Todays Experience with a Door Knock

[pinkytee]

I heard recently a fresh approach, maybe for people with kids, is to just take your kid and pu rse, no paperwork, or hidden in purse or pocket, and knock on door.  When they see the kids, they open up the door and you say that you are "looking for a house in the neighborhood, and you want to know if they know anyone who is selling"
I guess it makes them take the guard down and they may confess they want to sell.  If they say no, you don't have any friction at the door and you can both part ways with dignity.
Also, if the homeowner lets you in- walk around, and then write up an intent to purchase on a legal pad (sounds strange I know) or a contract you have in the purse.  (at least it shows you have something in case you find a deal), and then work out a price and then assign it.
You can say you like the house but it isin't exactly what you are looking for but you have a few others that would like it....that type of thing.
i havent tried it but I have 2 kids and am tossing around the idea....I told the kids of they come oout with me and mommy gets a deal, I will give them $100...if no success, maybe a happy meal!  :

You might want to try just being  honest.  If there is a lie involved, the deal is sure to fail.  Homeowners are already on the defense as it is.  My advice to you is to treat them how you would want to be treated.  RESPECTED!  Your approach would absolutely turn me off.  Ask them what you can do to help, let them answer you.  They will probly say as you have already experienced " I've already taken care of it."
It helps to repeat what they say a few times, like three times to sound familiar with them.  You could say " You took care of it? Great!  What have you done so far?"
They may say" We hired an attorney."
You would then say, "You hired an attorney? Smart move."
"What did the attorney say they were going to do?"

By doing this, you not only sound familiar and friendly, but you also affirmed them by agreeing with them for thier decision.  " Smart Move"
I just think you need to take a friendlier approach and stay honest.  Are you truely trying to help them.  They will feel if you are or not.

[stantheman]

I wouldnt take my kids with me, too distracting. I also agree that its kind of shady. Come on, who goes house shopping with their kids, and has a purchase agreement in their pocket?

I doubt you will have many problems knocking on peoples door. Seriously, if you are tactful, what are they going to do on their own property? I saw some guidelines for local realtors on the MLS. Before knocking on the door, call someone and tell them to call you in, oh 10 minutes. tell them the file they are looking for is in the green folder (everythings OK) or its in the red folder (HELP).

2 people is safer but much more intimidating to the owner. Nobody wants to deal with one salesperson let alone 2.

[RELinda]

As much as I hear people are successful with door knocking, I tried it on about 30 doors with no success.  I would leave a note on the door after knocking and go around the block, and sure enough, the note would be gone---they were hiding in the house.  They are getting bombarded with process servers, bill collectors, and they get good at hiding.  
The ones who answered the door were lying or said they "took care of it".  None of them seemed interested in selling or talking for that matter.....
It seems like the thing to do, but getting yourself to do it after 3 weeks and about 30-50 doors with no success, and the price of gas, I would rather send a good letter and pray for a call I guess.  
Unless the house is in your backyard. .......
I agree with the kids or if you are a woman its dangerous, but then again, how many people would let 2 men in their house if they are home alone????

[pinkytee]

I agree!  I would absolutely NOT let two men into my house if I were home alone.
As far as the door knocking thing, I actually just got back from leaving some notes on doors!  Like you said, you drive around the block and they are GONE!

Seems to work for me also!
Talk to y'all later!

[JudeProd]

I was a realtor in the Chicago area for more than 12 years.  I door-knocked regularly during good weather in a prospecting "farm" area.  I'm female, 5 feet tall.  I never had any problems with owners -- almost with a doberman, though!  You kind of get back the attitude you give out. -- friendly gets friendly.

[cherdwelth]

Problem is, you aren't dealing with the normal homeowner - you are dealing with someone who is losing their house, has no place to go, no money, feels scared and resentful, and has been hounded by many others like yourself.

If you are just farming a neighborhood, that's one thing - but if you are knocking on pre-forclosure houses - you'll probably mert up with something much more menacing than a cute little dobe.

BTW - I own a doberman and they are sweet as can be. :0)

[JudeProd]

I know about Dobes.  My daughter has dobermans and pitbulls.  They just knock me over with kisses!