How to Get Real Estate Leads: Proven Strategies for Realtors® That Work
Every Realtor® wants more leads—but not all leads are created equal. This guide breaks down the best lead generation strategies for real estate agents in today’s market, from digital campaigns to SOI marketing that converts.
Generating consistent, high-quality leads is one of the most important challenges facing every Realtor® and real estate agent. Whether you’re new to the business or an experienced agent looking to scale, having a system in place to attract and convert leads is essential. In this blog, we’ll share top-performing tactics and strategies used by successful Realtors® across the country, and how you can implement them in your business starting today.
Why Lead Generation Is the Backbone of a Realtor®’s Business
Without a steady stream of leads, your real estate business will eventually stall. Great branding, a polished website, and sharp marketing materials are valuable—but only if they’re seen by the right people. That’s why your lead generation strategy must be consistent, repeatable, and aligned with your ideal client profile.
Online Lead Generation Strategies for Realtors®
Use Social Media to Attract Inbound Leads
Share listing videos, market updates, and client testimonials
Engage with your audience via comments, polls, and DMs
Use targeted Facebook and Instagram Ads to promote listings and lead magnets
Create a High-Converting IDX Website
Offer property search tools to capture buyer inquiries
Use pop-ups or forms offering free home valuations
Add lead capture on blog posts, landing pages, and featured listings
Leverage Google Local SEO
Optimize your Google Business Profile for local searches
Ask happy clients for Google Reviews with keywords like “Realtor® in [City]”
Blog about neighborhood guides and real estate trends in your area
How to Get Real Estate Leads Through Your Sphere of Influence (SOI)
Your SOI is the most reliable source of warm, referral-based leads. According to NAR, 82% of all buyers and sellers work with an agent they already know, used before, or who was referred by someone they trust.
Ways to Engage Your SOI Regularly
Send monthly email updates with market insights and real estate tips
Mail branded postcards with recent sales or upcoming events
Call or text your past clients with simple check-ins
Host client appreciation events and holiday pop-bys
Paid Strategies That Can Fast-Track Your Lead Flow
Facebook & Instagram Ads for Lead Generation
Promote “What’s Your Home Worth?” campaigns using instant lead forms
Geotarget buyers and sellers in specific neighborhoods
Retarget website visitors with listing reminders and testimonials
Google Ads for Real Estate Keywords
Bid on keywords like “homes for sale in [City]” or “top Realtor® near me”
Use landing pages tailored to specific buyer or seller goals
Monitor cost-per-lead and optimize for conversions
Zillow and Realtor.com Paid Leads
Purchase exclusive or shared leads in target zip codes
Respond instantly and follow up with value-added drip campaigns
Track ROI closely to ensure profitability
Offline Lead Generation That Still Works
While digital marketing dominates, offline lead generation remains powerful—especially in tight-knit or luxury communities.
Door Knocking with Purpose
Target homes around recent listings or sold properties
Offer valuable resources like neighborhood market updates
Respect privacy and local rules—but be personable and authentic
Hosting Open Houses Strategically
Promote online in advance using Facebook Events and Instagram Stories
Collect contact information via QR codes or digital sign-in
Offer printed market reports or buyer guides as leave-behinds
Print Marketing and Direct Mail
Send monthly “Just Listed” or “Just Sold” postcards
Use EDDM (Every Door Direct Mail) to reach specific neighborhoods
Include strong CTAs like “Find out what your home is worth—scan here”
Content Marketing to Build Authority and Attract Leads
High-quality, relevant content builds trust—and trust leads to conversion. Blogging, video, and email marketing all play a key role in long-term lead generation.
Blog Topics That Generate Leads
How to prepare your home for sale
What’s happening in the [Local Market Name] housing market
Neighborhood spotlights with school info, amenities, and prices
Email Marketing That Converts
Monthly newsletters with recent sales and real estate tips
Targeted drip campaigns for buyers, sellers, and referrals
Client anniversary messages and home value updates
Systems That Help Realtors® Turn Leads Into Clients
Generating leads is just the first step—converting them into clients requires follow-up and automation.
Use a Real Estate CRM to Track Your Leads
Assign tags and categories to sort leads by interest and timeline
Set up drip campaigns and reminders for follow-ups
Track lead sources to identify what’s working
Automate Follow-Ups for Speed and Consistency
Set autoresponders for lead capture forms
Use text messages for appointment reminders and quick check-ins
Schedule video messages or personalized emails for new inquiries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to get real estate leads as a new agent?
The best way to get leads as a new Realtor® is to focus on your sphere of influence, build a strong online presence, and leverage social media platforms consistently. Combine digital visibility with community involvement for faster traction.
How much should I spend on lead generation?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but a good rule of thumb is to allocate 10–15% of your gross commission income toward marketing. Test and measure each channel to optimize return on investment.
Are paid leads worth it?
Paid leads can be worth it when you have a solid follow-up system and understand your cost-per-conversion. They should be part of a balanced strategy—not your only source of business.
How long does it take to see results from lead generation?
Some channels like Google Ads or Facebook campaigns produce fast results. Others like blogging, SEO, or SOI engagement build momentum over time. Consistency is key.
Can AmericasBestMarketing.com help me generate real estate leads?
Absolutely. We specialize in helping Realtors® grow their business through custom marketing strategies—social media, direct mail, listing promotion, IDX websites, email campaigns, and more. We make lead generation consistent, professional, and stress-free—with no long-term contracts.
There’s No Better Time to Build a Lead Generation System That Works
Ready to stop wondering where your next lead is coming from? At AmericasBestMarketing.com, we build lead generation strategies that deliver results—backed by great design, custom content, and consistent execution. We’ll help you get in front of the right people, in the right places, at the right time.
Contact Us Today to schedule your free marketing consultation and start generating real estate leads that convert.
