Cold calling might not be the flashiest part of real estate investing, but it’s often the fastest route to finding motivated sellers and closing deals. Still, if you’re just starting out or running lean, you might be tempted to use your personal cell to make those calls. That would be a big mistake. As Faisal Morsi wisely pointed out in a recent interview, using your personal phone number to contact leads can open you up to all kinds of unnecessary drama—from aggressive callbacks and spammy messages to personal safety concerns.
Here’s why you should avoid that trap—and how to set yourself up for cold calling success instead.
Don’t Use Your Personal Number. Ever.
When you cold call homeowners or landlords from your personal phone:
- You lose all privacy.
- Your number may get flagged or spammed.
- You risk having people call or text you at all hours.
- If a call goes sideways (and they do sometimes), you’re dealing with it personally.
The solution is simple: get a dedicated business line. Faisal recommends Google Voice, which is free, easy to use, and allows you to:
- Set up a new number within minutes
- Text, call, and receive voicemails from your computer or app
- Keep business and personal life separate
Other alternatives include services like:
- Mojo Dialer – for power dialers
- OpenPhone – modern and CRM-friendly
- CallRail – great for teams and call tracking
Cold Calling Best Practices (Besides Changing Your Number)
1. Use a Script—But Sound Like a Human
Have a basic framework, but ditch the robotic tone. Practice sounding conversational, not canned.
2. Time Block Your Calls
Schedule consistent 1–2 hour blocks. Don’t wing it. Consistency is everything in this game.
3. Track Everything
Log every number dialed, conversation had, and callback received. Use a CRM or even a simple spreadsheet to track follow-ups and results.
4. Prepare for Rejection
You will hear “no” (and worse). Don’t take it personally. Like Faisal says, every “no” gets you closer to a “yes.”
Final Tip: Look Legit
Set up a professional voicemail.
Use a real name.
Be polite, patient, and persistent.
People are more willing to talk if they feel they’re speaking to a real person—not a scammer.
Ready to Take Your Outreach More Seriously?
If you’re using old data and a personal phone number, you’re already losing.
Start fresh. Get a clean list. Use the right tools. And book a free data consult with our team to set yourself up the right way.
