Gaining Leverage

[Ricky Segarra]

Hey BP Nation,

I have a marking system in which I participate in door knocking to find leads and potential deals. I like to door knock because it gets me out and face to face with potential sellers while getting a good look at all the different neighborhoods. However, I recently came across a deal where I had a chance to acquire a piece of property but after running the numbers I needed to get the seller down just a little more on their asking price. When I proceeded to ask a series of questions in order to gain more information that I could use to try and talk them down on the asking price I came to a quick realization that I had lost all leverage in the deal once I asked "Why are you selling this Property?" The seller repealed with a statement I was not expecting and I had know idea how to handle. The Seller said "Because you came to me." At that moment I realized that any leverage I had was now lost and he could careless if he sold the property or not. What I was hoping by posting this little story is advise on how to gain leverage back from a situation like this and also any other forms of marketing techniques that you may be willing to share. Any uncommon forms of marketing that leads to potential real estate investments (Not the common marking strategies i.e. email lists, bandit signs, mailing lists, etc.) that allows you to keep the upper hand and doesn't make it look like you are coming to them to buy but rather makes it look like they need you because they have to sell. Thank you in advance for your advise and time.