No Means Not Yet: Turning Seller Rejections into Deals with Derek Dombeck

The REI Marketing Weekly with Josh Culler

If you’re a real estate investor constantly hearing “no” from sellers, remember—according to today’s guest, Derek Dombeck—“no” just meansnot yet. In this episode, we dive deep into the art of handling seller conversations, overcoming objections, and closing deals with confidence.

Derek, a seasoned real estate investor with over 20 years of experience, shares powerful negotiation strategies, the psychology behind different seller personalities, and how to adapt your approach for maximum success. From identifying whether a seller is analytical, social, or a fast decision-maker to structuring creative deals when a cash offer isn’t the best fit—Derek lays it all out. Plus, he shares how hisNo Means Not Yet program helps investors sharpen their negotiation skills in real-time. If you’re struggling to convert leads into deals, this episode is packed with insights you don’t want to miss.

Episode Highlights

[2:10] – The real meaning behind “no” in real estate negotiations

[5:34] – Identifying seller personality types and why it matters

[9:15] – Why treating sellers like people, not transactions, is key

[12:48] – The power of asking the right questions and staying silent until the seller responds

[15:05] – How to handle sellers who demand an immediate offer

[18:40] – The importance of setting expectations early in the conversation

[20:45] – Overcoming objections before they even arise with storytelling

[23:30] – How framing your pitch properly can make sellers more open to creative financing

[26:15] – Why most investors throw away valuable leads and how to capitalize on them

[29:50] – The role of follow-up and how one call turned into a $500K private lending deal

[32:45] – Practicing negotiation skills in everyday interactions

5 Key Takeaways

1. “No” doesn’t mean never, it means not yet – A seller’s initial rejection is often just a hesitation. Understanding this can change your entire approach.

2. Identify seller personality types early – Tailoring your communication style based on whether a seller is analytical, social, or direct improves your chances of closing the deal.

3. Overcome objections before they arise – Use storytelling and real-world examples to address concerns before a seller brings them up.

4. Follow-up is everything – The best deals often come from leads that didn’t seem promising at first. Keeping in touch can turn dead leads into major opportunities.

5. Practice negotiation skills in everyday life – Whether at a store, hotel, or with friends, improving your ability to guide conversations makes a huge difference in deal-making.

Links & Resources

Connect with Derek Dombeck: https://thegenerationsofwealth.com/

Learn from Derek’s No Means Not Yet training: https://nomeansnotyet.com/

Enjoyed This Episode?

If you found value in this conversation, make sure to subscribe to the show and share it with your fellow investors. Also, check out my daily content on marketing strategies for real estate professionals. See you in the next episode.

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