Special offer

Where Can I Find True Real Estate Leads?

By
Real Estate Agent with Home Foundations LLC

I'm a new agent and I'm trying to get my business started. I tried my friends, family and co workers but no one is buying or selling yet. I tried a "Lead" service and my 1st 2 leads were invalid. 1st lead got mad and "asked where I got his info?" and the 2nd never got past "Hello"! I hope some of the Active Rain members can help. Is it always this rough starting out?

Thanks in advance for your time

Ray Delao

 

Todd Murphy
Fitts Agency - Tuscaloosa, AL

Ray, unfortunately there are so many "lead" companies out there, but very few (if any) are worth a penny.

There's still only one best way to get leads...building relationships with real people.  It takes time, but it is a sure-fire method for building a long-term, successful practice. 

May 05, 2007 07:23 AM
Dan Matheny
1st Priority Roofing LLC - Denver, CO

Ray, It's always tough starting out. Your one advantage is you don't have any bad habits or stuck on an approach that really doesn't work. What ever strategy you implement, I would suggest you always "test & measure". Keep track of what works and what doesnt. You will save time and money.

I have several ideas for you (check my other posts). The one on referrals and viral marketing should help you the most. If you cant find these posts, let me know. I will forward them to you.

 

Good luck

Dan

May 05, 2007 07:33 AM
David Spencer
Keller Williams Northland - Kansas City, MO
Show Me real estate in Kansas City
Sphere of influence includes the cashier at any checkout counter, hair salon, toll booth collector, the person inline in-front or back-of you who is talking about real estate or glancing through real estate magazines, etc. Just think outside the box.
May 05, 2007 07:38 AM
Beth Bastian
Rosemont Financial Inc - Simi Valley, CA
Simi Valley Real Estate
I am not sure if leads are the way to start.  If you are will to spend the money you should look into a trainer like Proctor or Ferry.  I still think the best bet is getting in front of as many people as you can.
May 05, 2007 07:44 AM
Don Horn, ABR, CRS, GRI, CNE
Keller Williams Realty - Goodyear, AZ

The next person you see, start a conversation and ask THEM what they do. Odds are they will ask you alsi.

We have a realtor in our office who goes to the car wash when he wants leads. Talk to the people waiting for their cars. Pass out cards.

Try geographic farming. If you want some clues for this, email me @ Donhorn@cox.net

May 05, 2007 08:03 AM
Silvia Dukes PA, Broker Associate, CRS, CIPS, SRES
Tropic Shores Realty - Ich spreche Deutsch! - Spring Hill, FL
Florida Waterfront and Country Club Living

Network like crazy!  Make sure people know who you are and what you do but don't dwell on it or you might come across like a pushy salesperson. It'll take a while to get your name out but people will recognize you over time.

May 05, 2007 08:04 AM
Roger Stensland
Keller Williams Realty Puget Sound - Maple Valley, WA
Let's Move!
The best leads are the ones that you already know - friends, family, people that you meet.  If, in your past life, you worked too much to grow your sphere of influence, try to hook up with a real estate company that will provide leads for you to work.
May 05, 2007 08:26 AM
Don Horn, ABR, CRS, GRI, CNE
Keller Williams Realty - Goodyear, AZ

Ray (and anyone else) , I teach an in-house class on geographic farming.

I just loaded the classroom notes onto my website. This is not a global farming class, it is a 'show & tell' on how I got started. If you find it useful use it, if not discard it.

Don

http://www.donhorn.com/farming101.html

May 05, 2007 08:26 AM
Cynthia Sloop
Community Association Manager - Indianapolis, IN

Ray-

Finding leads is a challenge, especially when we are new.  Besides the ideas mentioned above, have you tried expired listings or FSBO sellers?  They are good just because there seems to be a steady stream of both. 

May 05, 2007 10:50 AM
Ray Delao
Home Foundations LLC - Grayslake, IL

A big thanks to all of you for your ideas and suggestions. I will take in everything that I learn from my peers in Active Rain.  I'm working on hitting some FSBO too.

 

Again, thanks to all of you

 Ray DeLao

May 06, 2007 07:08 AM
Ray Saenz
Exit Realty Laredo - Laredo, TX
Homes for Sale in Laredo, TX - Texas, Realtor
Ray,   I agree with Don,   it is true,  you never know I have gotten some clients in that way,
May 16, 2007 10:11 AM
Cheri Rayas
Millwood Realty - Salina, KS
CRS
Try attending Chamber of Commerce functions and NETWORK. I take at least 10 business cards and that's my goal, meet 10 new people. Farm a certain area of town and follow up. So many agents do all the marketing steps and then fail because they don't follow up. Get involved with your community and volunteer. Don't forget to send media releases out also. Develop a relationship with your local newspaper. It will all come together!
May 27, 2007 04:26 PM
Ray Delao
Home Foundations LLC - Grayslake, IL

Cheri, thanks for your response. I will try to get more info on the Chamber of Commerce.

 

thanks

Ray

May 28, 2007 05:41 AM