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Published on:

27th Jun 2025

Knock Knock! What Happens When You Door-to-Door Like a Pro?

Yo, we’re diving into the wild world of door knocking today! I’m sharing my journey from hustling hard to snag my first real estate deals by literally knocking on doors. We’re talkin’ about some pretty crazy stories, like the time I dealt with a hoarder’s house and had to move tons of stuff to close the deal. I’ll spill the beans on what to look for when you’re out there canvassing neighborhoods—think overgrown lawns and houses that could use a lil’ TLC. Plus, I’ll drop some tips on how to keep it casual and chill while you're at it, because let’s be real, not everyone’s gonna roll out the welcome mat. So, grab your notepad and let’s get this door-knocking party started!

How I Closed My First Wholesale Deal Knocking Doors

Visit https://www.paynelessflipping.com to learn how to do real estate deals the payneless way!

Let’s dive into the hustle of door-knocking for real estate, where I spill the tea on my wild experiences and the ups and downs of the game. So, picture me, a five-year veteran in the biz, standing in front of a hoarder’s house I flipped years ago, thinking back to the crazy times I had to clean that joint out. You know, we’re talking two gigantic moving trucks packed to the brim with stuff! I mean, who knew a house could hold so much junk? But hey, it was all worth it because it got me one of my first deals. I share my tips on how to spot houses that might need a little TLC and how I approach potential sellers without coming off as a salesy weirdo. You gotta keep it casual and friendly, right? It’s all about finding that balance between being direct and chill. So, as I walk through the neighborhood, I’m looking for those tell-tale signs – like overgrown lawns or houses that look like they could use a makeover. I chat with locals and ask if they’ve heard of anyone selling, keeping the convo light and fun. Because honestly, knocking on doors is like a box of chocolates – you never know what you’re gonna get! Sometimes, you meet cool folks like Elaine, who’s been living in her house since 1955. Imagine the stories she could tell! But other times, it’s a tough crowd, and you just gotta brush it off and keep moving. So grab your notepad and let’s get to knocking, because who knows what gems we might find?

Takeaways:

  • Knocking on doors can be a wild ride, but it's all about finding opportunities.
  • Don't take it personally if people are rude; just keep smiling and moving on.
  • When looking for houses, aim for ones that need a little TLC, not the shiny new ones.
  • Timing is key: knock when folks are home, usually between 4 and 8 PM.
  • Always be friendly and leave people feeling better; compliments work wonders!
  • Remember: you can't convince someone to sell their house; you gotta find the right leads.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

  • Dish Network
Transcript
Speaker A:

What's going on?

Speaker A:

Investor Thrive nation.

Speaker A:

I'm about to knock doors.

Speaker A:

And I'm about to show you guys the first houses I wholesaled from knocking doors.

Speaker A:

Five years later, we're in front of this house.

Speaker A:

The lady's name was Barbara.

Speaker A:

It was a crazy story.

Speaker A:

The house was stacked up.

Speaker A:

It was.

Speaker A:

It was a hoarder's house and we had to clean that thing out.

Speaker A:

I offered to move her.

Speaker A:

Took way too long.

Speaker A:

I had two 26 foot trucks that we packed up and I drove them myself.

Speaker A:

Now I don't really do that anymore, but I did just to get one of my first deals.

Speaker A:

Let's go knock on the door to see if they're selling again.

Speaker A:

So I won't walk on their lawn.

Speaker A:

That looks like a nice lawn.

Speaker A:

Doesn't look like they'd be selling.

Speaker A:

Looks like they take really good care of the house.

Speaker A:

Unlike the previous owner that we got it from.

Speaker A:

But hey, great memories of me having to take the move this person.

Speaker A:

We're on camera.

Speaker A:

Well, you're on camera too.

Speaker A:

Hey, how you doing today, sir?

Speaker A:

Hey, I was just.

Speaker A:

Don't record me.

Speaker A:

Yeah, we're done.

Speaker A:

No worries.

Speaker A:

We don't have to record you.

Speaker A:

But I did.

Speaker A:

I'm not interested in anything you're trying to sell.

Speaker A:

Oh, no, I'm not selling anything.

Speaker A:

I just have a question.

Speaker A:

Are you guys by chance, do you know anyone that's selling in the neighborhood or are you by chance selling?

Speaker A:

We're just trying to find if, you know, people are selling their homes.

Speaker A:

Okay.

Speaker A:

How do you like the home, by the way?

Speaker A:

Love it.

Speaker A:

Yeah, we flipped it, by the way.

Speaker A:

I'm the guy who flipped this house.

Speaker A:

Awesome.

Speaker A:

It going pretty good for you?

Speaker A:

Yeah, there's some stuff that was definitely wrong that we've had to fix, but yeah.

Speaker A:

Oh well, I did my best.

Speaker A:

Didn't follow code.

Speaker A:

See you.

Speaker A:

That, that's what we get.

Speaker A:

That's.

Speaker A:

That's what we're going to get today.

Speaker A:

I guarantee it.

Speaker A:

Actually, I wasn't the guy who flipped it.

Speaker A:

I was the one that wholesaled it.

Speaker A:

But I don't think he would have understood that.

Speaker A:

But when you knock doors, you kind of want to look for ones that look like they need a little bit of work.

Speaker A:

Cuz if you go knock like, a brand new house might not be worth your time.

Speaker A:

Hey, how you doing today, sir?

Speaker A:

Hey, I got a quick question.

Speaker A:

We're just in the neighborhood.

Speaker A:

We're investors.

Speaker A:

We're looking to see if anyone in the neighborhood is selling their homes.

Speaker A:

We're looking to make Offers, cash offers to people for their houses?

Speaker A:

No.

Speaker A:

Are you.

Speaker A:

Are you guys by chance, selling?

Speaker A:

Okay.

Speaker A:

And you're not sure of anybody else, that is.

Speaker A:

You guys have a great day, okay?

Speaker A:

See ya.

Speaker A:

Hey.

Speaker A:

This is what you're gonna get with the bump.

Speaker A:

What do you want?

Speaker A:

And the thing is, it's just a simple question.

Speaker A:

You know, you're just like, hey, are you selling?

Speaker A:

We're real estate investors looking for properties to buy in the area.

Speaker A:

Would you by chance have any properties that you'd be.

Speaker A:

Do you know anyone that's selling or you by chance selling?

Speaker A:

That's it.

Speaker A:

Because really, there's nothing you can say will make anyone want to sell their house.

Speaker A:

You just got to find opportunities.

Speaker A:

You can't convince someone to sell their home.

Speaker A:

Hi, how you doing?

Speaker A:

Hey, sorry to bother you.

Speaker A:

I'm just going around the neighborhood, asking people.

Speaker A:

We're real estate investors.

Speaker A:

We're looking for properties to buy.

Speaker A:

Would you by chance know anyone in the neighborhood that's selling?

Speaker A:

I rent this property.

Speaker A:

Oh, okay.

Speaker A:

Of course.

Speaker A:

Yeah.

Speaker A:

Have a great day.

Speaker A:

Yeah.

Speaker A:

See ya.

Speaker A:

Renters.

Speaker A:

All right.

Speaker A:

Tough crowd today, huh?

Speaker A:

But what you gonna do?

Speaker A:

You just gotta keep pushing through.

Speaker A:

You never know what you're gonna get.

Speaker A:

That one probably could use some work.

Speaker A:

Let's go.

Speaker A:

Go knock it.

Speaker A:

What I'm usually looking for is outdated homes, maybe taller grass lawns that aren't taken care of so well.

Speaker A:

I also ask them if they know anyone, so it's not so direct.

Speaker A:

If you just straight up ask someone, you're like, hey, are you selling your house?

Speaker A:

Might be a little weird, right?

Speaker A:

So I say, hey, do you know, by chance, know anyone?

Speaker A:

Hey, how you doing today, sir?

Speaker A:

I'm just going around the neighborhood, seeing if you know anyone that by chance is selling.

Speaker A:

I'm a real estate investor looking for properties to flip.

Speaker A:

Are you, by chance, selling?

Speaker A:

Have a great day.

Speaker A:

See you.

Speaker A:

This does look official though, right?

Speaker A:

Yeah, it does.

Speaker A:

There's nothing here.

Speaker A:

Just paper.

Speaker A:

Hello.

Speaker A:

Hey, my name's Nathan and we're just going through the neighborhood.

Speaker A:

I'm a real estate investor.

Speaker A:

We're asking if you by chance know anyone that's selling.

Speaker A:

We're looking for properties to buy.

Speaker A:

No.

Speaker A:

Are you, by chance selling the house?

Speaker A:

This house or.

Speaker B:

No, we're not.

Speaker A:

Okay.

Speaker A:

You gotta take your shot, right?

Speaker A:

That's what we're going for.

Speaker A:

Okay, well, have a good one.

Speaker A:

See you.

Speaker A:

If you wanted to do be super efficient at this, you could have like a card or like something you could give people.

Speaker A:

I think that would be more helpful.

Speaker A:

And then, like, hey, let me real quick.

Speaker A:

Let me give you my number.

Speaker A:

And they're like, nah, get the bump out of here.

Speaker A:

You think it needs a new roof?

Speaker A:

All right.

Speaker A:

Oh, you're right.

Speaker A:

You are right.

Speaker A:

Let's freaking knock.

Speaker A:

It looks like dirt or something on there.

Speaker A:

Who knows?

Speaker A:

That's a big dog, though.

Speaker A:

I wouldn't.

Speaker A:

I wouldn't mess around with that dog.

Speaker A:

That's a big old dog there.

Speaker A:

We're not trying to mess around here.

Speaker A:

Oh, my dear goodness.

Speaker A:

I'm not messing with you, buddy.

Speaker A:

That fence needs to be higher, don't you think?

Speaker A:

My gosh.

Speaker A:

That was kind of.

Speaker A:

That's a freaking big dogger.

Speaker A:

I loved on the mission.

Speaker A:

Catching people right as they pull in, they can't hide.

Speaker A:

How are you having a good day?

Speaker A:

Oh, you know, I'm not selling anything.

Speaker A:

I'm actually going around asking if I can buy something.

Speaker A:

I'm a real estate investor going through the neighborhood, asking if you by chance know of any of your neighbors, if they're selling or not.

Speaker B:

No.

Speaker B:

You know, we bought this house just four years ago.

Speaker A:

Yeah.

Speaker B:

So we're not.

Speaker B:

And we really don't know our neighbors yet.

Speaker A:

Really?

Speaker A:

Well, you know, it's interesting, actually.

Speaker A:

Four years ago, I actually looked at this house because I was going to potentially buy it.

Speaker A:

So.

Speaker A:

You bought it.

Speaker A:

You're the one that bought it.

Speaker A:

Good.

Speaker A:

Congratulations.

Speaker B:

We love this house.

Speaker B:

The land.

Speaker B:

The heart is awful hard to make correct.

Speaker B:

The land.

Speaker A:

Yeah.

Speaker B:

I love the house.

Speaker A:

Well, you know, you're doing a great job with that garden.

Speaker A:

It looks beautiful.

Speaker A:

Well, hey, it's nice meeting you.

Speaker A:

My name is Nathan.

Speaker A:

What's your name?

Speaker B:

Elaine.

Speaker A:

Elaine, nice meeting you.

Speaker A:

Have a great day.

Speaker A:

Okay?

Speaker B:

I wish you a lot of luck.

Speaker A:

Elaine.

Speaker A:

You're the first person that's wished me luck today.

Speaker A:

Thank you so much.

Speaker A:

Everyone else has said, hey, get out of here, but not you.

Speaker B:

Keep going.

Speaker A:

Thank you, Elaine.

Speaker A:

You have a good one.

Speaker A:

Elaine's the best.

Speaker A:

Elaine wished us luck.

Speaker A:

Let's freaking go.

Speaker A:

See, knocking doors is fun.

Speaker A:

Sometimes you meet great people, sometimes you don't.

Speaker A:

Sometimes you get attacked by a German shepherd or one that, like, could attack you.

Speaker A:

You never know.

Speaker A:

This.

Speaker A:

This doorbell is, like, painted on my gosh.

Speaker A:

Hello.

Speaker A:

Hey, how you doing today, sir?

Speaker A:

I'm a real estate investor.

Speaker A:

I'm looking for properties to buy in and flip.

Speaker B:

Well, we're just renting here.

Speaker A:

We're about to move out.

Speaker A:

Oh, you're about to move out.

Speaker A:

Do you know if the landlord is looking to sell the house?

Speaker B:

I don't know, Key renter or something?

Speaker A:

Oh, It's a realtor.

Speaker A:

Okay, I'll give him a call.

Speaker A:

Thanks for your time, man.

Speaker A:

You have a great day.

Speaker A:

All right, so we have a house right here.

Speaker A:

It's a rental.

Speaker A:

Looks like it needs some work.

Speaker A:

And the renters are moving out tomorrow.

Speaker A:

Probably a great opportunity to make a call to the age the agent or whoever owns Skip, trace them and see if they'd want to sell.

Speaker A:

Let's go to this one.

Speaker A:

Yeah.

Speaker A:

To be real, I don't know where to go in here.

Speaker A:

Hello?

Speaker A:

Let me.

Speaker A:

Let me just knock on this door here.

Speaker A:

Hello?

Speaker A:

You want me to come around to the window?

Speaker A:

I'll come around.

Speaker A:

I see the lady here.

Speaker A:

Hi.

Speaker A:

Hey.

Speaker A:

How are you?

Speaker A:

Oh, you're watching Dish Network.

Speaker A:

I used to work for Dish Network.

Speaker A:

I didn't want to make you get up.

Speaker A:

My name is Nathan.

Speaker A:

I'm a real estate investor.

Speaker A:

Have you lived here for a long time?

Speaker A:

You serious?

Speaker A:

Wow.

Speaker A:

That's.

Speaker A:

How long have you lived here?

Speaker A:

1955.

Speaker A:

1955.

Speaker A:

Wow.

Speaker A:

Congrats.

Speaker A:

Well, I love your hair, by the way.

Speaker A:

Beautiful.

Speaker A:

Okay, well, you enjoy that ice cream.

Speaker A:

Okay.

Speaker A:

Have a great day, ma'.

Speaker A:

Am.

Speaker A:

Wow.

Speaker A:

That's awesome.

Speaker A:

95 years old.

Speaker A:

Been here since:

Speaker A:

That's amazing.

Speaker A:

Now, she's obviously not gonna sell, right?

Speaker A:

She's gonna stay here forever as long as she can.

Speaker A:

But that would be a great one to fix and flip, you know, eventually, right?

Speaker A:

So, hey, today hasn't been bad.

Speaker A:

We've had a couple of opportunities.

Speaker A:

One renter's moving out.

Speaker A:

ext door has been there since:

Speaker A:

You know, not to be heartless, but she's not going to be, you know, around in the neighbor forever.

Speaker A:

So that could be a property you could mark and, you know, keep an eye out on, because we were kind of pressed for time.

Speaker A:

I didn't knock on every door.

Speaker A:

I would recommend getting notes and writing your name, your website and your.

Speaker A:

Your contact info, and saying, hey, I'm looking for houses to buy in the area, give me a call, and I would have people reach out to you.

Speaker A:

That's a good way to get leads, is knock doors and leave flyers.

Speaker A:

Be nice to everyone.

Speaker A:

If someone is being mean or upset at you, don't take it personal.

Speaker A:

I never take anything personal.

Speaker A:

Even if someone attacks me, I'm just like, whatever.

Speaker A:

I was knocking doors for Dish Network in Oklahoma, and I knocked on this door, and a guy just opens the door, and he has a gun pointed at me.

Speaker A:

He's like, what are you doing?

Speaker A:

And I'm like, bro, I'm Trying to sell some dish network.

Speaker A:

Would you like some dish?

Speaker A:

And he's like, I already got it.

Speaker A:

I was like, all right.

Speaker A:

I wasn't worried.

Speaker A:

I'm ready to die.

Speaker A:

If you want to shoot me, I'm ready to go.

Speaker A:

I don't want to die, but if I have to die, I'm ready.

Speaker A:

That only happened in, like, a random town, Oklahoma.

Speaker A:

Don't let that scare you.

Speaker A:

So if you're thinking about knocking doors after watching this and you're like, I need to know when I should do it or where I should go again, I would start with a buyer.

Speaker A:

I'd find a buyer that through the painless wholesaling method.

Speaker A:

And you'd ask them their buying criteria and ask them what areas they buy in.

Speaker A:

And then you would go to that specific neighborhood and you look for those opportunities.

Speaker A:

And then time wise, it's just like cold calling.

Speaker A:

Everyone's like, when's the best time to cold call?

Speaker A:

And my advice is cold call when you.

Speaker A:

When you are willing to pick up the phone and call.

Speaker A:

Knock when you can.

Speaker A:

Knock, right?

Speaker A:

Pick a good area.

Speaker A:

Knock.

Speaker A:

You know when you can.

Speaker A:

But if you want to be specific, knock when people are home.

Speaker A:

And that's like, from 4 to 8.

Speaker A:

If it gets.

Speaker A:

Starts getting dark, people start getting a little sketched out.

Speaker A:

As long as you have a smile on your face and you're happy, no big deal.

Speaker A:

Just be happy, be nice.

Speaker A:

You know, you never know what people are going through.

Speaker A:

Try to leave them better off than where you when you found them.

Speaker A:

So, you know, they come to the door all grumpy, just smile, compliment them, say, hey, you got a nice garden.

Speaker A:

Because what it's all about is just making people feel better about themselves.

Speaker A:

So if that.

Speaker A:

That guy who's upset, you know, he's probably just having a bad day.

Speaker A:

Let's be real price tired.

Speaker A:

All good.

Speaker A:

That's.

Speaker A:

That's what I got to say.

Speaker A:

Peace out.

Speaker A:

Painless real estate.

Speaker A:

Real estate N out.

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About the Podcast

Payneless Flipping
Real Estate Wholesaling
Unlock the Secrets to Real Estate Success with the Payneless Flipping Podcast!

Ready to break into the world of real estate investing without the headaches? Join Nathan Payne, a seasoned pro in wholesaling, fix-and-flip, and real estate investing, as he shares everything you need to start and scale your journey. This podcast is your ultimate guide to achieving success in real estate with less stress and more confidence.

Each week, dive into real stories from industry experts and first-time investors who’ve turned their dreams into reality. From cracking your first deal to mastering advanced strategies, Nathan delivers step-by-step lessons, proven tactics, and expert insights designed to help you avoid costly mistakes and fast-track your success.

Whether you're curious about wholesaling, itching to take on your first fix-and-flip project, or ready to level up your real estate game, this podcast is packed with actionable advice, motivation, and the tools you need to thrive.

Don’t wait to make your real estate goals a reality. Subscribe to the Payneless Flipping Podcast now and take the first step toward building wealth through real estate! 🎙️ Learn more at PaynelessFlipping.com

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Nathan Payne