Lead generators - do they work???

lead generators  are crap in my experience.  They haven't helped me at all and I have tried a lot of them.  I won't be doing them anymore.  However I do feel that the internet is going to have more influence on real estate than most people think.

       I don't use a lead generating site and I never will.  Blogging finds the "right" sellers and buyers who already know Ardell and I before we ever meet with them.

Asiyah,

Nope tried one once, no return on investment and I was misled.  Work your sphere consistently, circle prospect around listings.   Work the 'Power Hour" and touch up on your scripts or mindset on "KW Connect".  You know how to do it, just keep at it.  And make sure your blog is all over the place, you will get leads that are ready to be converted.

List and Sell (and lead generate 3 hours a day ... blogging counts in this)  Gary @ RentonHomeFinder

My first year in business, I used RealtyTrac (I think it was them) and I didn't receive any business from the "leads" they provided.  Most were raw leads that didn't even have valid contact info.  Better to focus on SOI, community, and farming to build long term success.

My first year in business, I used RealtyTrac (I think it was them) and I didn't receive any business from the "leads" they provided.  Most were raw leads that didn't even have valid contact info.  Better to focus on SOI, community, and farming to build long term success.

Asiyah - I am not a fan of either service you mentioned.  I do like lead generator websites but usually only the type of sites that are owned and controlled by the agent.

Asiyah: I would personally stay away from HV and HG and JL   I have been there, done that... and not a good experiance.. Now online marketing and direct mail are what I recommend

I tried HV, and failed to convert any leads. It was lousy. They told me after my first six months, that I needed to renew for six more, because the leads usually took 12 months to convert.  I remember one of my leads had a taco bell email address, one was a mickey mouse@disneworld, I tried to send these back and was told a story about another agent who had received an email lead like this, and they bought a house after a year.  All I know, is that none of my leads converted, and I lost a lot of money. I also have issues with Talking House, but that's another story... Pass out those cards, and work your SOI.

Lead generators are about numbers. You have to invest a lot to get a return. You are better off working your own website and your own SOI.

I used HomeGain as a PPC to my site, but ONLY with a landing page that required email to go thru.  Without the landing page I had no capture.

I think face to face and building relationship is the best - thanks for sharing!

Asiya - Why would you pay for leads you are capable of generating with your own web sites and blogs?

I havent tried any lead generating companies and dont plan to use any--Bart

I have tried several and haven't had any luck with any of them.  One furnished me with lots of leads but none of them ever converted.  Another had leads that were of the worst quality, in fact even thinking about it makes my mad all over again.  There are better ways to get business than relying on these systems.  We are made to feel guilty if we don't use something high tech, but I think these  systems are very low return.

I guess you have read my post that I wrote a while ago on Lead generation companies. I used www.realestate.com like a year ago- One of the biggest mistakes that I have ever made in my life. Paid thousands to get something that has netted me not even a single deal. One of those rookie mistakes that I made. As long as we continue buying from them,we are going to keep them in business. We need to eliminate them completely and work our SOI. Great post.

I did HomeGain.. when I was with my former non-MLS compnay hopoing to get one the same level as the other REALTORS in my area. I had quite a bit of leads only 1 has actually panned out and it only panned out becasue she was on my sons ball team. The system was good for "mastermind calls and Training". It propmised me that it wouold do  automatci CMA and send out listings however it did not-

Really a waste of money.

Remax offers everything Homegain did. I agree with the rest of you personal face to face outin the community is what really gets people to know you ,use you and trust you.

I did HomeGain.. when I was with my former non-MLS compnay hopoing to get one the same level as the other REALTORS in my area. I had quite a bit of leads only 1 has actually panned out and it only panned out becasue she was on my sons ball team. The system was good for "mastermind calls and Training". It propmised me that it wouold do  automatci CMA and send out listings however it did not-

Really a waste of money.

Remax offers everything Homegain did. I agree with the rest of you personal face to face outin the community is what really gets people to know you ,use you and trust you.