Learn about the best leads for Realtors ranked by source considering different costs, requisite contact rates, timeframes-to-convert, and listing versus buyer leads.

This blog will help you learn about the best leads for Realtors ranked by source.

In the ever-evolving world of real estate, finding quality leads is a constant challenge for Realtors. With the advancement of digital technology, the ways in which agents can acquire leads have diversified. In this article, we delve into various lead sources, ranking them based on effectiveness and conversion rates.

Be sure to listen to this episode of The Brian Icenhower Podcast and subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode!

VIDEO: The Best Leads for Realtors Ranked by Source

Best Leads for Realtors Ranked:The Shift to Digital Lead Generation

The traditional methods of finding a real estate agent through friends or local ads have shifted dramatically. Nowadays, potential clients are more likely to search online, particularly focusing on agents with strong online reviews. This transition to digital mediums underscores the importance of an online presence for Realtors.

Inbound vs. Outbound Leads

Leads can be broadly categorized into inbound and outbound. Inbound leads, generally coming through digital channels such as emails or texts, tend to have lower conversion rates. Outbound leads, on the other hand, are generated through proactive efforts like phone calls or door knocking.

  • Prospect: The Real Estate Lead Generation Manual

    $199
    ONLINE COURSES

    Take your prospecting skills to the next level. This course includes the strategies as well as the tools to help you succeed.

    Designed for all learning types

    Video Training

    In-depth professional video training on every module, presented by the author, Brian Icenhower.

    Written Modules

    Detailed and downloadable written modules with detailed graphics, scripts, spreadsheets, forms, and so much more.

    Audiobook

    Since real estate agents are always on the move, your training must be too. This course provides a professional downloadable audiobook.

    Course curriculum

    Enrollment includes access to the following course materials for 2 years

    Module 1: The Only Prospecting Plan You'll Ever Need
    • Workbook: The only prospecting plan you’ll ever need
    • Video: Prospecting Principles
    • Sample Proposed Work Schedule
    • Proposed Work Schedule (Fillable)
    • Graphic: The Big 3 of Prospecting Success
    • Graphic: Meeting of the Minds
    • Graphic: Organized Sales Process Flowchart
    • Graphic: Ready? Willing? Able?
    • Graphic: 6 Things “No” Means
    • Graphic: 10 Habits to Improve Positive Energy
    • Quiz: Attitudinal Energy Levels
    Module 2: Making Presentations with Scripts
    • Workbook: Making Presentations with Scripts
    • Video: Prospecting Scripts
    • Script: Asking for Referrals
    • Script: Expired Listings – Phone & Voicemail
    • Script: Expired Listings – Objection Handlers
    • Script: FSBOs – 3 Questions
    • Script: Circle Prospecting – Just Listed
    • Script: Circle Prospecting – Just Sold
    • Script: Objection Handlers
    • Notice of Default Prospecting Script
    • Seller Questionnaire & Lead Form (Fillable)
    • Buyer Questionnaire & Lead Sheet (Fillable)
    • Graphic: Organized Sales Process Flowchart
    Module 3: Your Sphere of Influence
    • Workbook: Your Sphere of Influence
    • Video: Prospecting for SOI
    • Who Do You Know?
    • Follow-Up Script Pattern
    • The Rule of 7 Touches
    • SOI Contact Schedule (Fillable)
    • Script: Asking Existing Clients for Referrals
    • Script: We Need Listings in a Hot Market
    • Script: Update Database
    • Script: Update Database & Ask for Referral
    • Script: Past Client Follow-Up
    • Script: Contacting Neglected Past Clients
    • Script: Neighborhood Auto Email Drip
    Module 4: Expired Listings
    • Workbook: Expired Listings
    • Video: Prospecting for Expired & Cancelled Listings
    • Expired Listing Call Log (Fillable)
    • Daily Contact Log (Fillable)
    • Objection Handling & Validation
    • Sample Weekly Calendar
    • Graphic: Organized Sales Process Flowchart
    • Script: Pre-Qualification
    • Script: Expired Listings – Phone & Voicemail
    • Script: Expired Listings 1
    • Script: Expired Listings 2
    • Script: Expired Listings – Objection Handlers
    • Expired Follow-Up Plan
    Module 5: Prospecting Through Open Houses
    • Workbook: Prospecting Through Open Houses
    • Video: Prospecting for Open Houses
    • Next-Level Contact Plan
    • Open House Prospecting Activities
    • Open House Feedback Form (Printable)
    • Positive Need Affirmation Sandwich (Fillable)
    • Script: Buyer MLS Listing Alert
    • Script: Seller Lead Auto Email Drip
    • Script: Open House Neighbor Invitation
    • Script: Open House Pre-Listing Appointment
    • Script: Open House Circle Prospecting
    • Script: Scheduling an Open House
    • Script: Open House Guest List
    • Script: Follow-Up for Neighbors/Leads
    • Graphic: Open House Timeline
    • Luxury Open House Ideas
    Module 6: Property Previews
    • Workbook: Property Previews
    • Video: Prospecting By Previewing
    • Graphic: 4-Step Property Preview Strategy
    • Sample Property Preview Checklist
    • Door-Knocking Note Log (Fillable)
    • Lead-Tracking Sheet (Fillable)
    • Script: Property Preview – Door-Knocking
    • Script: Turnover Rate
    Module 7: Time Management
    • Workbook: Time Management
    • Video: Prospecting Planning
    • Goal & Milestone Exercise (Fillable)
    • Goal & Milestone Tracker (Fillable)
    • Daily SOI Contact Form (Fillable)
    • 4-Week Schedule (Printable)
    • End-of-Week Debrief (Fillable)
    • One Day, 20 Contacts (Fillable)
    • Ways to Make Habits Stick
    • Lead-Tracking Sheet (Printable)
    • Personalized Schedule (Printable)
    • Prospecting Accountability Chart (Printable)
    • Sample ICC Year-to-Date Check-Up Form
    • Graphic: The Eisenhower Decision Matrix
    • Sample Weekly Calendar
    Module 8: Securing the FSBO Listing
    • Workbook: Securing the FSBO Listing
    • Video: Prospecting for FSBOs
    • FSBO Contact Sheet
    • Script: 3 FSBO Questions
    • Script: FSBO Phone Questions
    • Script: FSBO Prospecting
    • Script: Increased Net Profit
    • Script: The Rolex Analogy
    • FSBO Seller Guide Template
    • FSBO Infographic – For Sale By Owner Social Media Graphic
    • FSBO Infographic – For Sale By Owner Social Media Graphic – JPG version
    Module 9: Circle Prospecting
    • Workbook: Circle Prospecting
    • Video: Prospecting by Radius
    • Daily SOI Contact Form (Fillable)
    • Script: Circle Prospecting – Just Listed
    • Script: Circle Prospecting – Just Sold
    • Script: Circle Prospecting – Hot Real Estate Market
    • Script: Circle Prospecting – Open House
    Module 10: Your Prospecting Arena
    • Workbook: Your Prospecting Arena
    • Video: Prospecting Arena (or Area)
    Module 11: Mindset
    • Workbook: Mindset
    • Video: Prospecting with a Positive Perspective
    • Graphic: SWOT
    • Graphic: The Gandhi Circle
    • SWOT Companion Worksheet (Fillable)
    • SMART Action Plan (Fillable)
    Module 12: The Art of Closing
    • Workbook: The Art of Closing
    • Video: Prospecting & Closing
    • Graphic: Organized Sales Process Flowchart
    • Graphic: Always Be Closing
    • Script: Exclusive Buyer Agency Agreement
    • Script: MLS Conversion
    • Script: Lender Appointment
    • Which closer are you?
    • Closing Scenarios Worksheet (Fillable)
    • Closing Style Gallery
    • Clarify, Qualify, Close
    Module 13: Tracking Truth in Numbers
    • Workbook: Tracking Truth in Numbers
    • Video: Prospecting Tracking Tools
    • Daily SOI Contact Form (Printable)
    • One Day, 20 Contacts (Printable)
    • Lead Tracking Sheet (Printable)
    • Buyer Questionnaire & Lead Form (Printable)
    • Seller Questionnaire & Lead Form (Printable)
    • Sample Buyer Inventory
    • Sample Listing Inventory
    • Sample Pending Inventory Pipeline
    • WIG: Wildly Important Goals (Fillable)
    • Production Ratio Planner (Fillable)
    Module 14: Holding Yourself Accountable
    • Workbook: Holding yourself accountable
    • Video: Prospecting Accountability for Productivity
    • Graphic: 12 Characteristics of Accountability
    Module 15: Next-Level Commitment
    • Workbook: Next-Level Commitment
    • Video: Prospecting at the Next Level
    • Skillset Ranking Assessment (Fillable)
    • Systems Process Procedure (Fillable)
    • Pulled Planning – Goal-Setting (Fillable)

    About this course

    • $199.00
    • 151 lessons
    • 9 hours of video content
    Add to Cart

    Immediate Takeaways

    Here is what you can expect to gain from taking this online course.

    • SCRIPTS to reach all kinds of prospects. Complete Prospect Script Book, Asking for Referrals Script, Expired Listings Script, Objection Handling Scripts, FSBO Scripts, Circle Prospecting Scripts, and more
    • FORMS AND LISTS to streamline prospecting processes. Proposed Work Schedule Example and Fillable Form, Seller Questionnaire and Lead Sheet Fillable Form, Buyer Questionnaire and Lead Sheet Fillable Form, Open House Feedback Form, Sample Property Preview Checklistand more
    • TEMPLATES action plans, and logs to set you on the path to success. Expireds Follow Up Plan, Next Level Contact Plan, Lead Tracking Sheets, SWOT Companion Worksheet, SMART Action Plan, and more
    • HELPFUL GRAPHICS to illustrate processes and strategies. 4-Step Property Preview Strategy, Organized Sales Process Flowchart, 10 Habits to Improve Positive Energy, The Rule of 7 Touches, and more
    • TIME MANAGEMENT TOOLS - Goal and Milestone Exercise, Goal and Milestone Tracker, 4-Week Schedule, End of Week Debrief, Lead Tracking Sheet, Personalized Schedule, and more
    • OPTIONS for how you learn best. Each module provides a downloadable PDF chapter as well as a featured video of Brian Icenhower, teaching the topic at hand. At the beginning of the course, you are also provided with a full audiobook to listen to. So however you learn best -- we have an option for you!

    Certification & Designation Upon Completion

    In this ICC online course, you will receive an official designation of "Certified Prospecting Expert" or CPE upon completion, as well as a downloadable (and printable) Certificate of Completion. Add your designation seal, as well as your designation letters, to your email signature to bolster your reputation and show off your expertise to clients and colleagues alike.

    Reviews

    "I use ICC systems, the Online Learning Center, and the coaching program to coach and train my team of over 30 agents. I use the ICC dashboard systems to keep my entire team accountable for their activities and set proper expectations." Jake Rockwell Over 500 Units Sold Annually "I have coached with ICC for over five years. ICC has helped me quadruple my luxury business through marketing strategies so that I receive listings and sales through lead generation and multiple pillars of income." soi audio workbook Dennis Adelpour Luxury Agent - West Los Angeles "When we started coaching with ICC we worked all the time with some degree of success. Now, seven years later, we have grown to have the #1 market share in our area, we more than tripled our income and production, while also improving our work-life balance to enjoy our personal life with family and friends." recruit audio workbook Tammi Humphrey #1 Market Share & 100 Million in Annual Sales Volume I use ICC systems, the Online Learning Center, and the coaching program to coach and train my team of over 30 agents. I use the ICC dashboard systems to keep my entire team accountable for their activities and set proper expectations. New Agent Blueprint

    Jake Rockwell

    Over 500 Units Sold Annually I have coached with ICC for over five years. ICC has helped me quadruple my luxury business through marketing strategies so that I receive listings and sales through lead generation and multiple pillars of income. New Agent Blueprint

    Dennis Adelpour

    Luxury Agent - West Los Angeles When we started coaching with ICC we worked all the time with some degree of success. Now, seven years later, we have grown to have the #1 market share in our area, we more than tripled our income and production, while also improving our work-life balance to enjoy our personal life with family and friends. New Agent Blueprint

    Tammi Humphrey

    #1 Market Share & 100 Million in Annual Sales Volume Instructor Brian ​Icenhower.

    Do you have a need for leads?

    Are you struggling to strike the right balance between new and existing business in your day-to-day? Are you trying your best to get new listings, but can't figure out why it isn't working? Or are you just trying to polish your habits a little more? Either way, you're in the right place! The PROSPECT online course is for real estate agents who want to learn the prospecting skill set. That's right -- prospecting is a developed skill, and it doesn't rely on any kind of innate talent. It's extremely common to struggle with it at the beginning, but this course is here to show you that you can learn the principles and tactics necessary to start prospecting like a pro. With fifteen text-and-video modules packed with tips and resources, as well as a full book of scripts and plenty of fillable tracking tools that are yours to use, the course will teach you everything you need to know to take your prospecting skills to the next level. You'll learn to avoid common pitfalls, make connections the right way with the right people, and make the most of every opportunity to generate leads. You'll find out new ways to keep yourself on track and accountable and find out how much time and effort you need to put into your prospecting tasks each day in order to see a serious impact on your bottom line, without sacrificing your work-life balance. The complete eBook is available to download, as are all of the resources in each module. This course includes everything you need to upgrade your prospecting performance; what are you waiting for?

    Get more leads, more listings, and more sales.

    Whether you just obtained your real estate license or you're ready to breathe new life into your existing real estate practice, this course is a must. Here you'll learn the strategies for success and be given the practical tools you need to immediately put your learning into action. Add to Cart

    Prospect: The Real Estate Prospecting & Lead Generation Manual

    More about this real estate training course

    Talk to a coach

    If you've been considering hiring a coach, now's the time. Book a FREE coaching consultation session with your purchase of this course! Book Your Call Team Onboarding Real Estate Coaching See all courses
    Quick ViewCompare
  • Google Local Services Ads for REALTORS® – and Additional Online Lead Sources

    $249
    ONLINE COURSES

    Discover how top producing agents use Google Local Service Ads to generate high-quality listing and buyer leads. Also, learn the best practices to maximize your online presence and for converting more leads into clients.

    Designed for all learning types

    Video Training

    In-depth professional video training on every module, presented by the author, Brian Icenhower.

    Written Modules

    Detailed and downloadable written modules with detailed graphics, scripts, spreadsheets, forms, and so much more.

    Course curriculum

    Enrollment includes access to the following course materials for 2 years

    Module 1: Local Services Ads
    • Module 1 Video: Local Services Ads
    • Workbook: Module 1: Local Services Ads
    • Quick Tip: 3 things that make you appear more frequently for Local Services Ads
    • Generating Listing Leads with Local Services Ads
    • Online Lead Source Funnel
    • Quick Tip: Starting off on the right foot
    Module 2: My Business Profile
    • Module 2 Video: My Business Profile
    • Workbook: Module 2: My Business Profile
    • Creating Multiple Google My Business Locations
    • How to Create Multiple Google Locations for a Real Estate Agent
    • Quick Tip: If you are struggling to get locations verified
    • How to Create Multiple Google Locations for a Real Estate Agent
    Module 3: Online Reviews
    • Module 3 Video: Online Reviews
    • Workbook: Module 3: Online Reviews
    • Best Practices for Generating Google Reviews
    • Asking for a Review
    • Asking for a Google Review Template
    • Leave Us a Review Social Media Template
    • Google Review Request Email Template
    • Example Video: Reviews Request
    • Google Review Script & Instructions for Staff
    • Quick Tip: Reviews for each location
    • Online Review Job Post (Word doc with social post text)
    • Online Review Job Post (PowerPoint design file template)
    • Advanced Techniques for Getting Google Reviews
    Module 4: Maximize Your Online Presence
    • Module 4 Video: Maximize Your Online Presence
    • Workbook: Module 4: Maximize Your Online Presence
    • Google Posts
    • How Real Estate Agents Rank Higher on Google
    Module 5: Grow Your Business-to-Business Database with Google
    • Module 5 Video: Grow Your Business-to-Business Database with Google
    • Workbook: Module 5: Grow Your Business-to-Business Database with Google
    • Real Estate Vendor List Template
    • Real Estate Vendor Program Scripts
    Module 6: Additional Online Lead Referral Services
    • Module 6 Video: Additional Online Referral Lead Services
    • Workbook: Module 6: Additional Online Referral Lead Services
    • Online Lead Referral Sources

    About this course

    • $249.00
    • 38 lessons
    • 3 hours of video content
    Add to Cart

    Immediate Takeaways

    Here is what you can expect to gain from taking this online course.

    • Learn about Local Services Ads and how to leverage them to dominate the local real estate market
    • Business profile best practices and how-to to create a profile that will showcase the value you provide
    • How to get reviews and use them to grow your business
    • Action Steps at the end of each module to help you apply what you just learned

    Reviews

    "I use ICC systems, the Online Learning Center, and the coaching program to coach and train my team of over 30 agents. I use the ICC dashboard systems to keep my entire team accountable for their activities and set proper expectations." Jake Rockwell Over 500 Units Sold Annually "I have coached with ICC for over five years. ICC has helped me quadruple my luxury business through marketing strategies so that I receive listings and sales through lead generation and multiple pillars of income." soi audio workbook Dennis Adelpour Luxury Agent - West Los Angeles "When we started coaching with ICC we worked all the time with some degree of success. Now, seven years later, we have grown to have the #1 market share in our area, we more than tripled our income and production, while also improving our work-life balance to enjoy our personal life with family and friends." recruit audio workbook Tammi Humphrey #1 Market Share & 100 Million in Annual Sales Volume I use ICC systems, the Online Learning Center, and the coaching program to coach and train my team of over 30 agents. I use the ICC dashboard systems to keep my entire team accountable for their activities and set proper expectations. SOI: Building a Referral-Based Sphere of Influence

    Jake Rockwell

    Over 500 Units Sold Annually I have coached with ICC for over five years. ICC has helped me quadruple my luxury business through marketing strategies so that I receive listings and sales through lead generation and multiple pillars of income. SOI: Building a Referral-Based Sphere of Influence

    Dennis Adelpour

    Luxury Agent - West Los Angeles When we started coaching with ICC we worked all the time with some degree of success. Now, seven years later, we have grown to have the #1 market share in our area, we more than tripled our income and production, while also improving our work-life balance to enjoy our personal life with family and friends. SOI: Building a Referral-Based Sphere of Influence

    Tammi Humphrey

    #1 Market Share & 100 Million in Annual Sales Volume Instructor Brian ​Icenhower. What are Local Services Ads (LSA) for Realtors? Our industry is shifting, again, thanks to technology. Once upon a time, Zillow dominated the online lead scene. But recently we have seen a shift away from Zillow — so where do we go next? Why is Zillow going away? How is Zillow going away? Why should we be going someplace else? You’ve got a lot of questions, and so did we. Luckily for you, we got the answers, and we put them all together into this online course for you.

    What are you waiting for?

    Master online real estate leads — discover what you need to do, learn the best practices Top Producers use to generate and accelerate their businesses, and become the #1 Realtor in your desired neighborhood! Add to Cart

    Talk to a coach

    If you've been considering hiring a coach, now's the time. Book a FREE coaching consultation session with your purchase of this course! Book Your Call Team Onboarding Real Estate Coaching See all courses
    Quick ViewCompare

Online Lead Sources

Online leads are a major focus for many Realtors. Let’s break down the various types and their effectiveness:

Forced Registration Leads

These leads come from pay-per-click ads where potential clients must register to access information. The conversion rates are relatively low, around 1-2% for social media and 2-3% for search engine leads.

Premium Portal Leads

Platforms like Zillow and Realtor.com fall into this category. These leads have higher conversion rates (7-15%) but are more expensive.

Google Local Service Ads

These leads appear when someone searches for realtors in a specific area. They have higher conversion rates (10-15%) and are cost-effective.

Outbound Prospecting Methods

Outbound prospecting remains a critical component for Realtors. The effectiveness varies widely based on the method:

Farming and Circle Prospecting

This involves reaching out to potential clients in specific neighborhoods. Conversion rates are typically around 100 contacts per conversion.

For Sale By Owner (FSBO)

Targeting FSBO listings can be challenging, but it offers a conversion rate of approximately 40-45 to 1.

Expired Listings

These leads can provide a high conversion rate, with experienced agents seeing about 20-25 contacts per conversion.

Nowadays, potential clients are more likely to search online, particularly focusing on agents with strong online reviews. This transition to digital mediums underscores the importance of an online presence for Realtors.

Brian Icenhower

Sphere of Influence (SOI)

The most effective lead source, according to industry experts, is your SOI. By maintaining regular contact and adding value, Realtors can achieve a conversion rate of about 7 to 1.

Best Leads for Realtors Ranked

Understanding and effectively utilizing various lead sources is key to success in real estate. While digital leads offer convenience and volume, traditional methods like SOI and outbound prospecting provide higher conversion rates. A balanced approach, tailored to the Realtor’s strengths and market, is ideal for generating quality leads.