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As with every type of business, the real estate industry depends on a continuous cycle of clientele. But unlike other businesses, a real estate agent can’t rely on returning customers. After selling a home to a client, that client will not likely need another home for decades. A consistent influx of new clients is essential to maintain a thriving real estate business. That is why agents keep on trying different strategies on how to get real estate leads. Their primary goal is to have a healthy pipeline of real estate leads.

Traditional lead generation strategies consist of cold calls and door-to-door visits. But today, most individuals are reluctant to answer unfamiliar calls or open their doors to strangers. These lead generation tactics have grown stale. Fortunately, there are other strategies for how to get leads in real estate that ultimately lead to having satisfied homeowners.

The Benefits of Lead Generation Strategies

A solid lead generation plan brings in many benefits for real estate agents and brokers. Consider the following advantages of effective lead-generation strategies:

  • Nurture Relationships: Actively pursuing new leads is a powerful way to build client relations. You could connect with a couple who isn’t looking to buy, but they might know someone who is ready. This proactive approach fosters brand growth and instills trust within your network.
  • Boosting Profits: Lead generation puts a spotlight on your business, amplifying its presence in the market. That allows you to showcase your offerings and increase your chance of conversion. When you get loyal clients, your revenue streams expand. 
  • Business Expansion: Lead generation is synonymous with drawing potential prospects into your company. This initiates a ripple effect through referrals, word-of-mouth marketing, and heightened brand recognition.

How to generate real estate leads

These are just a few compelling reasons underscoring the significance of real estate lead generation. Next, let’s discuss some strategies for how to get leads in real estate that you can implement starting today.

Real estate agents together after generating a real estate lead.

Cultivate Your Lead Database 

It’s no surprise that tapping into past clients is one of the best ways to get real estate leads. What’s remarkable is that much of the groundwork you have already put in. Just a few clicks away is a valuable database of former clients who can assist you in connecting with potential customers. 

You can initiate contact by sending out an email introducing a referral program. You can craft a monthly newsletter that shares recent deal closings and your readiness to take on new clients. You can also encourage your existing client database to share your social media content. 

Stage Mega Open House Extravaganzas

Who says open houses are solely intended to attract buyers? Consider orchestrating a mega open house extravaganza that offers compelling incentives for attendance. You’ll get a chance to meet and greet the neighbors and position yourself as the preferred listing agent. 

Open house symbol for lead generation

After you stage the home, roll out the red carpet with delectable cuisine, refreshing beverages, and some fun entertainment. Extend invitations to the local residents, and make the most of your open house extravaganza by having an event that leaves a lasting impression.

Boost Your Facebook Page

Think of your Facebook page as the digital center of your real estate business. Facebook serves as an effective platform to showcase your latest property listings and upcoming open houses. When you fine-tune its searchability, it can also become one of the best ways to generate real estate leads. 

First, make sure that your page name and username are easily discoverable and strongly associated with your real estate profession. Incorporate terms like “real estate agent” or “[your city] realtor” into the title so that your page will rise to the top of search results when individuals seek out these relevant keywords. 

Remember, your Facebook page can also appear in Google search results. That makes the strategic inclusion of effective keywords in your title crucial. Another way of optimizing your Facebook page is to add a call-to-action (CTA) button that simplifies direct contact with you. This CTA button can be linked to your email, a contact or sign-up form, or even Messenger, streamlining the process for potential clients to get in touch promptly.

Call on Agent-to-Agent Referrals

You don’t have to go on the quest for real estate leads on your own. Consider collaborating with fellow agents. Those agents present an excellent way to broaden your client base and venture into untapped markets. That’s how to get leads for real estate agents.

Why would another agent share leads with you? They might have too many to handle and don’t want to let a client go to a random agent. If you share a lead with another agent, they also “owe you one.” Fellow agents are part of your network. Put them to work for you. 

Utilize Online Real Estate Platforms 

A good approach for developing real estate lead generation ideas is to think like the prospective homeowner. The first place every new homeowner will visit is an online search site. That allows them to access dozens of listings, all from the convenience of their home. 

Embracing the digital realm is a top-notch strategy for expanding your real estate business. Savvy agents today emphasize online engagement, recognizing it as a substantial listing opportunity. 

Numerous online real estate listing platforms are a great resource for how to find real estate leads. Popular real estate search platforms, like Zillow and Trulia, stand out due to their user-friendly interfaces. 

The next time you have a moment to spare, fire up your computer and browse these sites to identify homeowners in your vicinity looking to sell. Add them to your database, initiate contact, and share with them how you are the realtor capable of handling all their property needs.

homeowners checking a new home with a real estate agent

Tap Into Expired Listings

Before you dismiss the notion of pursuing expired listings, consider this perspective: A homeowner with an expired listing is simply an individual facing a challenge. As a confident and accomplished listing agent, you can serve as a powerful source of knowledge. Your problem-solving skills can turn around their current predicament. 

Reach out to the owners of expired listings through direct mail, phone calls, or even in-person visits. Don’t allow a fixed mindset to blind you to the immense opportunity within expired listings. Pursuing them generates additional leads, positions you as an industry leader, and cements your reputation in the field.

Support Local Businesses

A successful real estate agent knows the neighborhoods. Demonstrate your commitment to a specific market by showcasing your pride and expertise in the area through support for local businesses. 

Consider joining your local chamber of commerce to stay engaged in community developments and initiatives. Connect with influential figures within the community and champion the cause of small businesses in your vicinity. Sponsoring a Little League team is a perfect example. 

Whether it’s joining in the celebration of the opening of a new local business or a well-established one hosting an event, you can leverage your social network to amplify those businesses. By doing so, you contribute to your community’s growth and foster goodwill and potential support from local businesses.

Engage With Instagram and TikTok Stories

Facebook is not the only social media platform you should put to work to generate real estate leads. Another one of the best ways to get real estate leads is with Instagram Stories and TikTok videos. Those are excellent platforms to engage with your followers. 

Utilize Stories to share links to recent property listings, repost static posts and Reels to stimulate more significant interaction, or employ the questions sticker to host engaging AMA (Ask Me Anything) sessions. 

Virtual home tours are also great content to post on Instagram and TikTok. You can also delve into the interests of your target audience and provide content that aligns with their needs. For instance, if your ideal client is a first-time homebuyer, offer how-to guides on common home improvement projects for the first year of homeownership. 

Offer a Complimentary Seminar

Enroll yourself as an instructor to conduct a real estate workshop or deliver a talk at your neighborhood library or community center. Consider participating in career fairs and events at community colleges. 

Select a subject closely tied to your niche, like home staging or selling and buying a home simultaneously. These seminars provide a platform to showcase your expertise and build your brand. Everyone who shows up is a valuable lead.

Monitor Marriage and Engagement Announcements

Buying a home is something every newlywed couple dreams of. That might not happen right when they get back from the honeymoon. However, you can position yourself as their go-to agent when they are ready to take the leap into buying a home. 

How can you find these couples? Put social media to work by using hashtags to search out newly engaged couples or get ready for the big wedding. Hashtags such as  #marriage, #weddingday, #bridetobe, #engaged, #shesaidyes and #weddinginspiration are a good start. You can add geo-specific hashtags to make sure you’re working in your area. 

You can send those couples a text, link, or direct message if they are online.

Forge Partnerships With Divorce Attorneys

A growing market that real estate agents are increasingly recognizing is the segment of couples who are either recently divorced or currently undergoing divorce proceedings. Few situations necessitate a swift transition into selling, buying, or renting a new home as much as the dissolution of a marriage. 

Look for opportunities to connect with divorce lawyers through networking events, local business gatherings, or even within your extended network of relatives and friends. Consider arranging informal meetings over lunch or coffee with these divorce attorneys. 

During these interactions, talk about how you can offer valuable assistance to their clients and inquire whether they might be open to referring clients who urgently need to sell or locate new homes. It could be as straightforward as asking if they would be willing to place your informational materials in their office waiting area.

Neighborhood Farming 

A highly effective approach to lead generation for real estate is “neighborhood farming.” Instead of cultivating actual crops, you’re cultivating leads through direct contact in a specific neighborhood. That can involve a direct mail campaign or dropping flyers and postcards right into the mailboxes of the homes in your target area.  

Generate Real Estate Leads Today

From harnessing the power of digital platforms like Instagram and TikTok to forging partnerships with divorce attorneys and targeting specific neighborhoods, the real estate landscape offers a wealth of opportunities to expand your clientele. 

By adapting traditional methods to the digital age and staying attuned to emerging trends, you can build stronger relationships with clients, fellow agents, and industry influencers, ultimately cultivating a thriving real estate business. 

Whether embracing new technologies or fostering connections within your community, the key lies in proactive and strategic approaches to generate leads and ensure continued success in the dynamic world of real estate.