Personally, it gets me mad to find something hanging on my doorknob or thrown down in front of my door. It advertisies that there is nobody home to burglars. The wind blows it off into the yard. It is extra trouble (not much, but some) to go to the door to remove it when I get home. I make it a point not to patronize door hangers.
I've done it. No luck. One time I had a warranty company furnish me with the hangers (for free) and I stuck my business cards in them. I would then purchase a home warranty for the client if they used me.
I've also tried the just listed, just sold hanger with the picture of the home....nothing. It was a lot of work and sunburn with no payoff!
I too have tried door hangers and newsletters with no luck, it was a waste of my time and money.
I have found by knocking on doors and talking to people works out much better. I do not go with the intention of getting a listing but to get information about the neighborhood, subdivision, and the community.
People love to talk and will give you valuable information. If you have a newsletter ask if they would be interested in a copy prior to leaving, do not leave on front door or garage door - waste of money and time and will end up in the trash. BE PROFESSIONAL !!!
Some people have better luck than others. I have had no luck with the doorhangers but an agent in my office has and it turned out very well for her. She spent 1 weekend doing nothing but walking a neighborhood and placing the doorhangers on the doors and a month later she was called off of 1 and she got to list and sell a 64 unit apartment complex! My luck with it was not as good but I did get some much needed exercise.
I use a combination of the suggestions here. I walk my target neighborhoods and first knock on the door. (note: after knocking I make sure I stand back at least 4 or 5 feet so as to not be intimidating or in their face when they open). However, if no one answers I then leave a doorhanger which is the plastic bag hanger with the same whatever it is I am providing if one had answered the door, however with an additional note saying "sorry I missed you ..." and a quick explanation of who I am and what I was doing.
As it is with any marketing, it requires constency and follow-up. I have obtain more than a couple of listings this way, and a buyer who was renting a home ... but none happened with the first adventure.
My thought process is, face to face is best. However, since already in the neighborhood, why not hit every home. Then when I am visiting again what is now at least every third month, I'm no longer such a mystery. (when first started, did monthly for 4 months, then went to every three) Plus discovered where some would not answer their door, but grabbed the doorhanger packet once I left (sometimes... as I was walking away). Also I leave some item of nominal value (such as a magnetic sports calendar).
And, it IS good exercise!
By the way, among materials provided usually include info on what's sold or for sale in their neighborhood. They seem to like this type of gossip. Any other reading stuff is on a one-third sheet of paper. Less is more, and figure they are more apt to read a LITTLE in big print than a lot of small print clutter. And remember, always promote your web address.
An agent in my office did and yesterday got a listing. This is after 7 months of farming the area.
Steve,
If someone does answer the door what do you say to them?
Monthly something to the farm is good. Newsletters, doorhangers, contests whatever - but if you don't want them in the trash without a second glance try to think of something of value - you don't have to each month, but at least 4 - 5 times a year - something of value: calendars, dry erase boards, seed packets, rulers, jar openers, potholders, american flags, what ever you can think up. It is better to be hanging around for a bit or in a drawer they might come across when the time comes to sell. Then make sure they meet you. Door knock. Mailings with no contact is just that mailings.
But today I got insight from my daughter - I had a agent who farms my neighborhood with 1-2 mailings or drops a month. He knocked on the door today and after he left my daughter said she reconginzed him from his pictures on the farm material and she even knew his name was Mike...
So I guess sooner than later the farming material is going to work... at least I hope so!
Jana
Dolories,
I try to keep my speech very short... extremely short. I just say hello, my name, that I am a real estate agent with xxx and will be in their neighborhood from time to time to provide items like what your doing today. Say just wanted to introduce yourself and leave them with this (whatever it is for that month). After handing them the whatever, make a compliment about their yard, or house, or neighborhood ... something quick to personalize you. I try to work in a simple question with the compliment to allow them to respond. Something like, "wow, your flowers look really nice. Is there something special that you do with them?"
Note: try not to make it a yes or no question. It could create an awkward moment.
Then, with a smile, say it was nice meeting them (or talking with them if met before) and thank them for their time. Take one step back slowly while still facing them. They'll either close the door, or will start talking themselves.
If they want to talk, let them. Listen and respond to them. You have done what you came to do, so any further discussion is totally about them. Never turn it back to about you at that time. Answer any questions they have. Listen to any hidden hints they might provide. But don't overstay. When done, be done. Give yourself an opportunity to return.
If ever need an excuse, state that your goal is to get through the entire neighbor but would be glad to return and then ask for name (though you should have it already unless a renter... note, if name doesn't line up ask if renting) and email and phone number if they are comfortable so that you can follow up with them.
It takes me about and hour and a half to two hours to walk a neighborhood of about 150 homes. The whole experience is really not as bad as one might think. In this impersonal world, it really personalizes who you are and makes you real.
In preparation, I pull a farm list so I already know the names of the family at each address (if mailing address doesn't line up with physical address could possibly be a renter. I will ask if so in that situation) I will make notes as I walk to the next home. If you do get to talk with someone, follow up immediately with a thank-you card and a short note to say how you enjoyed talking with them. In all things, direct them to your website.
I try to remember how I react if someone comes knocking on my door, and truth is, like most I think, I don't welcome it.
So, it is respectful and usually a positive result if the time is short and sweet, and then on your way. Have found most get disarmed that is was so quick and that you are not trying to sell them anything. The nuicance and intimidation is removed. They should not be afraid of you hogging their time the next time they see you walking and knocking, and surprisingly many expect it to be more than it is, so THEY make it more by talking. Especially the next time around.
So make sure you follow up with walking and knocking the next month. Always follow up immediately with a note to those you do get to talk with, even if it was just a hi and bye and thank-you. And always keep it short. Even when you're invited to stay longer.
...unless it's because they want to buy or sell. Now they are a customer you need to turn into a client. So schedule a formal appointment when all decision-makers available to talk seriously about their plans and goals.
But that's no longer walkin and talkin.
(such long answer for such a short question, huh?) Hope this helps.
Steve
