In real estate, success isn’t just about strategy—it’s about unwavering commitment to the process. The concept of "marketing religiously" reflects this mindset, where consistency and faith in your efforts become the driving forces behind big wins. This blog explores how seasoned investors like Franklin Romine have used dedication and patience to turn seemingly ordinary opportunities into extraordinary results. Whether you’re sending mailers or pursuing off-market deals, the key lies in trusting the process and staying the course.
The Philosophy of Marketing Religiously
Consistency is Key
The concept of "marketing religiously" emphasizes unwavering dedication to outreach efforts. Like faith, marketing requires persistence even when results aren’t immediate. On average, it takes multiple touchpoints to secure a lead.
Example Quote:
"Marketing is like a religion because you have to have faith… If you believe in marketing like you do in religion, you know if you mail to enough people consistently, someone will call." - Franklin
The Evolution of a Real Estate Investor
Franklin Romine, a veteran investor, shared his journey that began in 2008 during the foreclosure crisis. He bought his first property, a single-family home in foreclosure, seizing the opportunity when properties were available at significant discounts. His entry into real estate was driven by curiosity and the attraction of investment opportunities available at the time.
Transitioning to Off-Market Deals
As the market evolved, Franklin found it necessary to adapt his strategies. With the competitive landscape intensifying, he shifted his focus from on-market to off-market deals. Starting around 2014-2016, he became adept at securing private money and honing his skills to locate properties before they hit the broader market. This shift demanded more sophisticated and creative strategies to identify potential investments.
Effective Marketing Strategies
Targeted Mail Campaigns
One of the primary methods Franklin employs is targeted mailing. This approach involves sending tailored mail to potential sellers, not expecting an immediate response but understanding that consistency will eventually yield results.
Example Quote:
"Mailing is kind of a slow process… If we start mailing people today, we won’t hear from them until maybe a year to two years from now."
Franklin’s perspective on mailing highlights patience and long-term thinking as essential qualities for real estate success. On average, it takes about 15 to 20 pieces of mail before a potential seller responds, underscoring the importance of persistence.
Faith in the Process
Franklin equates marketing to a religious practice—one that requires faith and dedication. Many new investors send out a limited number of mail pieces and give up when they don't see immediate results. However, Franklin emphasizes the importance of "sticking it out" until the desired outcomes are achieved.
Example Quote:
"You have to stick it out. You have to have faith that you'll get a call... The key thing is to try to get a home run every once in a while, and that will give you confirmation of your faith in the process."
Success Stories
Franklin’s journey is dotted with "home runs" that validate his approach. One such success story involves a mail campaign that targeted an out-of-town seller. After receiving numerous mailers, the seller responded, leading Franklin to a profitable multifamily compound intended for farm labor workers—a deal that continues to yield substantial returns.
Measuring Success
Success in real estate marketing is not always immediate or easy to measure. However, Franklin notes that keeping track of mail response rates and adapting strategies based on feedback is crucial. For example, updating postcards monthly ensures that the material remains relevant and demonstrates an ongoing commitment to potential sellers.
Conclusion
Real estate success thrives on patience, persistence, and faith in your efforts. Franklin’s journey serves as a testament to the power of "marketing religiously"—believing in the process even when immediate results aren’t visible. By staying consistent and adapting your approach, you can unlock hidden opportunities and achieve sustainable growth.
For anyone embarking on or refining their wholesale real estate journey, remember this: trust the process, keep the faith, and let consistency guide you to success. The path may be challenging, but the rewards are worth the wait. Take that first step today and begin building the momentum for your next big win.
