Door knocking Pre-forclosures -

[Mark Graziano]

Hello BPer's,

I have been door knocking pre-forclosures for a few months now with little success.  I have been able to speak with a few residents, but only one homeowner who was not interested in selling.

My approach is normally to act stupid, like I don't know the house is in foreclosure and proceed with, " I am sorry to bother you but my Realtor said that this house might be for sale.  I didn't see a for sale sign so I was wondering if I was at the right house?

If I do not make contact with the homeowner I will always leave a business card, letter or postcard. The single contact I have had with an actual owner was from a business card.

I was wondering what your experience was with door knocking pre-forclosures?  How many homes do you visit before you get someone interested.  How often do you get in front of the homeowner?  How often are you able to close a deal.

This is a very time consuming practice and really  I need to maximize my efforts as time is limited.

Any critiques would be greatly appreciated,  and if you have a specific technique

( MLS, Auctions, direct mail) that you notice closes the more homes I would appreciate the feedback as well.

Atlanta Market OTP

[Jessie Bienvenu]

Mark,

I would not beat around the bush about why you are there. I would learn about the options someone in that situation has, and how each option impacts them. If they have gotten that far downstream they are probably staring down the foreclosure cliff. I would develop the netwrok to help them cash buyers, other investors that would be interested in a Sub2 and the like.

I would tell them why you are there, "... you are headed to foreclosure I work with homeowners in your situation....are you interested in selling your home?".  Be courteous, informed, and you need to be truly interested in helping them with their situation.  That way you don't waste yours or there time, or muck up a realtor's name.  

It's not an accident your at their doorstep.  You are there to solve a problem and conduct a transaction.  I would present myself as very capable of accomplishing this.

When are you doing this? Afternoons and weekends will net you the most contact.  I particularly find weekday afternoons to be the best.

Do you know you if you are targeting the best prospects?  Make sure to spend this time, because it is time and fuel consuming, on prospects with at least 30% equity in their home. That is my two cents, and what has worked for me.