I’m new to Real Estate and I’m having trouble getting leads. I don’t want to pay for them. What would be the most cost effective way to generate leads? Would a website help?

Cold calling is the cheapest most effective way of generating leads. But you have to remember that you are now self employed and when you own your own business you almost always have to spend money to make money.

Networking is another cheap effective way of generating leads. I am not just talking about contact with friends and acquaintances (and that of your relatives), but getting involved in organizations to expand your "sphere of influence". i had a cousin who was a Realtor who belonged to 3 churches to develop new business.

Recently expired listings is another idea.

I am trying to generate more leads I am new to the business and would like get more clients as soon as possible. I’m not trying to get rich quick just more experienced and make a lot more money doing so… for a business marketing is everything how can I market my-self to generate a strong sphere of influence?

I have found in the real estate field that the direct mail approach works best. Second, telemarketing, third door knocking. Let me help with these just a bit:
Direct mail, compile your mailing lists and get yourself on an aggressive mailing program. I would send out from 500-1000 personalized mailers each month. Telemarketing, get those approved calling lists and call to talk set up appts to talk about either buying or selling. This is strictly an appt so don’t get to excited yet. Door knocking, I found to be the least productive but there are those that have made this approach work very nicely. Probably the best advice is; don’t give up. Good luck!

I need to generate some leads. I’m a new Realtor and need some help and getting some new clients. Thanks very much.

As a new agent there are a few ways to generate leads…..it comes at a cost but no doubt they are leads:
1: Do as much floor time as possible
2: Offer to other agents a referral fee for leads
3: Do open houses
4: Knock on doors
5: Do direct mailers
6: On approved calling lists, telemarket your services
7: Stay away from internet lead sources
8: Create a website and collect your own leads
9: Always wear your Realtor ID everywhere you go, be ready to talk to anyone that approaches you. Have your card ready to hand out.
10: Ask your broker for any other ideas
Hope these help. Good luck!

I have been in the business for 3 years. I was a T.C., an escrow asst. and I worked with foreclosures. I have had a license for 1 1/2 yrs, but this is hte first time I have taken the initiative to get out on my own and sell. Does anyone have any ideas of how I would generate lead here in San Diego. Thank you

1. Mention to everyone you meet that you are an agent if you can get the conversation to what do you do for a living.
2. Get involved in things to meet more people such as join a gym, take a lesson, join a bowling league, etc.
3. Do open houses for other agents in your office on the weekends
4. Make a website
5. Pick an area to do farming. Send out a monthly "newsletter" to the one neighborhood you will become an "expert" on.
6. Work expireds and fsbos (although personally I can’t stand it – but, it works for a lot of people in my office)
7. Take an ad out in the paper although I’ve yet to see that generate results
8. Wear your nametag when you’re out shopping or doing errands and look professional. I picked up a client once because I had on my nametag out and about and the person was thinking about buying a home. Make sure you always have a business card on you.
9. Also put a sign with your name and number on your car.
10. Visit Craigs List often

I am a new real estate agent. What’s a good way to generate leads?

there are a lot of ways most cost money. make sure everyone you know knows your in the business. this is crucial to your success. Its called your sphere of influence. call or mail them all on a monthly basis. sounds annoying but it works. all to often you hear "oh your cousin Jon just bought a house, i didn’t know you were in real estate". yeah that sucks, its a rookie mistake. also you can knock on for sale by owners, they are struggling to sell right now and need a professional to help. most agents are just afraid to ask, whats the worst they can say? no. who care move on to the next. its a numbers game. you can also chase expired listings that other agents could not sell, there are tons everyday. also i highly suggest you do open houses for other agents, they are a great source of buyers if you know how to corral them correctly. there are also a lot of ways to advertise for free on the Internet. also hook up with a new loan officer, the normally have ad budgets you do not, the are a great source of free ads.
man i could go on and on and on. i suggest you ask your broker for help as well.
ever think of joining a team?
Re agent
Remax

I am a new agent and I am trying to generate the most business for myself that I can. My office will do all of my mailing free for me so I am taking advantage of this. I need some creative ideas on what to send them. I am farming one particular area and also a small group of people I know. Any ideas will be appreciated!

I know how hard this market is. I’ve been in this for nearly 20 years and have gone back to do the basics like when I began. One thing I will say NOT to put your money in and that is print advertising, like newspapers.

Mailings can be beneficial, but think outside the box. Ah here’s one that works, think "shoe" box to get your foot in the door!

Believe me when I tell you that most people don’t care; what credentials you have, that you can save them money, that you make millions every year, the you are the top in your office… Self serving isn’t what draws people to you. Be sincere, be honest, ask for the business, provide information without regard to payback. In some cases you will win and in most you will lose. It’s the way you play the game and honesty always wins out. Best of Luck from Minnesota!

This includes ads, postcards and whatever else they use to generate leads (i.e buyers or sellers).

You’d be hard pressed to find an average figure, because it varies by agent, office, area (local, regional, national, etc.), and so on.

However, I have seen some people use 10% of all income towards marketing.

I purchase my home in April ‘07 and noticed today that the agent the seller used has posted it for sale on their website and yahoo! real estate effective Feb 10, ‘08. My house is not for sale. I haven’t even considered selling the house and have not had contact with that agent since the sale last year. What is my recourse? Any?

Immediately notify your state’s real esrare commission. It is a violation in most situations that may result in a probation, reprimand or suspension,

i have heard the best source a realtor has for leads are through referals…..but what if you are a new agent….where and how do new agents get leads

Contact everyone you know and let them know you are a realtor. Don’t be a pain, just let them know. Perhaps they have friends who are looking.

I have been in the Property Management industry for the past 12 years, and have recently received my Real Estate Sales License. I am trying to find out where to start. I am currently a stay at home mom with a newborn, so I don’t have the income to hang my license with a large broker where they charge high fees.

I am thinking about apartment locating, but since everyone can search on the net these days, I don’t know if there is any money to be made there anymore.

I have a few friends that are listed with brokers who charge fees of like $75 per month, but they don’t ever get any leads.

Does anyone know of good low cost marketing ideas that will generate leads?

Thanks for any help!

If you know people in the business (brokers, who you state that you know) I would think THEY would be able to give you some leads. Really, YOU need to speak with people i your area who are IN this business. And really, if our were in the PM industry for 12 years, surely you must have made some connection. I would go with those and ask them. Without benefit of working at a brokerage, your leads will be few and far between. You really need that brokerage connection. (I don’t understand what you mean when you say you don’. have the income to hand your license with a large broker. Most brokerage firms don’t require you to do anything but buy your own keyless lock boxes, your own signs, etc., and then of course split your commissions with them.) Without the brokerage connection, you are an entity of one and to be honest, that does not bode well for you especially in this RE market (depressed). You will get far more listing opportunities with a broker than going it alone, especially as a new agent.