How are Buyer Inquiries and Leads Handled?

Websites like Zillow, Realtor.com, Trulia, and Homes.com make money by selling buyer inquiries—often called leads—to real estate agents. They usually organize these leads by ZIP code and may assign the same area to multiple agents. When a buyer submits a request, it’s shared with those agents instead of going straight to the listing agent for the property. That’s why you might hear from several different agents after reaching out through one of these sites.

Zillow has a platform for Realtors to buy leads.  It is called Premier Agent.  Realtor.com is called Connections Plus.

Once your property is listed on the MLS, inquiries from third-party websites will not come directly to you or your listing agent. However, this does not reduce your home’s likelihood of selling. Agents purchase these leads because they are eager to work with active buyers. When a serious buyer shows interest, the agent who receives the inquiry will either schedule and conduct the showing themselves or the buyer will work with another agent to arrange it—this has long been the standard approach for online real estate platforms.

When a buyer or Realtor contacts us directly on your property, whether it be via email, text or email, we always forward them to you to reach out. Buyers or agents who get our voicemail are instructed to go to ShowingSetup.com and plug in the Street # or Street Name for your contact info. On our yard signs, we also have a QR code and the website to reach you direct.