How to Get More Real Estate Listings in 2025

Or maybe you’ve been doing this for years but suddenly your old ways aren’t working like they used to.

Either way, you’re hungry for new strategies.

I gotta say: If you keep relying on the same postcards or social media posts as every other Realtor in your neighborhood, you’ll likely never stand out. Agents are searching for the next big listing hack—hopefully before the next agent stumbles upon it.

That’s why we’re diving into some of the most creative, under-the-radar methods for landing more clients who want to put their homes on the market.

These tactics are a blend of tech-forward, partnership-based, and a few little-known “hustle” moves you won’t find on page one of Google.

By the time you’re done here, you’ll be armed with enough offbeat ideas to pull ahead in your region, whether you’re in a trendy downtown loft scene or a calm suburban cul-de-sac.

And not all of these strategies require a big budget—some just call for grit and imagination.

So, buckle in and let’s explore how you’ll become a winning listing agent with these strategies.

What is THE best way to get listings in 2025?

First, let’s clarify: there’s no single magic bullet. But there are at least five or six strategies that could feel almost magic.

And I’ll give you an example of this: one agent in a tight Boston market partnered with a local landscaper for a “front yard makeover” giveaway. From that one campaign, she earned three unexpected clients who had been putting off calling an agent.

That’s creativity in action.

We’ll get into that kind of partnership move soon, but let’s start with something hotter:

1) Use AI & Predictive Analytics To Get More Listings

“What’s interesting is how many agents have not fully embraced AI yet,” says a small brokerage owner I talked to recently.

Truth: artificial intelligence isn’t just chatbots spitting out property descriptions, though that can be cool too.

Some real estate platforms use massive data sets—mortgage info, online behavior, even household demographics—to forecast who’s most likely to sell in the next 3-6 months. (Companies like Likely.AI and SmartZip are examples, according to industry sources.)

• Less Competition: Most agents barely know these tools exist, so if you’re using them, you’re tapping a list of future sellers before anyone else even suspects.
• Targeted Outreach: Instead of blanket mailers, imagine laser-focused phone calls or emails to homeowners who’ve got a 70% likelihood of listing soon. The NAR (National Association of REALTORS®) once reported about 64% of sellers choose the first agent they speak with—if you’re the first contact, that’s your chance to shine (NAR 2022 Member Profile).
• Minimal Risk: Yes, there’s often a monthly subscription, but it’s much cheaper than doing random, city-wide mail campaigns.

Now what I love about AI-driven leads is how they save time nurturing leads.

You don’t waste hours chasing folks who’ll only think about selling five years from now. If the algorithm says this particular homeowner is probably going to move soon, your odds of a “yes” go up. You can pair it with a short, personalized text or email introducing yourself.

Just be sure to keep it personal—nobody wants an auto-generated message that screams “spam.”

2) Nextdoor & Geo-Fencing To Find Listings

Every time I’m on the road agents come up and ask me about social media, but most aren’t even thinking about niche platforms like Nextdoor.

That’s a loss.

Nextdoor is a community-based site where neighbors swap tips, complain about potholes, and refer businesses they trust. If you’re active on Nextdoor in a helpful, low-pressure way—sharing market insights, offering free consultations about recent sales—you’ll stand out as the local expert.

• Real-World Example: According to Nextdoor’s own blog, a Chicago agent posted weekly neighborhood updates, and within three months, she pulled six listing leads she wouldn’t have gotten otherwise. And these were warm leads, not tire-kickers (Nextdoor Real Estate Resource, 2024).
• Geo-Fencing: You can also run ads that specifically target mobile phones within a certain “fenced” area (like that fancy subdivision). It’s a neat trick because the ad only appears to people physically entering or leaving that community. Talk about laser focus.

I recommend pairing your Nextdoor presence with occasional free local events. Host an online workshop or Q&A about the home-selling process exclusively for residents in that neighborhood.

Why?

Because people love “local expert” vibes. You’ll build trust faster than some random agent who parachutes in with generic postcards.

3) Build Partnerships With The Right People

Let’s talk about less obvious alliances. Sure, you can partner with mortgage brokers or home inspectors—but those relationships are so mainstream that you might be one of many agents knocking on their door.

(Not the end of the world, but the competition can be stiff.)

• Hair Stylists & Barbers: These folks are practically unpaid therapists. Clients spill the beans about new babies, divorces, relocations, and job changes—common triggers for selling a house. Make sure you are top of mind so when someone says, “I think we’ll need more space soon,” your “allies” mention you. I know an agent in Dallas who swears by this strategy—she claims her stylist has sent her four potential sellers in the last year alone (based on personal interviews).
• Local Builders: If someone’s upgrading to a new construction home, they might need to offload their current place. Many builders don’t have an in-house listing agent, so if you become their go-to, you get new listing leads without even blinking. That’s huge in markets where new housing developments are popping up.
• Attorneys & Investors: Divorce attorneys, estate attorneys, tax attorneys, you name it. They often have clients who need to sell fast. Build relationships, explain how you can solve problems, and you’ll be their first call. Real estate investors also get leads from folks who want a quick sale but later decide they’d prefer a conventional listing. If you partner with an investor, they can send you those “not quite distressed enough” homeowners.

The interesting thing is that all these alliances fly under the radar.

Most agents don’t even think of asking hair stylists or baristas for referrals.

By forging these offbeat partnerships, you’re pretty much alone in that corner of the sandbox. Less competition means more chances to win.

4) Off-Market “Distressed” Leads

When people talk about “off-market deals,” they often assume it’s purely an investor’s realm.

But real estate agents can absolutely tap that approach to find homeowners who need to sell—even if they haven’t listed publicly yet.

• Pre-Foreclosure Lists: Services like PropStream and PropertyRadar let you filter for owners at risk of losing their house. Maybe they’re behind on payments or have a tax lien. Approaching them with compassion and a solid plan can produce a listing before they contact anyone else.
• Absentee Owners & Tired Landlords: Some of these folks are begging for a way out. They just don’t know a trustworthy agent who can handle their tenant situation or property condition. With a simple letter or call, you can become their hero.
• Probate & Pre-Probate: Families who inherit a home aren’t always planning to keep it. If you connect with attorneys or subscribe to a data service that flags these properties early, you can offer them guidance on market value, timeline, and all that good stuff. According to a 2024 study by the U.S. Census Bureau, an estimated 35% of inherited homes are sold within the first year. That’s a prime opportunity if you’re the first agent they speak to.

Just remember—approach sensitive situations with a gentle touch.

These owners might be in stressful circumstances. If you come across as a pushy salesman, you’ll be booted out of their consideration instantly.

Be the empathetic agent who offers legit solutions, and you’ll find deals hiding in plain sight.

5) Personalized Video Outreach

We all know that generic emails with the subject line “Thinking of Selling?” get deleted faster than spam about extended car warranties.

But a personal video message in that email? That’s a pattern interrupt—people open it out of curiosity.

• Why Video? Including the word “video” in the email subject line can boost open rates by up to 19% (Campaign Monitor, 2023). The viewer sees your face, hears your tone of voice, and immediately feels a connection.
• How to Do It: Tools like BombBomb or Vidyard let you embed a quick snippet right into the body. Keep it short—30 seconds is enough to introduce yourself, mention something personal you know about them (maybe referencing their home’s unique features), and offer a quick market analysis.
• Aim for Authentic: This isn’t Hollywood. Authentic, slightly unpolished videos can feel more genuine. Don’t worry about messing up a word or two.

If you’re thinking, “This sounds like a lot of work,” think about how many emails you mindlessly send anyway.

A quick video might take the same amount of time but yield 10 times the engagement.

And that’s what we want: to stand out. Most agents still aren’t on the video bandwagon—at least not personalized email video—so you’ll have minimal competition here.

6) Write the Local Home-Selling Guide

“I wrote the book on selling homes in [City].” Imagine being able to say that—because you literally wrote it.

Now, before you laugh, consider that self-publishing is easier (and cheaper) than ever thanks to Amazon’s services. Some successful agents pen a 50–100 page guide titled something like “The [City] Home-Selling Playbook: How to Get Top Dollar Fast,” complete with your name and headshot on the cover.

• Instant Authority: Handing a free copy to a potential seller is 100x more impressive than just slapping down a business card. It sets you apart as someone who’s done the homework.
• PR Potential: Local news outlets love feel-good “local expert writes a book” stories—especially if you tie it to market trends or community events. “This stat blew me away,” one agent told me: she got over 50 website sign-ups after a small local TV station featured her as an author. Those sign-ups turned into 6 listing appointments in 2 months.
• Lead Magnet: You can even do a digital version. Offer it as a free e-book download in exchange for the homeowner’s email. Now you’re building a targeted list.

If writing it yourself feels daunting, hire a ghostwriter or use an AI writing assistant to draft it. The point is to end up with a polished resource that screams, “I know what I’m talking about.”

When a homeowner sees “author” next to your name, you become more than a random salesperson in a sea of Realtors.

7) The ‘Moving Truck Trick’ & Micro-Events

Sometimes, to pull listings in a crowded area, you need a hook that’s bigger than “I have a marketing plan!” Because, well, everyone says that. Instead, offer something that makes people go, “Whoa, I want to list with this person.”

• Moving Truck Trick: A handful of agents buy a small moving truck (like a 14-footer), wrap it in their branding, and lend it to clients for free (with a signed liability waiver). It’s an unforgettable perk. They also park it in front of open houses—talk about a rolling billboard. According to a Keller Williams team who implemented this, folks constantly mention how the free truck sealed the deal (team interviews, 2023).
• Micro-Events or Community Workshops: A “home prep day,” “seller Q&A brunch,” or “decluttering challenge” can bring local homeowners out of the woodwork. Host it at a cozy cafe or even your office. Provide genuine value, like a mini home staging consultation or a short talk on how to maximize property value. And by the way, if you invite a reliable contractor, home stager, or painter to co-host, you’ll kill two birds with one stone: you get interesting content, and they might refer you more business.
• Sponsored Charity Days: A “shred day” or “electronics recycling day” in the neighborhood, funded by you, gets your name in front of people who might be moving soon and want to clear out junk. It’s community-minded and subtle advertising at the same time.

The goal with these tactics is to create a memorable experience that your local community wants to talk about. Instead of throwing cash at another postcard, you’re investing in something that genuinely helps homeowners. That goodwill often translates into real conversations about listing.

8) The FSBO Detour: New Twist on an Old Tactic

Agents have been chasing For-Sale-By-Owner (FSBO) listings for decades. The difference? These days, many FSBOs list on Zillow, Craigslist, or even “Make Me Move” boards but get zero traction. And eventually, they get frustrated.

That’s where you show up—not by spamming them with “Let me sell your house” postcards, but by offering actual help.

• Give First: Send them a CMA (Comparative Market Analysis) for free, explaining the current local data. Offer open house assistance where you collect buyer info for them (and yes, you might pick up a new buyer client in the process).
• Low Pressure: Don’t demand an immediate listing agreement. Just show you’re knowledgeable and willing to provide value. After they struggle for a few weeks (which most do, according to NAR research that shows FSBO homes often sell for less and take longer), they’ll think of you first.
• Why This Works: Because many agents gave up on FSBO chasing. They assume FSBO owners are stubborn or “cheap.” That might be half-true, but if you’re the one who genuinely helps them, you’ll win that listing when they realize going solo isn’t as easy as it looked.

Keep track of how long the FSBO has been on the market. After 30 days, frustration often peaks. That’s your moment to reach out again with a friendly check-in.

9) Creating a ‘Seller Database’ Through Subtle Content

All the tech and partnerships in the world won’t help if you can’t stay top-of-mind.

That’s where consistent—yet not annoying—content marketing comes in.

Start building a database of potential sellers (through free e-book downloads, local event signups, or Nextdoor interest). Now drip on them with relevant stuff:

• Weekly or Bi-Weekly Emails: Something beyond “interest rates went up” or “another property sold.” Share local stories, highlight community events, give tips on home improvement. Keep it short and personal.
• Video Market Updates: Record a quick 2-minute video on the state of your local real estate scene. Post it on Instagram and LinkedIn. Email it to your list with a “Hey neighbors, here’s what’s happening this week.” Agents who do this say it cements them as the “obvious expert” when the homeowner is ready to list (BombBomb research, 2024).
• Monthly Seller Seminars: Virtual or in-person events that go deeper on topics like “How to price your home,” “Timing your move for maximum profit,” etc. Put these events on a recurring schedule so your audience expects them.

This might sound like a slow play. It is.

But it’s also how you become the default resource in your sphere. When your name consistently pops up in someone’s inbox or on social media, they’ll think of you the moment they decide to sell.

10) Partnering with Local Investors for Offbeat Listing Leads

Now, why this matters: real estate investors often target motivated sellers.

Sometimes those sellers want a quick cash deal—but many prefer a conventional listing for a higher price once they realize they can get more on the open market. If you have a friendly partnership with an investor or investing group, they can pass along leads that aren’t a perfect fit for them. Let’s say the investor’s limit is $300K, but the seller wants $400K.

Instead of that lead disappearing, they refer the homeowner to you.

Of course, it should be reciprocal: if you come across a house that’s truly distressed, you toss it their way. This synergy can be powerful because you’re both leveraging each other’s networks.

The best part? Most Realtors see investors as competition, so they never bother building these alliances. Less competition for you.

11) Community Impact Projects—That Double as Marketing

Sometimes, the biggest factor in getting listings is trust.

Trust is built when people see you genuinely involved in the community—not just peddling your services. Consider picking one community project to champion each quarter.

• Examples: Sponsor a local youth sports team, organize a charity home makeover, or do a “clean-up day” at a local park. Bring your team, brand some T-shirts, and invite neighbors to join.
• Outcome: You meet a ton of homeowners who see you as a community leader. Sure, they might not list tomorrow, but maybe next month or next year. And they’ll remember who brought everyone together.
• Real-World Stat: According to GlobalGiving, community-based events tend to have a 30% to 40% higher volunteer sign-up rate if hosted by a small local sponsor (compared to a faceless corporate sponsor). That means more people show up, see your involvement, and—hopefully—will remember you next time they need a real estate agent.

It’s not about being fake.

It’s about showing you care and doing good while you network. People can spot inauthentic motives from a mile away, so pick causes you truly connect with.

Over time, this builds a web of goodwill that translates into real estate success. Because people typically list with someone they like and trust.

12) Embracing Specialized Niches

Maybe you love working with seniors who want to downsize, or you have a flair for marketing luxury homes with unique staging. In 2025, it pays to specialize. If a homeowner is looking to sell a mid-century modern house, and you’re the agent known for exactly that style, guess who they’ll call?

(Hint: it’s not the generic agent whose website says, “I do it all!”)

• How to Choose a Niche: Think about your interests, your background, or a local housing trend. Maybe you’re near a big military base—focus on PCS (Permanent Change of Station) moves. Or there’s an influx of retirees—be the “senior transition” expert.
• Dominate That Niche: Blog about it, make videos, attend relevant events, network with service providers who also serve that niche. Over time, you’ll pop up whenever someone Googles “Senior Real Estate Specialist [Your City].”
• Why It Matters: Agents who excel in a single area get referrals within that circle. People talk: “Oh, you have a loft? You should talk to Sam—he’s the loft guy.” That specialized brand can skyrocket your listing count without scattergun marketing.

Sure, you can still work outside your niche, but having a recognized specialty helps you secure more listing appointments in that segment.

Ready to win more listings this year?

These strategies can feel random at first glance. AI and hair stylists? E-books and Nextdoor? But each tactic unlocks a new avenue to reach homeowners before anyone else does. If you’re serious about dominating 2025, don’t just pick one—layer several on top of each other.

By taking consistent action on these out-of-the-box ideas, you’ll spot opportunities your competition doesn’t even see. You might not convert every lead into a new client, but let’s be honest: you don’t need everyone, you just need enough to surge ahead.

And I’ll end with one rhetorical question—why let your competition have all the fun with creative prospecting? If you’re tired of the same old, now’s your moment to break free, test something new, and own your market in 2025.

Let other agents compete with the well-known strategies while you score real listing appointments in ways nobody else has even thought of yet.

Go out there and get it.