87 Prospecting Ideas for Real Estate Agents

When it comes to real estate, your next deal is only as strong as your next lead. Whether you’re a new agent or a seasoned pro, consistent prospecting is the key to long-term success. But let’s face it — doing the same tired tactics can get boring (and ineffective). That’s why we’ve compiled this list of 87 prospecting ideas to help you generate leads, build relationships, and stay top-of-mind in today’s competitive market.

From old-school door knocking to new-age AI tools, this list has something for everyone.

Follow-Up Strategies

1. Reconnect with past clients via text or call.
2. Set reminders to check in on anniversaries (purchase dates, birthdays, etc.).
3. Use handwritten cards to thank people for referrals.
4. Send market updates personalized by neighborhood.
5. Create a client appreciation program (think quarterly surprises).
6. Use a CRM to automate drip campaigns.
7. Ask for Google reviews — and follow up when someone leaves one.
8. Call past leads who ghosted you 3+ months ago.
9. Offer free home value reports to former clients.
10. Send a “just checking in” video message through BombBomb or Loom.

Social Media Prospecting

1. Post behind-the-scenes content from your daily work.
2. Host a live Q&A about buying/selling in your market.
3. Comment on local business pages and community posts.
4. Run Instagram polls about real estate topics.
5. Use “stories” to share open house previews.
6. Feature past clients (with permission) in success stories.
7. Use Facebook Groups to answer questions (not pitch!).
8. Run a giveaway tied to your email list sign-up.
9. Post reels showing neighborhood tours.
10. Use LinkedIn to connect with divorce attorneys, CPAs, and financial planners.

Community Involvement

1. Sponsor a local event or youth sports team.
2. Volunteer at a local nonprofit — and wear your branded gear.
3. Attend city council or neighborhood meetings.
4. Host a free community shredding day or bulk trash drop-off.
5. Partner with a coffee shop for “Realtor Thursdays” (free coffee hour).
6. Set up a booth at a local festival or farmer’s market.
7. Create a neighborhood spotlight series (video or blog).
8. Organize a charity drive through your sphere.
9. Offer to speak at first-time buyer classes for local employers.
10. Create a local relocation guide and offer it online.

Professional Networking

1. Build relationships with estate attorneys and probate professionals.
2. Reach out to HR managers at major local employers.
3. Co-market with mortgage lenders or insurance agents.
4. Join a BNI or local chamber of commerce group.
5. Partner with local photographers or stagers.
6. Host a “Lunch and Learn” for investors or first-time buyers.
7. Offer referral incentives to other agents in different markets.
8. Interview local professionals and share on your blog or YouTube.
9. Start a monthly networking breakfast group.
10. Connect with home-service providers to exchange referrals.

Educational & Value-Based Prospecting

1. Start a real estate podcast or YouTube channel.
2. Write a monthly newsletter with actionable tips.
3. Offer a “Rent vs. Buy” calculator on your website.
4. Send out quarterly market trend reports.
5. Host a webinar for first-time homebuyers.
6. Share a “What to Expect” checklist for sellers.
7. Create a free home staging checklist download.
8. Offer virtual consultations to answer real estate questions.
9. Blog about frequently asked client questions.
10. Make a “cost of waiting to buy” explainer video.

Digital Prospecting Tools

1. Use ChatGPT to help brainstorm listing descriptions.
2. Create hyperlocal landing pages for specific zip codes.
3. Run Facebook or Google Ads targeting renters.
4. Use Canva to design engaging social content.
5. Send video text messages to new leads.
6. Launch a chatbot on your website for lead capture.
7. Use a QR code at open houses for instant sign-ins.
8. Create a “Coming Soon” teaser email campaign.
9. Set up Google Alerts for keywords like “moving to [your city]”.
10. Retarget past website visitors with display ads.

Open House & Farming Ideas

1. Knock 20 doors before every open house.
2. Deliver “Sorry We Missed You” postcards afterward.
3. Offer a prize drawing for visitors who sign in.
4. Bring a lender to your open house to answer financing questions.
5. Mail market updates to a specific farm area monthly.
6. Leave branded door hangers with helpful tips.
7. Sponsor a neighborhood garage sale and meet attendees.
8. Create a “Home of the Month” feature.
9. Send handwritten notes to expired or withdrawn listings.
10. Use Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) for cost-effective farming.

Sphere of Influence

1. Ask friends/family for introductions to people buying or selling.
2. Host a casual happy hour for your network.
3. Share client wins in a humble/brag way on social.
4. Send birthday cards or small gifts to your top 20 contacts.
5. Start a “Top Referrers” club with perks or recognition.
6. Create a client-only Facebook group for updates and invites.
7. Offer a home maintenance checklist at the beginning of each season.
8. Include fun local event calendars in your monthly touchpoints.
9. Celebrate milestones (closing anniversaries, baby news, etc.).
10. Create custom merch (like magnets or notepads) and mail them seasonally.

Creative & Unexpected Ideas

1. Partner with a local brewery or bakery for branded items.
2. Start a TikTok series answering “weird real estate questions.”
3. Leave treats for delivery drivers with your card attached.
4. Create a custom Spotify playlist and share with your clients.
5. Offer a “Moving Day Kit” for buyers (with your branding).
6. Sponsor a pet adoption and promote it on social.
7. Send a funny holiday card that stands out from the crowd.

Final Thought:

Prospecting doesn’t have to feel like a chore. When you lead with value, stay consistent, and keep things fresh, your name becomes the first that comes to mind when someone needs a real estate expert. Choose 5–10 of these ideas to try over the next month and see what sticks!