Are you trying to figure out how to get leads in real estate? You’re in luck—there are plenty of options
Trying to figure out how to get leads in real estate? The good news is that there are plenty of options. An ideal starting place is to take advantage of the resources that are already available.
One great way to do this is to look at relationships within your social sphere.
But there are plenty of other options too. In this article, we will look at how to get free leads, how to get seller leads, and how to get buyer leads, among others. Here is everything you need to know about how to get leads in real estate.
How to get free leads for real estate
One of the best tried-and-true ways to get free leads for real estate agents is to start with the relationships you already have. Let’s start by looking at 10 ways to get free leads for real estate.
- Friends and family
- Social circle
- People who provide you with services
- Past clients
- Related businesses
- Community events
- Articles, podcasts, publications
- Blogs
- Door-to-door
- Lead magnets
To help you get started, let’s look more closely at each of the ways to get free leads for real estate.
1. Friends and family
You can start generating free leads by reminding your family and friends that you are a real estate agent. While it may seem unnecessary, since they know you, most people can easily forget. Maybe it is your aunt or uncle, or maybe it is someone on your bowling team.
Next week, bring up the topic of real estate with a friend and a family member. You can tell them a story about something that happened at work or comment on current market conditions. These can act as a gentle reminder that you are a real estate agent and are willing to help anyone looking to sell or purchase a property.
2. Social circle
Next, you can broaden your reach by introducing yourself to members of your church, mosque, or synagogue, if you belong to one of them. If not, you can introduce yourself to people in your cycling group, book club, or bridge club. Think of any social group you participate in.
For instance, you can ask anyone you meet if you can follow them on social media. If they’re not on social media, you can get their email address. This will help you better connect and act as a reminder to them that you are a real estate agent.
3. People who provide you with services
This could include your mail carrier, for instance, your landscaper, or the person at the deli counter. All the people who provide you with services represent new opportunities for a new real estate agent to get leads for free.
If you can’t meet one of these people in person, such as your mail carrier, you can leave a note in your mailbox thanking them. On the note you can attach your business card, not as a way to sell them anything, but rather just to let them know you are there to help.
4. Past clients
If you already have a few clients, make sure you stay in touch with them. If you do not, they may forget you. That means you will miss out on what is undeniably your best resource for attracting new leads.
Take a look at your client list and call a certain number of them every day for the next five days just to ask how they are. You can even refer to your notes for any personal information that will help you begin the conversation. Again—it's less about you selling them something than to simply connect. It will help keep you top of mind should any opportunities for new connections arise.
5. Related businesses
Being a real estate agent provides you with valuable information about your community. You know things like where to eat, where to get a good cup of coffee, and where the good schools are. You also know financial professionals, mortgage brokers, and insurance agents.
You can help each of these businesses by referring your own clients. This will make it more likely they will refer their clients to you. To get the ball rolling, you can introduce yourself to a few businesses each week. If you have time, you can volunteer with them.
6. Community events
Make yourself seen and heard at community events. You can do this by volunteering, speaking at, or simply attending these events.
Like most of these tips, the best way to start is by simply introducing yourself to people and exchanging information. Hand out business cards that have your social media accounts printed on them and encourage them to follow you.
One great place to start is with your Chamber of Commerce. Most of these usually host speakers who can contribute to the success of area businesses. Remember: your knowledge of the real estate market makes you valuable.
7. Articles, podcasts, publications
Most communities have local newspapers, newsletters, or websites that publish local stories. These include stories about the real estate market and community development, among other topics that impact the local area. Again—as a real estate agent, you are a source of valuable information.
Not only should you offer to write articles for local publications, but you can also connect with nano influencers on social media. They are typically loyal and incredibly engaged in the community. Instead of an exchange of money, most people are more than happy to get a shout-out.
8. Blogs
On your website, you can add a blog tab. This will act as a great way to share your expertise in real estate. You can even repurpose portions of the content for your social media posts. This content also works amazingly well for videos on YouTube.
Start your blog with a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). Think up 10 questions that you find yourself answering over and over. Next, write straightforward answers and publish on your blog.
How do you promote it? By using your social media and email lists, which you have built up using the previous steps. You should have a social media presence at this point – it's one of the basics for anyone starting out in real estate.
9. Door-to-door
When trying to figure out how to get leads in real estate, don’t be afraid to go back to basics. Going door-to-door is both a highly personal and effective way to meet prospective clients. Business cards are a good idea here, one for each adult in the home.
10. Lead magnets
Using a lead magnet is a great way to get free seller leads and free buyer leads.
What’s a lead magnet? A lead magnet is a valuable item that you offer to leads in exchange for contact information. You provide a landing page link that captures information of the visitors to the site.
After you add them to your list, you can continue to connect with them using a drip campaign.
You can use social media, emails, and a newsletter to promote your lead magnet.
How do I get more seller leads?
When creating a thriving real estate business, seller leads are equally beneficial to buyer leads. But it can be challenging to determine how to get seller leads if you are a new real estate agent with a network that is limited.
One great way to get more seller leads is to invest in lead generation software. While real estate agents prefer to generate leads organically, paid methods are essential to getting seller leads in real estate. That is where lead generation software comes in. The right software will enable you to generate, organize, and nurture real estate seller leads quickly.
The money you spend will come back to you in top-notch home seller leads that will help grow your business. If you use Market Leader, for instance, you will get exclusive real estate leads in your local market. And with guaranteed quality.
How do you get buyer leads?
Getting buyer leads is a cost-effective way to increase your business profile by closing more deals. It also can be inexpensive and simple. Ways to get buyer leads include maximizing your Zillow account, amplifying your social media strategy, or hosting open houses.
One cost effective way to get buyer leads is to nurture renters into potential buyers. Most renters who do not own a property might be waiting for the right opportunity to buy. Buying is more of an investment and rent prices have been steadily increasing—so the motivation is there.
Use a rent versus buy calculator to show renters that purchasing a property may be the smartest financial decision. If the client’s monthly rent is less than the break-even point, then renting is the most affordable option. If, however, their monthly rent is more than the break-even point, purchasing a property can save them money.
Should I pay for leads in real estate?
If determining how to get leads in real estate, you should remain open to paying for leads.
Remember: the real estate business is competitive. Keep in mind, however, that if you pay for leads, you can grow your business quickly.
Real estate lead generation companies curate lists for buyers or sellers who actively want a real estate agent. This comes at a cost. But your commission should more than make up for the money you spend paying for leads.
How to get leads in real estate: closing thoughts
When you are trying to figure out how to get leads in real estate, remember to start with your immediate social circle, i.e., your family and friends. Next, broaden it out a little more to social groups and professionals that you deal with on a semi-regular basis. Another area is your past clients—in fact, they are arguably your greatest source, so be sure to remain connected with them. The good news is that if you know where to look, there is no shortage of places to get leads in real estate.
Remember: the more knowledge you have, the better off you will be.
For more insights on how to get leads in real estate, get in touch with one of the mortgage professionals we highlight in our Best of Mortgage section. Here you will find the top performing mortgage professionals across the USA.
Did you find these tips on how to get leads in real estate useful? What part of the job are you most looking forward to? Let us know in the comment section below.
