How Many Times Should You Contact a Seller Before They Decide to Sell? (Paper Flipping / Property Wholesaling Edition)
- Ronda Sharp
- Jul 24
- 2 min read
In paper flipping, the profit is in the follow-up. You might find a motivated seller, but that doesn’t mean they’re ready to sign on the dotted line the first time you call.
So how many times should you contact a seller when paper flipping before they make a decision?
The answer might surprise you: it typically takes 5 to 12 touches to close a deal. Let’s break that down and see how to follow up like a pro—without becoming a pest.
Why Multiple Contacts Matter
Most sellers aren’t ready to commit after the first call. They may need time to:
Process the idea of selling
Discuss with family
Compare offers
Deal with personal or legal matters
When you follow up consistently, you stay at the top of a seller's mind and show that you’re reliable and professional. Many successful paper flippers report that the majority of their deals happen after the 5th contact—not the first or second. Here’s a simple contact schedule to guide your outreach:
The Follow-Up Timeline
Initial Contact – Introduction, motivation check, and offer
Follow-Up #1 (2-3 days later) – Clarify questions or objections. If not interested at the time, ask for a date that you can follow up.
Follow-Up #2 – Follow up on the date agreed on.
Follow-Up #3 (month later) – Send them a reminder text that you are still interested.
Follow-Up #4 (2 weeks later) – Send a letter outlining that you buy as-is, that there are no repairs needed and all details that can encourage them to sell.
Follow-Up #5+ (Month) – Send a postcard that you buy houses.
Tips for Successful Follow-Ups
Use multiple methods: Call, text, email, or even mail a postcard
Be personable: Don’t pressure—ask questions, listen, and relate
Track your contacts: Use a CRM tool to stay organized
Add value: Offer to pay closing costs, pay earnest money
Know when to pause: If they ask not to be contacted again, respect it—but leave the door open
What If They Go Cold?
It happens. A lead that seemed promising suddenly stops responding. Don’t give up too fast.
Here’s what to do:
Wait 6 months to a year and try again with a softer message like: “Just checking in to see if your plans have changed. I’m still here if you need a quick, no-hassle solution.”
Send something helpful, like a free home valuation or cash offer estimate
Persistence pays off—but only if it’s respectful and consistent.
Final Thoughts
When paper flipping houses, remember this: the fortune is in the follow-up. Expect to contact a seller at least 5 to 7 times before they’re ready to sell—and sometimes even more. The more you build trust and show genuine interest in helping them, the more deals you’ll close. Don’t stop at the first “maybe.” Keep following up, keep offering solutions, and keep your pipeline moving. Need help paper flipping or wholesaling properties? Take our course!