Real estate lead conversion can be frustrating. Trying to effectively nurture leads is time consuming – and sometimes despite your repeated efforts, unsuccessful. But there are three things that may be working against you right now that you’re completely unaware. Understanding and avoiding these three lead conversion roadblocks will help you achieve better results.

Autoresponders have clear benefits for busy agents. Setting up automated email replies gives you the freedom to go to that open house while simultaneously sending immediate responses to incoming email inquiries. Unfortunately, even with the help of an autoresponder, balancing current client relationships and prospecting doesn't come without it's challenges - especially when your autoresponder limits you to a one-size-fits-all reply. Be proactive and make sure you're sending the right message by avoiding these common mistakes:

With the latest technology at our fingertips, we’re now programmed to expect instant answers. Anyone with a smartphone, tablet, laptop or any other neat technical gadget that has internet access can ask Google a question any time - day or night - and get an immediate response.

But how is the abundance of instant information impacting our communication with others?  At the very least, it’s decreasing our collective patience with wait times. At most, it’s completely changing how entire industries operate – particularly those that have historically relied on client relationships. Either way, the real estate industry is by no means immune to this phenomenon.

Response Expectations: How Fast is Fast Enough?

Online lead generation has brought with it a new set of communication expectations for real estate agents. In particular, buyer leads researching homes and neighborhoods don’t have time to sit around and wait for a callback. Need proof?

On the surface, drip email might seem like a great way to keep leads on the hook without having to invest much - but in reality, canned messaging just doesn’t work. And not only does it not work, opting leads in to receive drip messaging campaigns can actually hurt your real estate business. (We do tons of research on the effectiveness of lead messaging campaigns here at Zurple. After all, effective lead nurturing is our specialty!)

Nevertheless, for busy agents the idea of a “set it and forget it” drip marketing campaign is too good to pass up. But before you take that plunge, consider the following three major risks:

The weather outside may be frightful (unless you live in a warm weather year round state like me, in which case, it's still rather delightful) but before you pull out your heated blanket and tuck yourself in to wait out the cold, blustery days - consider this. There may be fewer real estate leads for agents in the colder months – but there are still active leads – and these leads have some very positive things going for them.
 

3 Benefits of prospecting leads in cold-weather months: