Key facts
- Buying real estate leads is presented as a fast and cost-effective strategy for business growth.
- The evaluation criteria for lead providers included quality, exclusivity, affordability, ROI, practicality, and ease of use.
- Market Leader offers exclusive leads for solo agents starting at $189/month plus lead costs.
- SmartZip provides targeted geo-farming leads using predictive analytics, with an average cost per lead of $0.35.
- REDX offers FSBO and expired leads with package options starting at $50 per lead type per month.
- Zillow is a source for buyer leads, with monthly costs ranging from $300 to over $1,000 plus lead expenses.
- CINC provides comprehensive lead generation and nurturing services, starting at $899/month for solo agents.
- iHomeFinder offers system support and targeted seller leads from $169/month.
- Sold.com focuses on pre-qualified seller leads, charging at closing.
A healthy pipeline of leads is essential for any real estate business, and purchasing leads is identified as a fast and cost-effective method for client acquisition. This guide evaluates dozens of providers based on lead quality, exclusivity, affordability, return on investment (ROI), practicality, and ease of use.
Market Leader is highlighted as the best option for solo agents seeking exclusive leads. It offers a comprehensive suite of marketing tools, including email and SMS marketing, lead capture forms, and an integrated CRM. Their in-house ad experts generate exclusive leads through social media and pay-per-click (PPC) campaigns. Pricing starts at $189 per month for the software suite, with additional costs of $30-$50 per lead. Teams can opt for a $329 per month plan for up to 10 users, and the Network Boost program offers social media leads starting at $10 per lead.
For agents focused on targeted geo-farming, SmartZip is recommended. It uses predictive analytics and big data from over 25 sources to identify homeowners most likely to move within 18 months, boasting a 72% accuracy rate. Pricing is customizable, with an average cost per lead of $0.35, plus a $396 setup fee and a $99 monthly platform fee. Marketing add-ons like social media ads and print mailers are available. Many agents report spending over $1,000 monthly for qualified leads.
REDX is presented as the top choice for FSBO (For Sale By Owner) and expired leads. Agents pay only for the lead types they are interested in, with options for individual leads at $60 per month or bundled packages starting at $199 per month ($50 per lead type). Optional software upgrades, such as a single-line dialer, are available for an additional monthly fee.
Zillow is recommended for buyer leads, with monthly costs ranging from $300 to over $1,000, in addition to lead costs. CINC offers an end-to-end solution for lead generation and nurturing, starting at $899 per month for solo agents. iHomeFinder provides full system support and targeted seller leads from $169 per month. Sold.com specializes in pre-qualified seller leads, operating on a pay-at-closing model with free setup.