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The Art of the Drop-In: How to Stop by Without Being 'That' Agent

Alright, let's talk about something every real estate agent has either mastered or totally fumbled—the drop-in. You know the move: swing by a potential client’s home or office, casually ‘check in,’ and try to drum up business without coming off like a desperate door-to-door salesperson. It’s an art form. But here’s the thing: there’s a right way to do it… and then there’s the “Please never come back” way.

What’s a Drop-In, Really?

A drop-in is basically the real estate version of showing up at a party uninvited but hoping everyone’s happy to see you. It’s a pop-by to either reconnect with a past client or try to make a new one, with the ultimate goal of subtly (and I mean subtly) keeping yourself top-of-mind without overplaying your hand.

Think of it as planting seeds in their brain. You’re not there to close deals on the spot—you’re there to remind them that you exist and you’re the real estate guru they should call when the time is right.

Why Are Drop-Ins Important?

Drop-ins are old-school, but they still work because real estate is a people business. Building relationships is key, and sometimes that means showing up. You could send a hundred emails and still be less memorable than a single face-to-face interaction. People like doing business with someone they’ve met, someone they feel a connection with. That’s where the drop-in comes in.

But here's the catch: You need to nail the balance between being helpful and being a nuisance.

How to Master the Drop-In

If you’re thinking of just showing up with a stack of business cards and winging it, pump the brakes. There’s a method to this madness, and it’s all about the approach. Here’s how to do it like a pro:

1. Timing is Everything

You can’t just roll up to someone’s door whenever you feel like it. No one wants to talk about their home value at 8 PM while they’re in sweatpants binge-watching Netflix. Find a time that’s convenient for them, not you. Late mornings or mid-afternoons are golden, especially if it’s a weekday. The vibe you want is "just happened to be in the area"—not "I stalked your calendar."

2. Bring Value, Not Business Cards

When you drop by, don’t make it all about you or your business. Instead, bring something useful. Maybe it’s a market update, or perhaps you drop off a small, thoughtful gift (think local, not branded mugs). You’re there to give, not to sell. The goal is to plant the seed, not harvest the crop on the spot.

3. Keep It Casual, Not Creepy

The worst thing you can do is overstay your welcome. The point of a drop-in is to be quick and painless. Have a friendly conversation, share something of value, and get out of there. Five minutes max. You want them to remember the interaction as pleasant, not a hostage situation.

4. Follow Up Without Being Weird

After the drop-in, follow up in a way that feels natural. Maybe it’s a quick text, or a short email saying, “Great to catch up!” Don’t let the drop-in hang there like an awkward high-five that never landed. A simple follow-up shows you care but don’t expect anything in return. This is about the long game.

When Drop-Ins Go Wrong

Now, if you're thinking, "I’ll just drop in on everyone,” slow down, Speed Racer. Not all drop-ins are created equal, and there are some scenarios where it’s better to stay put.

  • Unannounced on Busy People: You don’t drop in on someone who’s busy AF. If they’re running a business, wrangling kids, or just generally living life at warp speed, your surprise visit could backfire.

  • Too Salesy: The moment you start with, “I’d love to talk to you about listing your home…” they’ve already checked out. No one wants to feel ambushed into a sales pitch. Leave the hard sell at home.

  • Dropping By Too Often: There’s a fine line between persistent and annoying. Don’t overdo it. Dropping in every month like clockwork can make people feel like you’re always lurking.

The Drop-In Done Right

If you master the drop-in, you’re not just another agent looking to close a deal—you’re the agent they’ll think of when they’re ready to make a deal. It's all about positioning yourself as the friendly, knowledgeable, trustworthy go-to. Real estate is about relationships, and relationships don’t happen behind a keyboard. Sometimes, you have to get out there and shake some hands (metaphorically or literally).

And look, not every drop-in is going to turn into instant business. Some might feel like a dud. But over time, you’ll see the payoff. That client who wasn’t ready a year ago? They’ll remember you because you showed up when it mattered. So go ahead, perfect your drop-in game, and you’ll have people saying, “I’m so glad you stopped by!” instead of “Oh no, not this guy again…”

The Takeaway

Mastering the drop-in is about being intentional, helpful, and—most importantly—human. The agents who do it right get remembered, get referrals, and ultimately, get more business. Done wrong, and you’re the annoying salesperson they try to dodge.

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