Real Estate lead generation is constantly changing at a rapid pace. What may have worked to bring in affordable, high-quality leads last year suddenly is no longer producing results. Luckily, there are many ways you can edge over your competition

Let’s take a look at 7 real estate lead generation ideas for 2019.

1. Facebook Messenger Ads

Take Facebook advertising to a new level. Instead of a potential client seeing ad after ad in their feed, use a Facebook Messenger ad instead. Now the potential client no longer has to click an ad and fill out a form.

If they are interested, then they can have a live and direct conversation about their wants and needs. It also allows a lead to speak to you without having to provide their contact details.

Messenger Ads result in increased leads, better response rates, all at a lower cost.

2. Automated Text Messages

Text messages have an unprecedented open rate of 98%, compared to just 20% for emails. People are also starting to check their email less and less.

SMS is not often used for communicating with online leads, so your message stands out. There is automated text messaging software you can use, to improve efficiency.

Be cautious, some will see this as spam, and you might not be as welcomed as the daily Dominos SMS.

3. Utilise Your Existing Network

One of the best ways to find new leads is by using your existing network and social circles. Are you putting your socialising skills to work as much as you could be? It’s time to become a social butterfly, interact with the local community more, and watch your leads skyrocket. Catching up with old friends, extended family and school mates you haven’t seen in a while is a great way to reestablish relationships, and to build trust over time as a reliable real estate agent. Even if your direct network isn’t looking for an agent, you never know who in their social circle is looking to buy or sell a property.

4. Follow Up Any Expired Listings

Many agents reach out to listings which have recently expired. However, the real advantage is to search for listings which expired over 6 months ago and were never revisited.

These potential clients at some point were looking to sell. So why not get in touch with them, work out what their plans are, how they have changed over time, and how you can help them.

A lot of the time they plan to try to sell again in the future. Offer to help them with a strategy to have everything ready when the timing is right.

5. Consult from Cafes

Since you are going to be relaxing with a coffee while getting some work done anyway, why not use it as a place for free lead generation.

Put up a sign on the table, or your laptop “FREE Real Estate Advice”, and then offer free consultations to anyone interested.

6. Host Free Education Events

A lot of first-time homebuyers don’t know the process of buying a home. This leads them to be uncomfortable talking to real estate agents.

By hosting a seminar aimed at first-time homebuyers, you can earn the trust of people already looking to buy their first home, while generating leads.

Provide valuable, actionable content, and then follow up after the event to see if they have any further questions.

This might not generate instant leads, but rather it builds your relationships for future business and referrals

7. Send Handwritten Notes

In a highly digital world, a handwritten note stands out. There is still a percentage of the market who are not tech savvy, and the older generations own a lot of real estate and are always looking to downsize.

In your network, do you know anyone going through a significant life change such as a relationship status change, children, relocation, or promotion?

Send them a note and ask if they want to catch up for a coffee or have a phone chat about their big changes. Friendly catchup can also let you discuss real estate and provides excellent leads.

All real estate agents know how important lead generation is. To have an advantage over your competition, you need to think outside of the box. Implementing the above tips will help increase your lead generation efforts.