Which Lead Strategy Actually Pays Off? Here’s What Agents Are Seeing.

Let’s be honest — there’s no shortage of ways to get leads. But figuring out which ones are actually worth your time (and budget) is a whole different story.

We put this together for agents who want real talk: what works, what doesn’t, and what kind of return people are actually getting based on how they find leads.

Whether you’re a new agent trying to get your first few apps in, or a seasoned pro who’s tired of wasting money on shared leads, here’s what’s happening in the field right now:

📞 1. Live Transfers

Prospects are on the phone, ready to talk.

Live transfers are like having someone warm the lead up and hand them right to you. No chasing, no “who is this?” confusion. Just a call with someone actively shopping.

  • What agents say: “If I can stay on script and close, these are gold.”
  • Typical close rate: 12–20%
  • Downside: They’re pricey ($60–$200), and if you’re not sharp on the phone, you’ll waste them.
  • ROI: Great if you know how to work fast and close clean.

⚡ 2. Exclusive Real-Time Leads

You’re the only one getting this contact — and timing is everything.

These hit your CRM or inbox the second a form is submitted. You call right away, no competition, no ring-around-the-rosy.

  • What agents say: “Speed matters. If I call in 30 seconds, I’ve got a shot.”
  • Typical close rate: 5–10%
  • Downside: If you’re slow on follow-up, these turn cold fast.
  • ROI: Solid when paired with automation or a disciplined call routine.

👥 3. Shared Leads

Low cost. High blood pressure.

These are sold to you — and three, four, maybe even five other agents. It’s a race, and unless you’re fast and charming, you’re wasting dials.

  • What agents say: “Sometimes you get lucky. Mostly it’s a battle.”
  • Typical close rate: 2–5%
  • Downside: You feel like you’re chasing ghosts.
  • ROI: Meh. Not great unless you’ve got time and volume to burn.

Zero pressure. Just filtered, real leads — on your terms.

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🤝 4. Referrals

Still undefeated.

This one needs no pitch. When someone passes your name along, they trust you before you even say a word.

  • What agents say: “Referrals close at a way higher rate than anything else.”
  • Close rate: Up to 40%
  • Downside: You can’t scale this overnight.
  • ROI: Highest — if you’ve earned it.

📲 5. Self-Generated Leads (Social, SEO, etc.)

You build it. They come. Eventually.

Posting consistently on Facebook, building up SEO, running your own ads — this route gives you control, but it takes serious effort and time.

  • What agents say: “It snowballs — if you don’t give up early.”
  • Close rate: Varies
  • Downside: Results are slow. Consistency is everything.
  • ROI: Excellent if you’re playing the long game.

👋 6. Local Networking

Old-school, but not outdated.

From chambers of commerce to barbershop convos, face-to-face still works. Especially in towns where relationships beat retargeting.

  • What agents say: “Every time I show up, I walk out with a lead.”
  • Close rate: Depends on your hustle
  • Downside: Takes time and in-person effort
  • ROI: High — if you’re the type to show up and follow up.

There is no one-size-fits-all.

Some agents swear by live transfers. Others thrive off SEO leads. What matters is knowing your strength — and not buying leads that don’t fit your follow-up style.

If you hate the tied to phone? Don’t burn your money on transfers.
If you’re fast and sharp? Don’t waste time chasing shared leads.

The best ROI isn’t just about the cheapest lead.
It’s about the one that actually turns into a sale.

No Artificial Conversations.

We serve up real conversations that move your pipeline — cold-pressed, high-yield, and always refreshing.

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