5 Free Real Estate Lead Sources You Didn’t Know

By Vija Williams

Vija entered the residential real estate industry in 2001 after a successful career in marketing and sales for builders and developers.

Do you want to generate more leads without spending? If you’re like most agents, you’re always on the lookout for fresh ways to drum up business, especially if those ways are free.

Well, there are actually leads hiding in plain sight that can help you stay ahead without draining your budget. Some of these you’ve probably heard before, but a few might catch you off guard. Let’s dive into five of the best free lead generation strategies every agent should know.

1. Airbnb and short-term rental owners. When the off-season hits, short-term rental owners, especially those with seasonal properties like lake houses, often see a drop in income. Reaching out in December or January, when cash flow is low, can be the perfect time to connect with someone who might be ready to sell.

Another great opportunity is when local rules or permit requirements change. If managing the property becomes too much of a hassle, many owners decide it’s not worth it anymore and are ready to let it go.

2. Expired leases. This one’s a gem. Look for leases that started six to twelve months ago and are nearing the end. Call the owners and ask if they’re interested in selling. You’d be surprised how often you catch someone right at the perfect moment.

One of my go-to scripts for this is simple: “If you received an offer that made financial sense, would you consider it even if it wasn’t listed?” And trust me, it works!

3. Your sphere (yes, really). Everyone says to call your sphere, but I say take it a step further. Don’t just scroll past names in your database and make sure you’re offering something valuable, like home valuations, automated updates, or useful information. Be sure you’re offering them things to respond to and creating opportunities for engagement.

Then follow up. Pick up the phone and have a real conversation about the value you’re providing. This may not be groundbreaking, but when you consistently do it the right way, the results are promising.

4. Expired listings. I know “expireds” aren’t most agents’ favorite, but I’m not talking about those that expired yesterday and got 70 calls that same morning. What I’m referring to are listings from up to 12 months ago. Those homeowners might still be interested in selling, and they’re definitely not being hounded anymore. Don’t overlook them.

5. Open houses. I know what you’re thinking: open houses, again? It’s not new advice but the real question is if you’re doing them the right way. There’s a big difference between just sitting in a house for a few hours and actually turning that time into a real appointment.

I have a YouTube video that shows you how to get an appointment at every single open house. It’s free, it works, and it’s definitely worth checking out.

If any of these sparked an idea or if you want to dig deeper into growing your business, I’d love to be a resource for you. Feel free to call me at 425-399-8808 or email me at hello@vijarealestate.com. Let’s connect.