While digital marketing has its place, many agents still find that door knocking in real estate remains a powerful way to create face-to-face connections and uncover listing opportunities in their local market. If you’re nervous about knocking on doors, it’s completely normal to worry about being rejected or bothering people. Here’s the thing: door knocking can teach you a lot and give you a distinct advantage over other agents.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through why door-to-door sales still work, its dos and don’ts, real estate door knocking scripts and tips, and tools and apps that make it easier.
If you ask some agents, they may say technology or social media is a much better way to generate leads. But the truth is, there’s room for both online lead generation and door knocking. To succeed in the real estate industry, you need to remember that making personal connections with others, be it clients or vendors, is priceless. That’s something you can achieve by door knocking. According to Curb Hero, 1 out of 5 door-knocking attempts leads to a conversation, and 10% of those conversations will turn into a lead with the right lead nurturing (that’s a 2% lead rate per door knock!). While those rates seem modest, they are direct, personal interactions (unlike cold calls or digital ads) that come with qualitative advantages.
It isn’t outdated — it’s underutilized. Here are some of its benefits.
If you close even just 4 to 5 deals annually from door knocking, it can translate to tens of thousands in commissions, especially with high-ticket properties.
If you’re looking to build trust, deepen your presence in a neighborhood, and create long-term real estate success, door knocking should be in your toolkit. It may not be scalable like ads or flashy like TikTok, but it’s authentic, proven, and personal — and that’s a serious advantage in this relationship-driven business.
Door knocking stands out for relationship building, as it’s the most personal and trust-building approach when compared with social media marketing, online ads, and cold calling.
Always approach door knocking as a relationship-building activity, not a hard sell. When done legally and ethically, it reinforces your reputation, creates valuable community goodwill, and positions you as a trusted local expert, which is the foundation of long-term success in real estate.
Also, check with your local real estate board or broker-in-charge before door knocking. Some firms or MLS regions have their own guidelines that supersede or supplement local laws.
I recommend using a script for consistency, but remember to speak naturally. Also, focus on listening to what the homeowner needs so that you can address their needs.
New agent? Start with the “Curiosity” or “Friendly intro” script to break the ice.
Experienced pro? Try the “Just sold” and “Mythbuster” scripts to showcase your market expertise.
Hi! I know this is unexpected. I’m not selling anything; I’m [name], a neighborhood realtor with [brokerage], just keeping folks updated. Quick question: Have you heard about the [home that sold/listed or new buyer trend] over on [street]? (Then, share the info if they’re interested, and offer your contact details if they’d like to stay in the loop.)
Hello! I’m [name] with [brokerage], and I like to help neighbors with real estate. I’m just introducing myself and sharing a quick local market update with those interested in recent home values. Would it be helpful if I left this [flyer or brochure] with you?
Hi there! I’m [name], a local realtor with [brokerage]. I just helped sell a home down the street at [address], and it actually sold in just [number] days for [price]. I want to keep neighbors in the loop and see if you’ve been curious about your own home’s value lately.
Hi! I’m [name], a neighborhood realtor with [brokerage]. I’d like to share a 2-minute update on how the local market’s performing. Prices have shifted recently, and most are surprised to learn how much their homes are worth today. Would you be open to a free home value report?
Hello! I’m [name] with [brokerage]. I’m chatting with a few neighbors today since a lot of the homeowners think [myth, e.g., that they need to time the market perfectly to sell or that mortgage rates have totally shut things down]. The truth is, it really depends on your goals. Have you had any thoughts about the market lately?
Takeaway: One effective way to build local connections and generate high-quality leads is through real estate agent door knocking, especially when paired with a friendly script and local market insights. The key to mastering door-to-door sales lies in using the scripts that resonate with potential customers.
Just getting started? Start with around five of the tips below to build your comfort and rhythm.
Already a veteran? Use a combination of the tips to optimize your impact and scalability.
Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekdays from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. are great times to catch most people at home. Just remember to be mindful of their time and respect their religious and cultural practices. When planning your door knocking schedule, it’s vital to be flexible and open-minded, considering both weekends and weekdays.
Feeling all worn out at noon doesn’t mean you’ve been working hard; it just means you’re stressed, tired, and probably grumpy — and that’s not the vibe you want when knocking on doors. Nobody wants to chat with a stressed-out stranger on their doorstep! To avoid burning out, knock on about 20 doors each day.
When it comes to realtor outfits to make a great first impression, it’s all about professionalism and confidence. Think of your attire as a way to show off your maturity, creativity, and success. Stick to classic, neutral pieces; remember, you don’t have to spend a fortune to look great. Your outfit should reflect your brand, so consider wearing your logo or brokerage name.
When you visit homeowners, remember to bring a little something to ensure they remember you. It could be a gift certificate to a local store, candy, flower seeds, or any other small gift with your contact info. Feel free to include a card with a cheesy joke to make them smile!
Focus on building genuine connections. If you hit it off with someone, consider taking the next step by calling them, including them in a direct mail or drip campaign, or asking for their contact number to call or text at a more convenient time.
Avoid diving into a hard sales pitch if a homeowner is considering selling. Instead, take it slow by suggesting a phone call, meeting, or inviting them to an open house. Of course, if you meet someone ready to sell, don’t hold back — go ahead and set up that listing presentation appointment without hesitation!
Remember to turn your charm on! A heartfelt compliment can instantly create a bond and open doors to meaningful connections. Find something that genuinely impresses you about the homeowner’s property. It could be their meticulously manicured lawn or their inviting front door decor.
Make it all about them — engage them in conversation, ask questions, and genuinely listen to what they say. The ultimate aim is to establish a solid and lasting rapport.
Avoid coming on too strong with people you don’t know. Most homeowners don’t respond well to a hard sell unless you have an excellent reputation in their neighborhood. Instead, start a friendly conversation by asking if they could use any help or advice with real estate matters. That approach helps you build a good relationship and trust with potential sellers. Listen carefully, and offer helpful information without being pushy to form genuine connections within the community.
Another hard-and-fast rule of lead generation is offering something your leads want. This can be as abstract as a conversation or advice, or as concrete as a well-researched comparative market analysis (CMA) or market report.
You’re doing it wrong if you feel you have nothing to offer. Access to the MLS lets you see if any properties in the neighborhood are expired listings or FSBOs. Package that data in a creative and valuable way!
The key to not being boring is showing potential clients that you care about and want to work with them, so asking open-ended questions and listening to what people say are essential. Their input is crucial because it helps you offer the best service for their needs. Sometimes, people are busy, and you might catch them at the wrong time, so addressing any real estate objections they may have is crucial.
Ask about things like the following:
For safety, consider having a partner when door-knocking in any neighborhood, as you can never predict who might open the door. Additionally, having company can make the experience more enjoyable!
Before the first open house, do some circle prospecting strategies around a new listing. It’s a great way to impress the homeowners and get to know the neighbors. When you have an open house, hand out personal invitations to the neighbors to show them you’re the local expert.
Door hangers are a great way to leave a lasting impression, offering a solid return on investment (ROI) for print marketing. By leaving behind marketing materials with your picture, logo, and contact information on a doorknob, homeowners are more likely to remember you when you return. Follow up in a few days with either a friendly call, postcards, or by sending a neighborhood market analysis through the mail.
If you want to connect with the locals, think about doing something helpful for the community. Participating in the neighborhood cleanup or setting up a clothing drive can get you noticed by everyone and start conversations. Those are great ways to overcome any fears of knocking on doors because they remove all the pressure and give you a reason to be at their door other than to sell something.
You may hesitate to approach potential luxury clients since you assume you have no chance. However, taking a chance might lead to unexpected opportunities. The other good part of knocking on rich people’s doors is that they’re more likely to be entrepreneurs who appreciate a good hustle! Some eccentric billionaire may take a shine to you and give you ten listings to sell this year… Hey, you never know until you try, right?
Keep a tally of the doors you’ve knocked on, the ones where you didn’t have any luck, and the potential candidates for a direct mail campaign. You can use a notepad app to jot down all this info. It’s also important to evaluate your progress and make any necessary changes to improve your approach.
You can start with REDX GeoLeads to gather lead addresses in your target neighborhoods. Then, use Badger Maps to plan the most efficient route. You can use Knockwise to track your visits and log conversations, and Pipedrive to centralize your lead pipeline and manage follow-ups.
Here’s my suggested weekly workflow.
Of course, you don’t need all four of those tools in your tech stack. Take the following as an example:
No, but its effectiveness and perception have evolved. It’s no longer a primary strategy for most agents, but it still offers unique benefits that several modern methods can’t replicate. Those include a direct, personal human connection, the low cost, hyper-local targeting, and instant feedback. Door knocking can still be effective if you are respectful and consistent, know your audience (e.g., longtime homeowners and new families), and pair it with digital strategies.
Yes, door knocking for real estate is generally legal in the US, given freedom of speech and the noncommercial exemption from the Federal “Do Not Call.”
The ROI of door knocking in real estate can vary widely depending on your approach, market conditions, and consistency. While it’s not as easily measurable as digital marketing, many agents still see solid ROI, especially when factoring in low upfront costs (expenses are almost zero if you don’t print marketing materials).
Given our above data of a 20% door-knocking attempt leading to a conversation, assume that you knock on 200 doors. You’ll have 40 conversations (200 doors × 20%) and four leads (10% of 40 conversations). Say one of them lands you a listing given solid follow-up, so you’ll receive a commission of $30,000 (assumed from the sale). Your ROI will look like this:
As your colleagues increasingly rely on technology, it’s time to consider a different approach. Step outside, knock on some doors, and establish those personal connections that can truly distinguish you in the real estate industry. Your unique connections can set you apart and make you feel valued and important.
Do you think door knocking has or will become a thing of the past? Let us know in the comment section below
The post Door Knocking in Real Estate: Connection Over Clicks [+ Scripts & Tips] appeared first on The Close.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through why door-to-door sales still work, its dos and don’ts, real estate door knocking scripts and tips, and tools and apps that make it easier.
The surprising power of door knocking and why it still works today
If you ask some agents, they may say technology or social media is a much better way to generate leads. But the truth is, there’s room for both online lead generation and door knocking. To succeed in the real estate industry, you need to remember that making personal connections with others, be it clients or vendors, is priceless. That’s something you can achieve by door knocking. According to Curb Hero, 1 out of 5 door-knocking attempts leads to a conversation, and 10% of those conversations will turn into a lead with the right lead nurturing (that’s a 2% lead rate per door knock!). While those rates seem modest, they are direct, personal interactions (unlike cold calls or digital ads) that come with qualitative advantages.
It isn’t outdated — it’s underutilized. Here are some of its benefits.
-
Is personal in a digital world: It allows you to speak with homeowners or residents in your target market, enabling you to build trust and rapport more effectively than digital communication. These are warm interactions, not anonymous online impressions, and they build trust and familiarity, which are key in real estate transactions.
- Helps you take a targeted approach: It aids you in targeting specific neighborhoods or areas where you want to focus your business, and you get to introduce yourself as the expert in the community. Every door knock increases local brand recognition and your visibility, and it positions you as someone committed enough to be there physically.
- Offers real-time feedback and adaptability: It provides a unique opportunity to get feedback from homeowners, allowing you to understand their needs and preferences better. You can also refine your pitch right away based on facial expressions, tone, and interest. With door knocking, you trade time for personal connection and organic trust, something that can’t be bought through automation.
- Is budget-friendly: It is accessible for individuals and small businesses, as minimal investment is required, primarily for materials and transportation. It’s a low-cost strategy, optimal if you have more time than you do money. All you need is a smile and a script, which I offer below.
If you close even just 4 to 5 deals annually from door knocking, it can translate to tens of thousands in commissions, especially with high-ticket properties.
It could be your competitive advantage.
| Door knocking vs a few popular lead generation methods | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Door knocking 
| Social marketing 
| Digital ads 
| Cold calling 
| |
| Cost | Low | Low to moderate | High | Low to moderate |
| Effort level | High | Moderate to high | Moderate | High |
| Lead quality | High | Variable | High | Low to moderate |
| Scalability | Limited | High | High | High |
| Relationship building | Excellent | Moderate | Moderate | Low to moderate |
| Speed of results | Moderate | Moderate | Fast | Fast |
| Key benefit | Instant trust in your farm area | Emotional connection and authority at scale | Precision targeting with quick lead flow | Easy to start; proven in many sales models |
| Key challenge | Time-intensive; occasional rejection | Content demands consistency and creativity | Expensive; ad fatigue; requires testing & optimization | Intrusive; regulation issues; low answer & connection rate |
If you’re looking to build trust, deepen your presence in a neighborhood, and create long-term real estate success, door knocking should be in your toolkit. It may not be scalable like ads or flashy like TikTok, but it’s authentic, proven, and personal — and that’s a serious advantage in this relationship-driven business.
Door knocking stands out for relationship building, as it’s the most personal and trust-building approach when compared with social media marketing, online ads, and cold calling.
- Social media marketing is a valuable long-term tool for personal branding. It helps you connect emotionally over time, especially with past clients and your sphere, but it’s easy to get lost in the scroll unless you’re consistently creating content. Door knocking, by contrast, cuts through the noise with immediate interaction. It brings warmth and intent that no TikTok reel can replicate.
- Paid online ads can generate clicks, but door knocking generates conversations. And while it doesn’t offer the same speed or scale, it doesn’t require a hefty ad budget either. Where ads reach leads passively through screens, door knocking puts you physically in the neighborhood, building visibility and local presence in a way no digital impression can match.
- Unlike cold calling, where you may be met with suspicion or voicemail, door knocking gives you the rare chance to make a real, human impression, complete with body language, tone, and neighborhood familiarity. People may hang up on a phone call, but are far less likely to forget a professional, friendly face at their front door.
Do this, not that (The legal and ethical edition)
Always approach door knocking as a relationship-building activity, not a hard sell. When done legally and ethically, it reinforces your reputation, creates valuable community goodwill, and positions you as a trusted local expert, which is the foundation of long-term success in real estate.
Also, check with your local real estate board or broker-in-charge before door knocking. Some firms or MLS regions have their own guidelines that supersede or supplement local laws.
| Dos | Don'ts |
|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
I recommend using a script for consistency, but remember to speak naturally. Also, focus on listening to what the homeowner needs so that you can address their needs.
Door knocking scripts that open doors (literally)
New agent? Start with the “Curiosity” or “Friendly intro” script to break the ice.
Experienced pro? Try the “Just sold” and “Mythbuster” scripts to showcase your market expertise.
1. Curiosity opener
- Use when: You are approaching strangers who may not expect a visit.
Hi! I know this is unexpected. I’m not selling anything; I’m [name], a neighborhood realtor with [brokerage], just keeping folks updated. Quick question: Have you heard about the [home that sold/listed or new buyer trend] over on [street]? (Then, share the info if they’re interested, and offer your contact details if they’d like to stay in the loop.)
- Why it works: It’s disarming and conversational — not at all scripted.
- Tip: Keep the conversation short and warm. Your goal is to have a friendly conversation.
2. Friendly intro with value hook
- Use when: You are door-knocking in a new area.
Hello! I’m [name] with [brokerage], and I like to help neighbors with real estate. I’m just introducing myself and sharing a quick local market update with those interested in recent home values. Would it be helpful if I left this [flyer or brochure] with you?
- Why it works: It’s informative and low pressure, and it positions you as helpful yet not intrusive.
- Tip: Smile and stand at a respectable distance, ideally 3 feet away from the door.
3. Just sold
- Use when: You recently sold a nearby home.
Hi there! I’m [name], a local realtor with [brokerage]. I just helped sell a home down the street at [address], and it actually sold in just [number] days for [price]. I want to keep neighbors in the loop and see if you’ve been curious about your own home’s value lately.
- Why it works: It’s casual and informative, and it positions you as a neighborhood expert without pushing a sale.
- Tip: Bring a real estate flyer with sale details and a QR code for a free home value estimate.
4. Market update
- Use when: You want to offer a neighborhood market report.
Hi! I’m [name], a neighborhood realtor with [brokerage]. I’d like to share a 2-minute update on how the local market’s performing. Prices have shifted recently, and most are surprised to learn how much their homes are worth today. Would you be open to a free home value report?
- Why it works: It offers value and triggers curiosity, as you’re not pitching a sale.
- Tip: Leave a simple market report with your photo, name, and contact info. You may also add a QR code to a home valuation tool, like Zillow’s Zestimate.
5. Mythbuster
- Use when: You want to spark a conversation by challenging real estate misconceptions.
Hello! I’m [name] with [brokerage]. I’m chatting with a few neighbors today since a lot of the homeowners think [myth, e.g., that they need to time the market perfectly to sell or that mortgage rates have totally shut things down]. The truth is, it really depends on your goals. Have you had any thoughts about the market lately?
- Why it works: It positions you as the local expert and prompts homeowners to engage in real conversation, even if they’re not actively buying, selling, or investing.
- Tip: Follow up with a thought-provoking, open-ended question, like, “Out of curiosity, if the timing and numbers actually made sense, would selling in the next 6 to 12 months even be on your radar?” That respects their space while subtly uncovering interest and shifts the conversation from “Not interested” to “Maybe, if the facts lined up.” Then, you’ll be seen as a problem-solver, not a pushy salesperson.
Takeaway: One effective way to build local connections and generate high-quality leads is through real estate agent door knocking, especially when paired with a friendly script and local market insights. The key to mastering door-to-door sales lies in using the scripts that resonate with potential customers.
Modern door knocking tips with zero cringe
Just getting started? Start with around five of the tips below to build your comfort and rhythm.
Already a veteran? Use a combination of the tips to optimize your impact and scalability.
1. Learn the best days and times to door knock in your area.
Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and weekdays from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. are great times to catch most people at home. Just remember to be mindful of their time and respect their religious and cultural practices. When planning your door knocking schedule, it’s vital to be flexible and open-minded, considering both weekends and weekdays.
2. Don’t knock on too many doors in one day.
Feeling all worn out at noon doesn’t mean you’ve been working hard; it just means you’re stressed, tired, and probably grumpy — and that’s not the vibe you want when knocking on doors. Nobody wants to chat with a stressed-out stranger on their doorstep! To avoid burning out, knock on about 20 doors each day.
3. Dress for success and comfort.
When it comes to realtor outfits to make a great first impression, it’s all about professionalism and confidence. Think of your attire as a way to show off your maturity, creativity, and success. Stick to classic, neutral pieces; remember, you don’t have to spend a fortune to look great. Your outfit should reflect your brand, so consider wearing your logo or brokerage name.
4. Bring fun pop-by gifts.
When you visit homeowners, remember to bring a little something to ensure they remember you. It could be a gift certificate to a local store, candy, flower seeds, or any other small gift with your contact info. Feel free to include a card with a cheesy joke to make them smile!
- Related resource: Real Estate Pop-by Ideas to Get More Referrals
5. Don’t try to close the deal on a doorstep.
Focus on building genuine connections. If you hit it off with someone, consider taking the next step by calling them, including them in a direct mail or drip campaign, or asking for their contact number to call or text at a more convenient time.
Avoid diving into a hard sales pitch if a homeowner is considering selling. Instead, take it slow by suggesting a phone call, meeting, or inviting them to an open house. Of course, if you meet someone ready to sell, don’t hold back — go ahead and set up that listing presentation appointment without hesitation!
- Related resources:
- Underrated Real Estate Lead Generation Ideas
- Don’ts of Cold Calling for Agents & What to Do Instead
- Best Real Estate Text Message Scripts for Agents
6. Compliment the property.
Remember to turn your charm on! A heartfelt compliment can instantly create a bond and open doors to meaningful connections. Find something that genuinely impresses you about the homeowner’s property. It could be their meticulously manicured lawn or their inviting front door decor.
Make it all about them — engage them in conversation, ask questions, and genuinely listen to what they say. The ultimate aim is to establish a solid and lasting rapport.
7. Offer to help.
Avoid coming on too strong with people you don’t know. Most homeowners don’t respond well to a hard sell unless you have an excellent reputation in their neighborhood. Instead, start a friendly conversation by asking if they could use any help or advice with real estate matters. That approach helps you build a good relationship and trust with potential sellers. Listen carefully, and offer helpful information without being pushy to form genuine connections within the community.
8. Add value.
Another hard-and-fast rule of lead generation is offering something your leads want. This can be as abstract as a conversation or advice, or as concrete as a well-researched comparative market analysis (CMA) or market report.
You’re doing it wrong if you feel you have nothing to offer. Access to the MLS lets you see if any properties in the neighborhood are expired listings or FSBOs. Package that data in a creative and valuable way!
- Related resources:
- How To Do a CMA
- Best Expired Listing Scripts + Best Practices
- Best FSBO Scripts To Get More Listings
9. Ask open-ended questions.
The key to not being boring is showing potential clients that you care about and want to work with them, so asking open-ended questions and listening to what people say are essential. Their input is crucial because it helps you offer the best service for their needs. Sometimes, people are busy, and you might catch them at the wrong time, so addressing any real estate objections they may have is crucial.
Ask about things like the following:
- “What do you look for in a potential property?”
- “What’s important to you in a neighborhood?”
- “What would your ideal home look like?”
- “What are your biggest priorities when buying a home?”
- “Can you tell me about your experience with real estate so far?”
10. Knock with a partner.
For safety, consider having a partner when door-knocking in any neighborhood, as you can never predict who might open the door. Additionally, having company can make the experience more enjoyable!
- Related resource: Top Real Estate Safety Apps You Need to Know About
11. Invite them to the first open house at a new listing.
Before the first open house, do some circle prospecting strategies around a new listing. It’s a great way to impress the homeowners and get to know the neighbors. When you have an open house, hand out personal invitations to the neighbors to show them you’re the local expert.
12. Bring your door hangers.
Door hangers are a great way to leave a lasting impression, offering a solid return on investment (ROI) for print marketing. By leaving behind marketing materials with your picture, logo, and contact information on a doorknob, homeowners are more likely to remember you when you return. Follow up in a few days with either a friendly call, postcards, or by sending a neighborhood market analysis through the mail.
- Related resources:
13. Participate in the community’s good deeds.
If you want to connect with the locals, think about doing something helpful for the community. Participating in the neighborhood cleanup or setting up a clothing drive can get you noticed by everyone and start conversations. Those are great ways to overcome any fears of knocking on doors because they remove all the pressure and give you a reason to be at their door other than to sell something.
14. Don’t be afraid of luxury neighborhoods.
You may hesitate to approach potential luxury clients since you assume you have no chance. However, taking a chance might lead to unexpected opportunities. The other good part of knocking on rich people’s doors is that they’re more likely to be entrepreneurs who appreciate a good hustle! Some eccentric billionaire may take a shine to you and give you ten listings to sell this year… Hey, you never know until you try, right?
- Related resource: How To Become a Luxury Real Estate Agent
15. Track your progress.
Keep a tally of the doors you’ve knocked on, the ones where you didn’t have any luck, and the potential candidates for a direct mail campaign. You can use a notepad app to jot down all this info. It’s also important to evaluate your progress and make any necessary changes to improve your approach.
Tools that make door knocking easier
REDX GeoLeads | 
Badger Maps | 
Knockwise | 
Pipedrive | |
| Use for | Lead data by area | Route optimization | Knock tracking | CRM & follow-up |
| Monthly pricing | $60 | $69 | Undisclosed; start with free trial | $19 |
| Mobile app | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| True offline app capability | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ | ✓ |
| Key features |
|
|
|
|
| Visit REDX GeoLeads | Visit Badger Maps | Visit Knockwise | Visit Pipedrive |
How to combine the tools for an ideal door-knocking workflow
You can start with REDX GeoLeads to gather lead addresses in your target neighborhoods. Then, use Badger Maps to plan the most efficient route. You can use Knockwise to track your visits and log conversations, and Pipedrive to centralize your lead pipeline and manage follow-ups.
Here’s my suggested weekly workflow.
| Focus | Tools | Tasks | Outcome | |
| Monday | Lead prospecting & segmentation | REDX GeoLeads |
| Prioritized list of 100 to 150 targeted leads |
| Tuesday | Route optimization & preparation | Badger Maps and Knockwise |
| Door-knocking plan with ready-to-log lead list |
| Wednesday & Thursday | Execution | Knockwise |
| Logged visits and real-time notes for follow-ups |
| Friday | CRM syncing & automation | Pipedrive |
| Centralized lead management and follow-up tasks |
| Saturday | Reviewing & planning | Pipedrive and Badger Maps |
| Optimized plan for the next week |
Of course, you don’t need all four of those tools in your tech stack. Take the following as an example:
- You can use just REDX GeoLeads and Knockwise for hyper-local lead farming, where REDX gets you the leads, while Knockwise manages the canvassing and follow-ups.
- You can also go with only Badger Maps and Pipedrive for relationship-based selling and efficient driving routes, where Badger Maps makes your time on the road more efficient and Pipedrive handles the CRM tasks.
- Related resource: How To Get Clients in Real Estate
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Is door knocking outdated?
No, but its effectiveness and perception have evolved. It’s no longer a primary strategy for most agents, but it still offers unique benefits that several modern methods can’t replicate. Those include a direct, personal human connection, the low cost, hyper-local targeting, and instant feedback. Door knocking can still be effective if you are respectful and consistent, know your audience (e.g., longtime homeowners and new families), and pair it with digital strategies.
Is it legal to door knock for real estate?
Yes, door knocking for real estate is generally legal in the US, given freedom of speech and the noncommercial exemption from the Federal “Do Not Call.”
What's the ROI of door knocking?
The ROI of door knocking in real estate can vary widely depending on your approach, market conditions, and consistency. While it’s not as easily measurable as digital marketing, many agents still see solid ROI, especially when factoring in low upfront costs (expenses are almost zero if you don’t print marketing materials).
Given our above data of a 20% door-knocking attempt leading to a conversation, assume that you knock on 200 doors. You’ll have 40 conversations (200 doors × 20%) and four leads (10% of 40 conversations). Say one of them lands you a listing given solid follow-up, so you’ll receive a commission of $30,000 (assumed from the sale). Your ROI will look like this:
- Time investment: 10 hours
- Out-of-pocket costs: $50 (fuel expense)
- ROI per hour: $2,995 ($30,000 − $50 = $29,950 → $29,950 ÷ 10 hours)
The final walkthrough
As your colleagues increasingly rely on technology, it’s time to consider a different approach. Step outside, knock on some doors, and establish those personal connections that can truly distinguish you in the real estate industry. Your unique connections can set you apart and make you feel valued and important.
Do you think door knocking has or will become a thing of the past? Let us know in the comment section below
The post Door Knocking in Real Estate: Connection Over Clicks [+ Scripts & Tips] appeared first on The Close.