As a real estate agent, it can be tempting to knock on the doors of expired listings in the hopes of winning a new client. After all, these homeowners are already in the market to sell their property, and you may be able to provide the expertise they need to get their home sold. However, it’s important to consider the potential consequences of this approach, particularly if you’re not the first agent to approach them.
Overwhelmed Homeowners
One potential issue is that the homeowners may be feeling overwhelmed or frustrated if they’ve already received multiple calls from other agents. They may view your visit as yet another intrusion, particularly if they feel like they’re being bombarded by sales pitches. This can lead to a negative first impression, making it more difficult for you to build trust with the homeowners and potentially hurting your chances of winning their business.
Dealing with Angry Homeowners
Another concern is that the homeowners may be outright angry if they’ve received numerous calls already. They may feel like their privacy has been invaded or that they’re being pressured into making a decision they’re not ready for. In some cases, they may even take out their frustration on you as the agent who happens to be at their front door. This can be an uncomfortable or even dangerous situation, particularly if you’re not prepared to handle it.
Mitigating Risks of Door Knocking
Of course, there are ways to mitigate these risks if you do decide to pursue expired listings through door knocking. For example, you can try to time your visit for a time when you think the homeowners are likely to be home, but haven’t yet received a lot of calls. You can also prepare a script or approach that acknowledges the homeowners’ frustration and positions you as a solution to their problem, rather than just another salesperson. However, it’s important to recognize that this approach may not be the most efficient use of your time, particularly if you’re dealing with homeowners who are resistant or outright hostile to your presence.
In the end, there are many ways to find new clients in the real estate industry, and door knocking expired listings is just one of them. While it can be a successful approach for some agents, it’s important to weigh the potential risks and benefits before you decide to pursue it. By being mindful of the homeowners’ potential reactions and taking steps to mitigate these risks, you can increase your chances of success and build a positive reputation as a trustworthy, empathetic agent in your community.
