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As a real estate professional, you know a referral channel alone is not enough to scale your business. Between buyer and seller leads, lead generation for realtors, and investing in tools like real estate PPC, the landscape has never been more complex.
But what about an old-school method like door-knocking? Does it still make sense in the era of AI-powered marketing tools?
Some agents swear by it. Others think it’s outdated.
So what’s the truth? Is door knocking still worth your time, or should you focus 100% on real estate PPC and online ads instead?
What Is Door Knocking in Real Estate and Why Do Agents Still Do It?
Door knocking is exactly what it sounds like. Showing up at a homeowner’s door, introducing yourself, and starting a conversation about their property, the neighborhood, or the local market.
It’s old-school, sure, but surprisingly effective. Some agents, like Guillermo Teran, say it’s their number one tool for lead generation.
While it requires effort and consistency, door-to-door knocking can still be one of the most effective lead generation methods for real estate, especially when paired with online marketing.
How Does Door Knocking Compare to Online Lead Generation?
Digital ads, especially Google Ads for real estate agents and real estate PPC campaigns give you data, scalability, and reach. But do they outperform in ROI?
Here’s how door knocking stacks up against PPC:
This shows that both methods work, but in different ways. Door knocking delivers warm, personal connections; PPC delivers predictable, scalable results.
How to Generate Leads in Real Estate Using Door Knocking
If you’re wondering how to generate leads in real estate through door knocking, here’s a simple framework that blends traditional outreach with digital follow-up.
1. Choose Your Farm Area Wisely
Start with 500–1,000 homes in a neighborhood with recent activity (homes sold, listings, or new developments).
Use your real estate PPC or Google Ads data to identify ZIP codes where leads are already converting and double down there.
2. Knock with Value, Not Just a Script
Skip the generic sales pitch. Instead, bring value:
- Offer a free market update or “Home Value Report.”
- Leave behind a branded flyer or door hanger.
- Mention your website or QR code that leads to a landing page.
3. Log Every Door and Track Conversations
Out of every 100 doors you knock, expect about 20 conversations and 2 serious leads.
Track results in your CRM or a spreadsheet to track results.
4. Follow Up Consistently
The fortune is in the follow-up.
Studies show that 80% of leads convert after five or more follow-ups.
Use email, texts, and phone calls to keep your face familiar.
Final Thoughts: The Future of Lead Generation for Realtors
So… is door knocking dead?
We don't think so. It’s evolving.
Today, the smartest agents are combining door knocking with real estate Google Ads and personalized online follow-ups.
Facilitating face-to-face interaction builds trust and credibility.
PPC and online ads build reach and scalability.
Together, they create a system that captures, nurtures, and converts real estate leads without agents relying on templated brokerage websites or overpriced lead-selling platforms.
Want to Master Modern Lead Generation?
At Avenue, we help equip real estate professionals with modern tech to grow their business in a predictable way.
Check out our latest resources:
- How to Follow Up with Online Leads Effectively →
- Google Ads for Real Estate Agents: Complete Guide →
- Top Real Estate Lead Generation Tools for Agents →
