood and "meet Your Neighbors" much nicer than the "cold calling". You could chat and just find out who they are or if have any special needs, like watching each other's homes, picking up mail if away for awhile, watering the garden. You could even find young ladies who would like to babysit but only in their neighborhoods. You could put together a resource directory of you neighbors, several blocks and, with their permission of course, include what their special skills are, if offering any, or if they have a business, or if they have needs. Later do a "block party" so people can put faces together. So many have had to move and we all probably have new neighbors that we might like them instead of being "those guys that always party and make too much noise".

Jeanne Fenwick Fenwick Team FHA, VA & Jumbo Loans Phoenix, Scottsdale, Gilbert, Peoria AZ (SelfEmployed, 1st Time & move up buyers,FHA, VA conventiona)

1:58pm #191 685,085 Points 5 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master This is what I did when I was starting. It did not pay off great for me, but that may have been my inexperience too. Gene Riemenschneider East Contra Costa Home Sales 01492725 (Home Point Real Estate) 5:54pm #192 All viable and credible ways to grow your business and I applaud you for overcoming some fears and myths. Farming and Door Knocking are great ways to take your message TO home owners and renters. You never know who you will meet and which way the conversation will lead. In my 'farm' area, I've heard many times "Mark, they're going to carry me out of here in a pine box". Tongue in Cheek my answer was always, "will your family know to call me?" I may be in more than one will! Time will tell. :) As mentioned above, be careful and be safe and always be aware of your surroundings. Mark Poisson 6:11pm #193 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master Whhh....I have received some great information & ideas. Love the thought of hosting neighborhood garage sale, block party, neighborhood resource. Consistency was another idea shared by many which has given me additional incentive to timeblock. Safety concerns were also shared which has helped me to be more aware. Thanks to everyone for taking the time to respond. It really is about finding your own path and what works for you. Mark ~ I love the humor in your touchs. Jeane~ great idea's Nancy ~ you maybe onto something. Robert ~ it was the first step and the most difficult.

Ken ~ I like the soft approach. I'm going to borrow that one. Marte ~ it's true times have changed and I don't even recognize the faces of my neighbors. I hope this will help to change that. Patricia ~ I love my chamomile tea which helps to soothe my nerves before I get started. kristal wilson Riverside Real Estate (Real Estate Associates) 7:42pm #194 Outside Blog Hit Router Thanks for the great advice, Kristal!!! Rosa Almond (Long & Foster Real Estate Inc.) 10:12pm #195 The hard part is trying to find the time to do it....just have to make the time I guess. Virginia Gingras (West USA Revelation) 10:35pm #196 Farming WORKS!! I do a neighborhood newsletter monthly and have started knocking on the doors to meet face to face. By now, they ALL know I do the newsletter, I always have the most listing in my farm neighborhood that I personally live in too.It's great to do business in your own neighborhood. When the buyers call on the signs...you can be there in 5 minutes, great way to convert new buyers into clients!!

Jeannette Kohlhaas (Keller Williams Realty Jax) 10:48pm #197 MAY 05 2011 Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

I have been putting off these very things as every direction I turn, I keep hearing the only way to go today is through online mediums. However, after reading your post, I think I may develop my game plan and try to initiate some of it next week. Thank you for the motivation. Jason Howard (Halo Group Realty LLC) 1:59am #198 MAY 06 2011 Getting back to the basic will help all our business. We tend to forget when things are going great how we got to this point. Door knocking is still the key to contacts. It has inspired me to make a goal of so many doors a day ---- it will really pay. Peggy Meeker Peggy Meeker 5:39pm #199 Hi Kristal, Great post! Doorknocking is definitely the best way to get business in my opinion. I've had fantastic results from it. I target a specific group of homeowners (PreNODs that I get from www.synergyms.net) that I send direct mail to atleast 3-4 times before visiting. It's a win win - I help homeowners sell their home before they are foreclosed on, so not only do I get their business I get future referrals from their friends and family! :) Ashley Rosenfeld 6:11pm #200 MAY 07 2011 1 Featured Post Hi Kristal,

very pertinent post for me as at one time I used to do a lot of this but have grown out of the habit in recent years. I'm about to get back to it TODAY. Thank you. John Lavin Realtor Mississauga - Toronto Real Estate (Re/Max Ultimate Realty Inc. Brokerage) 12:35pm #201 221,481 Points Outside Blog I think an often over looked strategy by agents and even mortgage guys as well. The 1010-20 rule.

http://davewoodson.com/how-to-get-more-leads/

hit the streets running Dave Woodson (Dave Woodson) 3:04pm #202 MAY 10 2011 2 Featured Posts Called Shot Master Kristal: I think there are times when everyone has to generate leads by cold calling....it's part of the industry. Nice post! Ellen Adams - LoansByEllen OR~WA~AZ ** FHA-VA-Reverse Mortgage Specialist ** (Envoy Mortgage) 12:17am #203 MAY 12 2011

I need to get back to the basics.... with the Internet sending me good leads to convert, I got away from what gets me the bread and butter deals. Thanks Kristal. Great post! Marisa Hunter Corona Real Estate Short Sale Specialist (First Time Buyer, Short Sales, Foreclosures, Investor Sales) 2:18am #204 MAY 16 2011 Thank you Kristal for the important reminder of the "good old ways" still do apply. with the ease and convenience of the internet, sometimes we forget that face to face contact holds a true personal value. I believe in continuing all 3 of these approaches for lead generation even if they may be considered the thing of the past. Pamela Busch/Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage WWW.AZMOVES.COM/PAM.BUSCH 520-544-4545 EXT 16473 520-682-2220 330-446-0408 6970 N. Oracle Rd Suite 100 Tucson, AZ 85704 Pamela Busch (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) 12:02pm #205 Ashely Perhaps i will give www.synergyms.net a try. Thanks Pamela Busch/Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Tucson, AZ 85704

WWW.AZMOVES.COM/PAM.BUSCH 520-544-4545 EXT 16473 520-682-2220 330-446-0408 Pamela Busch (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage) 12:15pm #206 SEP 29 2011 Knocking on doors in my own neighborhood gives me the boost of confidence since I am familiar with the area, the schools and all that's happening. Also, contrary to popular belief, I get a lot of prospects by holding open houses. When I find a good listing in my office, I offer to host an open house. I bring food, drinks and stand in the kitchen. It works wonders shaking hands with people and making conversation. Be yourself and stay educated in your field. Good job Kristal...it will pay off at the end. Lina Sarkissians