Why Teed-Up Zillow Leads Aren’t a Business Strategy—They’re a Crutch

The number one question we get from agents considering our team is:
"How do I get leads?"

Let me be clear—the answer they think they want isn’t, “We have a pond of 50,000+ leads you can call anytime.”

What they’re really asking is, “Will you give me hot, teed-up leads?” You know the kind—someone clicks on a Zillow ad, and suddenly the paying agent gets a call:
"Hi! Can you show me 123 Howard St.? I love it and want to make an offer today."

Let’s be honest—we’d all love it if real estate were that easy. And yes, those kinds of leads do exist. But here’s the catch:
They’re easy... they’re just not very profitable.

Let’s cut to the chase: if you’re relying on teed-up Zillow type leads to drive your business, you’re playing defense, not offense.

Sure, those leads can convert. And yes, they’re convenient. But if that’s your whole strategy? You don’t have a business—you have a dependency.

Top agents know the truth: a healthy business isn’t built on one lead source—it’s built on a proven, scalable model. That’s exactly what we provide to help agents grow with confidence.

The Problem with Relying on Lead Sources Like Zillow

Let’s be honest about what you’re really getting with Zillow leads:

• Expensive — You’re renting access to buyers at a premium price.

• Competitive — You’re not the only agent calling.

• Inconsistent — Volume and quality can fluctuate month to month.

• Zero control — Zillow changes the rules? You lose.

That’s not a strategy—it’s a gamble.

What a Healthy Lead Generation Model Looks Like

A truly healthy business doesn't rely on one source. Instead, it’s built across six core lead pillars:

1. Sphere

Your relationships are your richest soil. With the right systems—think CRM auto plans, social media strategy, client events, and value-driven touches—your sphere can deliver consistent, warm business.

2. Open Houses

Done right, open houses aren’t just weekend fillers—they’re lead machines. With signage, digital check-ins, ads, and prospecting systems, you can turn one event into a week’s worth of conversations.

3. Prospecting

Targeted outreach, circle prospecting, farm calls, and door-knocking still work—when you have the scripts, collateral, and tech to do it efficiently and effectively.

4. Internet Leads

Here’s where Zillow can play a role—but only as part of a bigger strategy. PPC, SEO, branded follow-up plans, and custom landing pages give you control over online lead gen (and cut out the middleman).

5. Listing Leads

Seller leads are the gold standard—and our team has partnered with PLACE to give agents access to predictive sellers, farm systems, sign rider tech, and dedicated admin support to win and service more listings.

6. ISA & Other Sources

A high-performing Inside Sales team, showing assistants, agent-to-agent referrals, and high level coaching round out the model—turning opportunities into closings while you focus on high-dollar activities.

One Source = Risk. Multiple Sources = Resilience.

When you build a business across all six lead sources, you create something powerful:

• Predictability in your pipeline

• Control over your growth

• Security when the market shifts

• The freedom to work smarter, not harder

And most importantly? You’re building a business that doesn’t disappear when one lead source dries up.

Ready to Build Smarter?

Chasing leads might keep you busy, but it won’t build you a business. At Lincoln Select Real Estate Group, we believe success comes from structure: multiple lead sources, consistent systems, and the right support behind you. When your foundation is strong, your growth isn’t just possible—it’s inevitable.

Want to see what that could look like for you?

📧 Email Us: Hello@LincolnSelect.com
📱 Call Us: (402) 937-0090

Don’t rent your next deal—own your future.