Blog - DealMachine for Real Estate Investing

10 Real Estate Secrets from 1,000+ Successful Deals

Written by Maria Tresvalles | Mar 26, 2025 11:30:00 AM

Struggling to close real estate deals? Wondering why other investors seem to land all the best properties? Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, these 10 powerful real estate secrets—learned from 1,000+ successful deals—will help you find, negotiate, and close deals faster!

After closing over 1,000 deals, real estate expert David Dodge has discovered the secrets to success. These 10 lessons will help you find great deals, work with sellers, and avoid common pitfalls. If you want to become a smart investor and grow your real estate business, keep reading!

Real Estate Marketing: The Key to Finding More Deals and Closing Faster

If people don’t know you, they won’t do business with you. Marketing is how you get your name out there and find great deals. The more people know you buy houses, the more opportunities will come your way.

Effective Marketing Strategies:

  • Cold Calling: Reach out directly to homeowners.
  • Direct Mail: Send postcards or letters to property owners.
  • Door Knocking: Meet people face-to-face.
  • Social Media & Online Ads: Use digital platforms to connect with sellers.

The bottom line: In real estate, lead generation is everything. If you’re not consistently marketing, you're missing out on high-quality real estate deals that could boost your profits.

Seller Motivation: How to Spot a Hot Deal Fast

Every seller has a reason for selling, and understanding their motivation helps you make better deals. Sellers usually fall into two categories:

  • Capital Motivated Sellers: They want the highest price possible and are willing to wait.
  • Convenience Motivated Sellers: They want a fast, hassle-free sale, even if it means selling for a little less.

Most profitable real estate deals come from motivated sellers looking for a hassle-free, quick cash sale. Understanding their urgency helps you structure better offers.

Distressed Properties: The Hidden Goldmine of Real Estate Deals

Distressed properties often present the best opportunities. A property can be distressed in two ways:

  • Property Distress: The home needs major repairs, has been abandoned, or is in bad shape.
  • Personal Distress: The owner is facing financial trouble, divorce, job loss, or another challenge.

The best deals happen when both the property and the seller are distressed. Your job is to offer a solution that helps them move forward.

Solve Seller Problems, Secure More Deals

Real estate investing strategies is not just about buying houses—it’s about solving problems. Many sellers need help figuring out what to do. If you can offer a simple, stress-free solution, you’ll win more deals.

A great investor doesn’t focus on getting the lowest price. Instead, they focus on making the process easy for the seller.

Follow-Up Secrets: How to Turn 'Maybe' into 'Yes'

Most sellers don’t say yes right away. It takes time and multiple conversations. Many deals happen after the fifth, tenth, or even fifteenth follow-up.

Follow-Up Tips:

  • Call, text, email, or visit in person.
  • Be patient and respectful.
  • Keep notes on past conversations.
  • Stay in touch until they sell.

If you don’t follow up, someone else will, and they’ll get the deal instead.

Build Relationships, Not Just Sales

People like to do business with people they trust. Instead of focusing on selling, focus on building relationships.

Why Relationships Matter:

  • Sellers will remember you when they’re ready to sell.
  • People will refer you to friends and family.
  • You’ll get better deals because people trust you.

Be friendly, listen to their needs, and show that you care. It makes a big difference.

Use Business Days for Inspection Periods

When negotiating a contract, ask for inspection periods in business days instead of calendar days. This simple trick gives you more time.

For example:

  • 10 calendar days = 10 days.
  • 10 business days = 14 days.

That extra time can be the difference between making a great decision and rushing into a bad one.

Get Straight to the Point on Cold Calls

When calling a potential seller, don’t start with, “How are you?” It sounds like a sales pitch, and they may hang up.

Better Cold Call Opening:

  • “Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I’m looking to buy a house in your area. Would you be open to selling?”

This approach gets to the point and keeps people engaged.

Be Honest About Your Offer

The deal isn’t done when the contract is signed. Sellers need to feel confident that everything is moving forward smoothly.

Ways to Keep Sellers Informed:

  • Update them on inspections and appraisals.
  • Let them know if any delays happen.
  • Answer any questions they have.

Good communication builds trust and makes the process easier for everyone.

Keep Sellers Updated After They Accept Your Offer

Communication doesn't end once a contract is signed. Keeping your sellers in the loop about inspections, potential deal changes, and any other updates is key to maintaining trust and ensuring smooth transactions. Regular check-ins can help negotiate better conditions should issues arise.

By putting yourself in the seller's shoes and understanding their perspective throughout the process, you create a partnership rather than a transaction, increasing the likelihood of a successful deal.

Final Thoughts

Real estate investing is full of lessons, and the more deals you do, the more you learn. These 10 lessons can help you avoid common mistakes and make smarter decisions. The key to success is simple: market yourself, build relationships, follow up, and solve problems.

If you focus on helping sellers and creating win-win deals, you’ll not only make more money but also build a long-lasting real estate business. Keep learning, stay consistent, and watch your real estate success grow!