Gene Joyce, Real Estate Agent serving Fayetteville and NW Ark (Keller Williams Market Pro Realty)

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Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The right Charlotte REALTOR!

4) Your sphere!

Followed by 5) Your website/blogging/social media and then direct mail!

Oct 01, 2017 09:48 PM
Rainmaker
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Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
& Host of Postcards From Success Podcast

#1 and #2 go together, one without the other is "almost" pointless and this implies you know them.

#3 popping by people that know you works, door knocking strangers in 2017, not so much in CA.

My point being all this is done to your database, not strangers.

Oct 02, 2017 05:15 AM
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Bob Crane
Woodland Management Service / Woodland Real Estate, KW Diversified - Stevens Point, WI
Forestland Experts! 715-204-9671

The phone is my friend, and business partner.

Oct 01, 2017 10:20 PM
Rainmaker
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Jeff Pearl
RE/MAX Distinctive / LIC in VA - Lovettsville, VA
Full Service Full Time Realtor

Direct mail. Door knocking and phone calls here will guarantee you won't pick up a lead. One annoying agent called us 6 or 7 times recently and left messages on our home phone, and also sent emails as well trying to find out about a property where we have tenants in. She wanted to know if it was for sale. She said she asked some neighbors that told her it was rented. Her last message, she stated that she still trying to fnd out, and was planning on stopping by our house since she hadn't her back from us. That was last straw, I won't say what my response was, but now her and her broker know that they better never contact us again, and that better never set foot on any of our properties for any reason.

Oct 02, 2017 05:04 AM
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Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Direct mail marketing is my method of choice.... it can be mass mailings or smaller target mailings.... it costs money but that's what it takes to get business today.... 

Oct 02, 2017 04:26 AM
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James Dray
Fathom Realty - Bentonville, AR

I'll go with what Barbara Todaro would say and that would be direct mail.  Having said that I've tried door to door with some success.

Oct 02, 2017 04:17 AM
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Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

In 25 years I've never done cold calling or door knocking and don't expect I ever will. I get new leads from my sphere and past clients and the remaining typically come from my website.

Oct 02, 2017 12:57 AM
Rainmaker
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Chuck Mixon
The Keyes Company - Cutler Bay, FL
Cutler Bay Specialist, GRI, CDPE, BPOR

I was looking for none of the above.  I really feel that today's customer is on the Internet searching and you need to connect with them and service their needs. Most agents do not give quick response. When a customer get an agent that answers the phone and send out information as promised, they tend to keep your number on speed dial. Now all you need to do is show them what they want and they will make an offer.

Oct 01, 2017 10:33 PM
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Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

First of all my sphere, including agents I know around the country, and direct mail

Oct 01, 2017 10:10 PM
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Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

I believe direct mail will  give good results if the content is the right content.

Oct 01, 2017 08:32 PM
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Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Los Angeles Pasadena 818.516.4393

It depends on the individual.  When I was new to the business I tried all three methods you mention, Gene.  

Direct mail will be costliest in terms of $$$ but may be more time efficient in the long run but remember the results will not likely be immediate.  Have enough reserves to be consistent.

Door knocking and calls cost relatively little money.  I tried both and found they weren't the best fit especially cold calling.

Additionally:

Open houses have been a good source of leads for me but they need to be well-planned.    They may or may not work for you or your area.

I took floor time when I was new and although the world of real estate has changed, there are still agents who can make this work.

Sphere of influence --- get out there and be face-to-face with people you know and who care about you.  Do things you like and be known.  

Good luck.  Find the right fit for you.  

Oct 02, 2017 05:22 AM
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Scott Godzyk
Godzyk Real Estate Services - Manchester, NH
One of the Manchester NH's area Leading Agents

I can say consumers hate cold calls as much as a stranger knocking on their door. Direct mail works great when you use the right mailer and send it to the right audience. I love using my Active rain blog to reach new clients. I share zero leads and all are fresh.

Oct 02, 2017 05:22 AM
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Gloria Valvasori, Accredited Senior Agent
BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS REAL ESTATE SIGNATURE SERVICE - Mississauga, ON
REAL Experience | REAL Commitment | REAL Results!

I've always found door to door more productive.  I face to face is so much better than getting a flyer in the mail tht usually get tosse dout.  People are usually very friendly, and I've much success by doing this..

Oct 02, 2017 05:19 AM
Rainmaker
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Annette Lawrence , Palm Harbor, FL 727-420-4041
ReMax Realtec Group - Palm Harbor, FL
Making FLORIDA Real Estate EZ

Gene, I assume you provided these three for a very specific reason. Those may be the three you are currently considering for whatever reason. I could suggest Devine Intervention, but that is not on your list.

Of the three you suggest, direct mail is the easiest but requires sustained effort. So #1 will be the action most encouraged, most easily accessible and allows the agent to avoid discomfort. 

However, if you couple #1 with a door knock, you will have a high likelihood of capturing the immediate 90 day market and get a good start on community list building.

Cold calls will prove counter productive especially to the Psyche of the one making the calls. Warm calls, however, are HIGHLY effective.

WARNING: if the message delivered is "Thinking of buying or selling?" it will not matter which method you choose, because no one will hear you.

Oct 02, 2017 05:17 AM
Rainmaker
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Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

2 and 3 require no money, just time. I would ask a different question: Who are you targeting and what is your message?

Oct 02, 2017 05:02 AM
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Tony and Suzanne Marriott, Associate Brokers
Serving the Greater Phoenix and Scottsdale Metropolitan Area - Scottsdale, AZ
Haven Express @ Keller Williams Arizona Realty

Best way? Direct mail.

Cheapest way?  Doors number 2 and 3

Oct 02, 2017 04:46 AM
Rainmaker
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Brenda Mayette
Miranda Real Estate Group, Inc. - Glenville, NY
Getting results w/ knowledge & know-how!

I vote 1 as long as it has a valuable "hook". 

Oct 02, 2017 04:24 AM
Rainer
213,213
Dennis Swartz
Full Circle Property Management - Columbus, OH
MBA, GRI...experience counts!

Old school today? Mail is still king of those 3!

Oct 02, 2017 01:49 AM
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Jennifer Mackay
Counts Real Estate Group, Inc. - Panama City, FL
Your Bay County Florida Realtor 850.774.6582

For me it is none of the ones you've outlined... sorry

Oct 03, 2017 09:50 AM
Rainmaker
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Anthony Acosta - ALLATLANTACONDOS.COM
Harry Norman, REALTORS® - Atlanta, GA
Associate Broker

None of the above.  My personal Website.

Oct 02, 2017 04:02 PM
Rainmaker
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Inna Ivchenko
Barcode Properties - Encino, CA
Realtor® • GRI • HAFA • PSC Calabasas CA

It is completely up to your preferences and your budget. Cold door knocking is the cheap but solid way, direct marketing requires $$$ and takes time. Cold calling is probably the least effective way with all restrictions and min home phones these days. 

Oct 02, 2017 02:55 PM
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Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate

I mail to a specific niche target market and then follow up with a phone call. This is in additional to content and posting on my blog on my websites. I also sending a light-hearted email to my database every three weeks.  All work together well. 

Oct 02, 2017 08:12 AM
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Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Gene,

I think you have great answers here.  What I would add is meeting people, whether in service organizations or social events...face to face!

Oct 02, 2017 07:16 AM
Rainmaker
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Richard Weeks
Dallas, TX
REALTOR®, Broker

Yes in that order.

Oct 02, 2017 07:13 AM
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J.R. Schloemer, CRS
Kentucky Select Properties - Louisville, KY

I've knocked on doors to let neighbors know of open houses, new listings, & just solds and it ain't pretty! It has been the biggest waste of my time. I think a direct mail, after you have the internet presence up and running is ideal. Got to keep the blogs rolling and the site relevant. If you really want to get the biggest bang for your buck, work your sphere and let them work for you.

Oct 02, 2017 07:04 AM
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Michael Setunsky
Woodbridge, VA
Your Commercial Real Estate Link to Northern VA

Gene Joyce 4) Face-to-face networking.

Oct 02, 2017 07:03 AM
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Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Face to face contacts and your networking will bring positive results.

Oct 02, 2017 07:01 AM
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Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Direct mail of the 3 choices. First is working your sphere!

Oct 02, 2017 06:07 AM
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Fred Griffin Florida Real Estate
Fred Griffin Real Estate - Tallahassee, FL
Licensed Florida Real Estate Broker

SOI 

Internet presence.

Direct mail.

Oct 02, 2017 06:04 AM
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Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

4. Networking, 5. Social Media 6. Blogging, and the list goes on.

Oct 02, 2017 05:38 AM
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Evelina Tsigelnitskaya
SIB Realty - Sunny Isles Beach, FL

1) Direct Mail

Oct 17, 2019 04:29 PM
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Valeria Mola
SIB Realty - Miami, Sunny Isles Beach - Sunny Isles Beach, FL
305-607-0709 SIB Realty Condos for Sale and Rent

1) Direct Mail 

Jul 06, 2019 01:04 PM
Rainmaker
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Luke Acree
ReminderMedia - King of Prussia, PA
Making Agents Memorable

Direct mail is by far the best, but you have to maximze the ROI on the piece with proper tracking and follow up!

Oct 31, 2017 09:14 AM
Rainmaker
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Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Definitely blogging with the right keywords, do open houses and your sphere.

Oct 05, 2017 07:07 AM
Rainmaker
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Sandy Padula & Norm Padula, JD, GRI
HomeSmart Realty West & Florida Realty Investments - , CA
Presence, Persistence & Perseverance

We use Predictive Analytics then knock on their doors.

Oct 04, 2017 02:18 PM
Rainmaker
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Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Follow Barbara Todaro, She always has great suggestions.

 

Oct 04, 2017 10:23 AM
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Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

between those three direct mail, but it's not my #1 or #2 or #3 source of business.

Oct 03, 2017 09:45 PM
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William Feela
WHISPERING PINES REALTY - North Branch, MN
Realtor, Whispering Pines Realty 651-674-5999 No.

I like number 2

Oct 03, 2017 07:24 PM
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Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Andover, MA
Andover, MA: Andover Luxury Homes For Sale

Gene Joyce - I'd add #4) Call Sphere of Influence and ask for referrals. (Simplest of all!)

Oct 02, 2017 11:04 PM
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Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

Depends 

Oct 02, 2017 06:34 PM
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Lise Howe
Keller Williams Capital Properties - Washington, DC
Assoc. Broker in DC, MD, VA and attorney in DC

4- sphere

Oct 02, 2017 04:54 PM
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Gene Joyce
Keller Williams Market Pro Realty - Fayetteville, AR
Real Estate Agent serving Fayetteville and NW Ark

I want to thank everyone for the great answers and the great insight. I do realize I am showing my age. My question should have been "What are the best strategies to get new listings and new clients?".

Oct 02, 2017 04:12 PM
Rainmaker
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Sam Shueh
(408) 425-1601 - San Jose, CA
mba, cdpe, reopro, pe

Meet a real person

Oct 02, 2017 11:18 AM
Rainmaker
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Ryan Huggins - Thousand Oaks, CA
https://HugginsHomes.com - Thousand Oaks, CA
Residential Real Estate and Investment Properties

Picking one and being consistent about it.  All will work, some better than others, but just know it is not a "one and done" thing, but a marathon.

Oct 02, 2017 11:14 AM
Rainmaker
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Donna Foerster
HomeSmart Realty Group - Parker, CO
Metro Denver Real Estate Assistant

I think that is really a personal preference. What are you good at? Are you better on the phone, or in person? Do you want to avoid the personal contact, then mail.

Oct 02, 2017 10:23 AM
Rainmaker
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Doug Dawes
Keller Williams Evolution - 447 Boston Street Topsfield, MA - Georgetown, MA
Your Personal Realtor®

The best way, imho, is to use every method but talking to people is the best Gene Joyce 

Oct 02, 2017 07:44 AM