Episode 34: How to Close Deals

Shownotes: Why do so many real estate deals fall apart before closing? Is it a lack of money… lack of confidence… or simply not knowing how to structure the deal? Many investors get excited when they find a property but freeze when it's time to actually close. What happens when the bank says no? What if the seller changes their mind? What if you don't have the money yet? In this episode, John Crutchfield, host of the Grab the Map Podcast and a seasoned real estate investor, breaks down the mindset and strategies required to actually get deals across the finish line. John shares how he grew his portfolio by $1.4 million using less than $50,000 out of pocket, and why closing deals has far more to do with relationships, creativity, and persistence than having cash in the bank. With practical examples from his own deals—including creative financing, extensions, and solving seller problems—John reveals the real-world tactics investors use to close deals even when obstacles appear. If you've ever wondered how experienced investors keep deals alive when everything seems to fall apart, this episode will show you exactly how it's done. Episode Timeline: 01:10 – How John Closed $1.4M with <5% Down 02:40 – Why Preparation Before Making Offers Matters 04:30 – Knowing Your Bankers, Attorneys, and Team 06:10 – Early Big Deal Story: Losing a 55-Unit Apartment Opportunity 08:00 – Key Principle #1: Real Estate Is a Relationship Business 09:42 – Key Principle #2: Using Extensions to Get Deals Closed 11:30 – Buying Only True Deals: Making Sure the Numbers Work 13:00 – Focus on Cash Flow and Buying Income, Not Just Property 14:30 – Structuring Offers to Solve the Seller's Real Problem 16:30 – Example: Creative “Subject To” Deal on 20 Acres 18:00 – Your Real Job: Finding the Money, Not Having the Money 19:28 – Typical Deal Breakdown: $30k Purchase, $10k Rehab, $70–80k Value 21:00 – Real-World Creative Financing & Funding Stories 22:30 – Dealing with Impatient Sellers and Last-Minute Changes 23:20 – Final Motivation: Don't Take No for an Answer, Get Deals Closed Key Takeaways: 1. Preparation Creates Opportunity Know lenders, attorneys, and financing strategies before making offers so you can move quickly when deals appear. 2. Relationships Keep Deals Alive Trust with sellers, bankers, and partners allows flexibility when unexpected obstacles occur. 3. Buy Real Deals with Equity Properties purchased well below market value are easier to finance and far safer long term. 4. Creativity and Persistence Close Deals When traditional financing fails, creative strategies like seller financing, subject-to, and private lenders can still make deals work. Quotes: “You get deals closed by getting them closed.” “Real estate is a relationship business. When people know and trust you, they'll work with you when problems happen.” “Your job as a real estate investor is finding the money.” “If it's a great deal, you can always find the money.” Conclusion: Closing deals is where real estate investors separate themselves from the crowd. Finding properties is only the first step—the real challenge is navigating financing issues, negotiations, and unexpected changes. John Crutchfield's experience shows that successful investors rely on relationships, preparation, creative financing, and relentless persistence to bring deals across the finish line. When you focus on solving problems and structuring win-win solutions, opportunities that once seemed impossible suddenly become achievable. Ready to Take the Next Step? If today's conversation with Johnoson Crutchfield lit a fire and you're ready to move from information to action, here's exactly where to go next Get the 90-Day Deal System If you want a real system to do your first or next real estate deal in the next 90 days, this is exactly how we do it. No fluff. Just a clear, proven path to closing deals. Start here: https://go.grabthemap.com/registration-page-page Grab the Map (Official Website) Resources, tools, and guidance to help you move with clarity and confidence. ️ Grab the map here: https://grabthemap.com Listen to The Grab the Map Podcast Deep dives into real estate, mindset, and systems that actually work. Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grab-the-map-podcast-real-estate-investing/id1468031722 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6P0Ru9xNNWi7y7syVH7dqP?si=55b7f2d546c24675 Connect With Johnoson Crutchfield Follow for daily insights, straight talk, and real-world strategy. Instagram: @grabthemap https://instagram.com/grabthemap TikTok: @grabthemap https://www.tiktok.com/@grabthemap Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theycallmejc/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grabthemap/ Business Inquiries & Contact: grabthemap@gmail.com Don't just watch—take action. Grab the map and start your next 90 days with intention.