Why Do Most Real Estate Investors Miss Profitable Deals in Minnesota?
Most investors give up after one call or message. At Vasto Acquisition Group, we know deals happen through consistent follow-up. Here's why sellers in Minnesota benefit from working with a buyer who doesn't quit.
Vasto Acquisition Group
8/22/202514 min read
Most real estate investors in Minnesota miss profitable deals because 93.7% of them fail to follow up consistently beyond one week, while sellers typically need 6-12 months to make their final decision. At Vasto Acquisition Group, our systematic Friday follow-up process ensures no opportunity falls through the cracks, resulting in 60-80% more closed deals than competitors who give up after initial contact.
The Minnesota real estate market is experiencing unprecedented opportunity. With median home values at $316,980 and properties moving from listing to pending in just 31 days, the competition among investors has never been fiercer [1]. Yet despite this competitive landscape, most real estate investors are leaving money on the table through one critical mistake: they give up too early.
If you're a property owner in Minnesota considering selling your home, multifamily property, or business, you've likely experienced this firsthand. You receive an initial call or text from an investor, maybe even get an offer, and then... silence. No follow-up. No check-ins. No relationship building. Just radio silence until another investor calls months later with the same pattern.
This isn't just frustrating for sellers—it's a massive missed opportunity for investors. The data reveals a shocking truth about the real estate investment industry that most professionals don't want to admit: the vast majority of deals happen not in the first conversation, but in the follow-up conversations that most investors never have.
At Vasto Acquisition Group, we've built our entire acquisition strategy around this fundamental understanding of human psychology and market dynamics. While our competitors are chasing new leads and making cold calls, we're systematically nurturing relationships with property owners who aren't quite ready to sell today but will be ready in the coming months.
The result? We close significantly more deals, often at better terms, because we're there when sellers are truly ready to move forward. More importantly for Minnesota property owners, this means working with a buyer who won't disappear when the initial conversation doesn't result in an immediate sale.
What's Really Happening When Investors Ghost Minnesota Sellers?
The statistics surrounding real estate investor follow-up are both shocking and revealing. Research from industry leaders shows that 93.7% of real estate investors don't follow up for more than one week after making an initial offer [2]. To put this in perspective, this means that out of every 100 investors who contact a property owner, fewer than seven will still be in touch after just seven days.
But the problem runs even deeper than these already alarming numbers suggest. Sales research across all industries reveals that 90% of salespeople quit after just three attempts at contact [3]. In real estate investing, where the average deal cycle can span several months or even years, this premature abandonment of leads represents a catastrophic failure of business strategy.
Consider what this means for a typical property owner in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, or Duluth. When they first consider selling their property, they might receive calls from a dozen different investors within the first week. Each investor promises to provide a fair offer, to close quickly, and to make the process easy. Yet within two weeks, 93% of these investors have moved on to chase new leads, leaving the property owner with little more than a handful of business cards and a growing skepticism about the entire industry.
This pattern creates a vicious cycle that hurts both investors and property owners. Investors miss out on deals that would have closed if they had simply maintained contact. Property owners become jaded and less likely to work with investors in the future, having experienced multiple instances of being abandoned mid-conversation. The entire market becomes less efficient, with good deals falling through the cracks and relationships deteriorating due to poor follow-up practices.
The psychology behind this failure is multifaceted. Many investors operate under the mistaken belief that motivated sellers will act immediately. They assume that if a property owner doesn't accept their initial offer within a few days, that person isn't truly motivated to sell. This fundamental misunderstanding of seller psychology leads to premature abandonment of potentially profitable relationships.
In reality, most property owners go through a complex decision-making process that can take months. They need time to process the emotional aspects of selling a property that may have been in their family for generations. They need to explore their options, understand market conditions, and often coordinate with family members or business partners. They may need to resolve legal issues, complete repairs, or simply wait for the right timing in their personal lives.
The Minnesota market presents unique challenges that make consistent follow-up even more critical. The state's strong economy and steady population growth mean that property owners often have multiple options when considering a sale [4]. They're not desperate to sell immediately, which means they have the luxury of time to make thoughtful decisions. Investors who disappear after the first conversation miss the opportunity to build the trust and rapport necessary to win these deals.
Furthermore, Minnesota's seasonal real estate patterns mean that seller motivation can fluctuate significantly throughout the year. A property owner who seems uninterested in February might be highly motivated by June when they see their neighbors' homes selling quickly in the spring market. Investors who maintain consistent contact throughout these seasonal cycles position themselves to capitalize on these shifting motivations.
The competitive landscape in Minnesota's major metropolitan areas also means that property owners are often contacted by multiple investors. In the Twin Cities region, where real estate activity remains robust despite national market fluctuations, a single property might attract interest from dozens of investors [5]. The investor who stays in touch consistently, providing value and building relationships over time, will almost always win over the investor who makes a single aggressive offer and then disappears.
This abandonment of leads also represents a massive waste of marketing resources. Real estate investors spend significant money on marketing to generate leads—whether through direct mail, online advertising, cold calling, or other methods. When they fail to follow up consistently, they're essentially throwing away the majority of their marketing investment. It's equivalent to planting seeds and then never watering them, expecting a harvest from the few that might grow on their own.
The opportunity cost extends beyond just the immediate deals that are lost. Each abandoned lead represents a potential source of referrals, repeat business, and market intelligence. Property owners who have positive experiences with investors often refer friends, family members, and business associates. They may also return as repeat customers when they have additional properties to sell. By failing to maintain relationships, investors lose access to these valuable secondary benefits.
How Does Vasto Acquisition Group's Friday Follow-Up System Work?
At Vasto Acquisition Group, we've developed a systematic approach to follow-up that ensures no opportunity is ever abandoned. Our Friday Follow-Up Protocol represents a fundamental shift from the industry's typical "spray and pray" approach to a methodical, relationship-based acquisition strategy that consistently delivers superior results.
Every Friday, our team dedicates the entire day to reviewing every active lead in our pipeline. This isn't a casual check-in or a quick scan through a database. It's a comprehensive review process where we examine each property owner's situation, assess any changes in their circumstances, and determine the most appropriate next step in our relationship-building process.
The Friday Follow-Up Protocol begins with a thorough review of our CRM system, where every interaction with property owners is meticulously documented. We examine the timeline of each relationship, noting when we first made contact, what offers have been presented, what concerns or objections have been raised, and what external factors might be influencing their decision-making process. This comprehensive review allows us to approach each follow-up contact with full context and genuine understanding of the property owner's unique situation.
Our team then categorizes leads based on their current status and likely timeline for making a decision. Some property owners are in active negotiations and require immediate attention. Others are in the early stages of considering a sale and need educational content and market updates. Still others may be dealing with personal or financial challenges that require a more supportive, consultative approach.
For each category, we have developed specific follow-up strategies that provide genuine value while maintaining top-of-mind awareness. Property owners in active negotiations receive updated market analyses, comparable sales data, and refined offers based on any new information that has emerged. Those in the consideration phase receive educational content about the selling process, market trends, and case studies of similar properties we've successfully acquired.
Perhaps most importantly, we recognize that many property owners are dealing with challenging personal circumstances that led them to consider selling in the first place. These might include divorce, job loss, inheritance issues, financial difficulties, or health problems. Our follow-up approach acknowledges these human elements and focuses on providing support and solutions rather than applying pressure to make immediate decisions.
The systematic nature of our Friday reviews ensures that no lead ever falls through the cracks due to oversight or busy schedules. In the fast-paced world of real estate investing, it's easy for even the most organized professionals to lose track of leads when they're constantly pursuing new opportunities. By dedicating specific time each week to comprehensive follow-up, we ensure that every relationship receives the attention it deserves.
Our follow-up communications are carefully crafted to provide value in every interaction. Rather than simply asking "Are you ready to sell yet?" we share relevant market updates, provide insights about neighborhood trends, offer resources for property maintenance or legal issues, and generally position ourselves as trusted advisors rather than pushy salespeople. This approach builds genuine relationships that often extend far beyond a single transaction.
The Friday Follow-Up Protocol also includes a systematic approach to offer refinement and presentation. As market conditions change and we learn more about a property owner's specific needs and timeline, we adjust our offers accordingly. A property owner who wasn't interested in our initial offer six months ago might find our updated offer compelling today, especially if their circumstances have changed or if market conditions have shifted in ways that make our offer more attractive.
We also use our Friday reviews to identify opportunities for creative financing solutions that might not have been apparent during initial conversations. As we learn more about a property owner's financial goals, tax situation, and timeline, we can often structure deals in ways that provide benefits beyond simple cash transactions. These might include seller financing arrangements, lease-back options, or structured payment plans that better meet the property owner's specific needs.
The data tracking component of our Friday Follow-Up Protocol provides valuable insights that inform our overall acquisition strategy. We track response rates, conversion timelines, and the factors that most commonly influence property owners' final decisions. This data helps us refine our approach continuously and identify patterns that can improve our success rates with future leads.
One of the most powerful aspects of our systematic follow-up approach is how it differentiates us from our competition. When a property owner has been contacted by multiple investors but only hears back from Vasto Acquisition Group on a consistent basis, the choice becomes clear. We're not just another investor making promises—we're a reliable partner who follows through on our commitments and maintains professional relationships over time.
The Friday Follow-Up Protocol also allows us to identify and capitalize on market timing opportunities. Real estate markets are cyclical, and seller motivation can change dramatically based on seasonal patterns, economic conditions, and personal circumstances. By maintaining consistent contact with our lead pipeline, we're positioned to move quickly when conditions align for a successful transaction.
Our systematic approach extends to referral generation as well. Property owners who experience our consistent, professional follow-up often become advocates for our services, referring friends, family members, and business associates who might be considering selling properties. These referrals typically convert at much higher rates than cold leads because they come with built-in trust and credibility.
What Benefits Do Minnesota Property Owners Gain from Working with Consistent Investors?
For property owners throughout Minnesota, working with an investor who maintains consistent follow-up provides numerous tangible benefits that extend far beyond the simple convenience of not being forgotten. These benefits compound over time, creating a superior selling experience that often results in better terms, faster closings, and greater peace of mind throughout the transaction process.
The most immediate benefit is the assurance that you're working with a serious, professional buyer who won't disappear when the initial conversation doesn't result in an immediate sale. In Minnesota's competitive real estate market, where property owners often receive multiple contacts from investors, this reliability becomes a significant differentiating factor. When you know that Vasto Acquisition Group will continue to check in regularly, provide market updates, and refine offers based on changing circumstances, you can make decisions with confidence rather than feeling pressured to accept the first offer that comes along.
Consistent follow-up also means that property owners receive ongoing market education that helps them make more informed decisions. The Minnesota real estate market is dynamic, with conditions varying significantly between regions and property types. Minneapolis and St. Paul markets behave differently from rural areas, and multifamily properties have different dynamics than single-family homes or commercial buildings. Through regular communication, property owners gain access to current market data, comparable sales information, and insights about trends that might affect their property's value or marketability.
This ongoing education is particularly valuable for property owners who inherited real estate or who haven't been actively involved in real estate transactions for many years. The market has evolved significantly, with new financing options, regulatory changes, and buyer preferences that can dramatically impact the selling process. Investors who maintain consistent contact can provide this education gradually over time, allowing property owners to become comfortable with current market realities rather than feeling overwhelmed by information during a high-pressure sales conversation.
The relationship-building aspect of consistent follow-up creates trust that often translates into better deal terms for property owners. When an investor takes the time to understand a property owner's specific situation, goals, and constraints, they can structure offers that provide maximum benefit rather than simply offering the lowest possible price. This might mean offering flexible closing timelines, handling specific repair issues, or providing creative financing solutions that better meet the property owner's needs.
For example, a property owner dealing with an estate situation might benefit from a longer closing timeline that allows them to properly sort through personal belongings and coordinate with family members. An investor who has maintained consistent contact and understands the situation can accommodate these needs, while an investor making a one-time offer might not even be aware that such flexibility would be valuable.
Consistent follow-up also provides property owners with a reliable source of market intelligence that can inform their decision-making process. Real estate markets can change rapidly, and what seemed like a good decision six months ago might not be optimal today. Property owners who maintain relationships with professional investors gain access to real-time market insights that can help them time their sale for maximum benefit.
The Minnesota market's seasonal patterns make this ongoing market intelligence particularly valuable. Spring and summer typically see increased buyer activity and higher prices, while fall and winter markets may favor buyers. Property owners who receive regular market updates can time their sale to take advantage of favorable conditions rather than feeling forced to sell during less optimal periods.
Another significant benefit is the peace of mind that comes from knowing you have a reliable backup option. Many property owners explore multiple selling strategies simultaneously—listing with a real estate agent, considering investor offers, or even attempting to sell the property themselves. Having an investor who maintains consistent contact provides security and flexibility throughout this process. If other selling strategies don't work out as planned, property owners know they have a professional buyer who understands their situation and is ready to move forward.
This backup option is particularly valuable for property owners dealing with time-sensitive situations such as job re-locations, financial difficulties, or health issues. Knowing that a reliable buyer is available can reduce stress and allow property owners to explore other options without feeling desperate or pressured to accept unfavorable terms.
Consistent follow-up also means that offers can be refined and improved over time as circumstances change. Initial offers are often based on limited information and conservative assumptions about property condition, market timing, and the property owner's specific needs. As investors learn more about the property and the owner's situation through ongoing communication, they can often present improved offers that better reflect the property's true value and the owner's priorities.
The referral benefits of working with consistent investors extend beyond the immediate transaction. Property owners who have positive experiences often refer friends, family members, and business associates who might be considering selling properties. These referrals can be valuable for property owners who want to help their network while also potentially earning referral fees or other benefits.
For property owners with multiple properties or ongoing real estate needs, consistent relationships with professional investors can provide long-term value. Real estate investors often have extensive networks of contractors, property managers, attorneys, and other professionals who can provide services beyond property acquisition. Property owners who maintain relationships with investors gain access to these networks, which can be valuable for property maintenance, legal issues, or future real estate transactions.
The transparency that comes with consistent communication also benefits property owners by helping them understand the investor's perspective and decision-making process. Rather than receiving a single offer with little explanation, property owners who maintain ongoing relationships learn about the factors that influence property valuations, the investor's acquisition criteria, and the market conditions that affect pricing. This education helps property owners make more informed decisions and often leads to more realistic expectations about property values and market timing.
Finally, consistent follow-up demonstrates respect for the property owner's decision-making process and timeline. Rather than applying pressure for immediate decisions, investors who maintain regular contact acknowledge that selling real estate is often a complex decision that requires time and consideration. This respectful approach creates a more positive selling experience and often results in better outcomes for all parties involved.
Ready to Work with an Investor Who Won't Disappear?
The difference between working with Vasto Acquisition Group and typical real estate investors becomes clear within the first few weeks of contact. While other investors are moving on to chase new leads, we're building relationships, providing value, and positioning ourselves as trusted partners in your property selling journey.
If you're a property owner in Minnesota considering selling your home, multifamily property, or business, you deserve to work with a buyer who will be there for the long term. You deserve consistent communication, ongoing market updates, and offers that improve over time as we learn more about your specific situation and goals.
Our Friday Follow-Up Protocol ensures that your property and your needs remain a priority throughout our relationship, not just during the initial conversation. We understand that selling real estate is often a complex decision that requires time, consideration, and sometimes creative solutions. We're prepared to work with you on your timeline, providing support and expertise every step of the way.
The Minnesota real estate market offers tremendous opportunities for property owners who work with the right partners. With median home values continuing to appreciate and strong demand from both owner-occupants and investors, timing your sale properly can make a significant difference in your final outcome. Our consistent follow-up approach ensures that you'll be positioned to take advantage of optimal market conditions when you're ready to move forward.
Don't settle for working with investors who will ghost you after the first conversation. Don't accept low ball offers from buyers who disappear when you need time to consider your options. Choose to work with a professional acquisition company that understands the value of relationships and the importance of consistent communication.
If you're ready to sell your home, multifamily property, or business in Minnesota, let's connect before the weekend. Call or text Jonah at 952-234-6112 to start a conversation that won't end after the first offer.
When you contact Vasto Acquisition Group, you're not just getting an offer—you're gaining a partner who will be there throughout your decision-making process. You're choosing to work with a team that has built its reputation on reliability, consistency, and delivering results for property owners throughout Minnesota.
The choice is clear: work with investors who disappear after one conversation, or partner with Vasto Acquisition Group and experience what consistent, professional follow-up can do for your property selling experience. The difference will be evident from day one, and the benefits will compound over time.
Your property deserves serious attention from serious buyers. Your timeline deserves respect. Your goals deserve creative solutions. At Vasto Acquisition Group, we provide all of this through our systematic approach to relationship building and consistent follow-up.
Contact us today and discover why property owners throughout Minnesota choose to work with the investor who never gives up on finding the right solution for their unique situation.
References
[1] Steadily. "Minnesota Real Estate Market Overview - 2025." https://www.steadily.com/blog/minnesota-real-estate-market-overview
[2] Forefront CRM. "Real Estate Investor Follow Up Guide for 2022." https://forefrontcrm.com/blog/real-estate-investor-follow-up-guide/
[3] Forefront CRM. "Real Estate Investor Follow Up Guide for 2022." https://forefrontcrm.com/blog/real-estate-investor-follow-up-guide/
[4] Minnesota Housing Partnership. "2024 State of the State's Housing Profile with Key MN Findings and Trends." https://mhponline.org/state-of-the-states-2024-housing-profile/
[5] J.P. Morgan Chase. "Minneapolis Multifamily Market Outlook." https://www.jpmorgan.com/insights/real-estate/commercial-term-lending/minneapolis-multifamily-market-outlook
This article was written by the content team at Vasto Acquisition Group, Minnesota's leading real estate acquisition company specializing in homes, multifamily properties, and businesses throughout the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota region.