🏡 The Real Estate Marketing Update - Edition 41

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Read time: ~10 minutes

Welcome back.

In this edition, you’ll learn how to use OpenAI’s Operator to generate motivated seller leads, our favorite tool for your own virtual assistant that gets things done, and how to avoid being in the 70%+ of agents who didn’t close a deal last year.

If you're new here, don't worry. We've got you covered. Our previous editions are a treasure trove of tips, tools, and news. Check them out to stay ahead of the game.

Or, if you’re caught up, let’s jump right in.

Ready for some actionable insights in store for you in this edition… 

• One actionable tip that can immediately boost your lead generation

• One handy tool that can simplify your tech stack management

• One essential news story

…and become at least 1% better at generating the right type of leads.

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How AI Can Help You Find Hidden Seller Leads Before Your Competition

Finding motivated sellers is one of the biggest challenges real estate agents face. But with AI-powered tools like ChatGPT and Zillow, you can automate the process of identifying FSBO (For Sale By Owner) listings that are likely to need professional help.

By using the $200/month ChatGPT Pro plan and a simple prompt, you can uncover seller leads who may be struggling to sell and position yourself as the agent who can get the job done.

Here’s exactly how to use this strategy to generate highly qualified seller leads—without cold calling or spending thousands on ads.

Step 1: Use ChatGPT to Identify High-Potential FSBO Listings

Instead of manually searching Zillow for FSBO properties, let ChatGPT do the work for you. The trick is to target homes where the seller may already be losing money by pricing too low or struggling to attract buyers.

Use the following ChatGPT prompt:

Open Zillow and search for FSBO single-family homes across [insert state] where the Zestimate is 20% higher than the asking price and it has been on the market for at least 90 days.

Why This Works:

✅ FSBO homes: Many FSBO sellers struggle to market their homes effectively. They may be open to working with an agent if they’re not seeing results.

✅ Underpriced properties: A Zestimate that’s 20% higher than the asking price suggests the seller may have priced too low—likely due to a lack of market knowledge.

✅ 90+ days on market: The longer a home sits unsold, the more likely a seller is to rethink their strategy—making them highly motivated.

Step 2: Reach Out with a Value-First Approach

Once ChatGPT identifies FSBO properties that meet the criteria, it’s time to initiate contact. But instead of a generic sales pitch, lead with value and education.

Option 1: The “Lost Money” Approach

📩 DM, Email, or Call Script:

Hi [Seller’s Name], 

I noticed your home at [Address] has been on the market for a while. Based on current market data, similar homes are selling for about 20% more than your listing price. 

I’d love to offer you a free market analysis and share strategies that could help you get top dollar. 

Would you be open to a quick chat?”

✅ Why It Works: This approach makes them curious about whether they’re leaving money on the table.

Option 2: The “Buyer Pool” Strategy

📩 DM, Email, or Call Script:

Hi [Seller’s Name], 

I specialize in helping FSBO sellers connect with serious buyers. I have an active list of pre-qualified buyers looking in your area. 

Would you be open to discussing how I can help you find the right buyer and close faster?

✅ Why It Works: This shifts the focus from “I want your listing” to “I have buyers who may be interested.”

Step 3: Follow Up with Social Proof

If a seller doesn’t respond immediately, follow up with case studies or success stories to build credibility.

Example Follow-Up Message:

📩 Subject: FSBO Success Story – Let’s Get Your Home Sold

Hi [Seller’s Name], 

I recently worked with another FSBO seller who struggled to sell their home. After using my marketing strategies, they sold for [X% above asking] in [Y days]. 

I’d love to do the same for you. Let’s schedule a quick call—no pressure, just helpful insights. 

What time works for you?

✅ Why It Works: Sellers relate to real-world examples and are more likely to take action if they see proof of success.

Step 4: Automate & Scale the Process

Once you see results, you can scale this FSBO lead generation strategy using automation:

✅ Use a Virtual Assistant (VA): A VA can run this ChatGPT search daily and compile the best FSBO leads for you.

✅ Automate Emails & DMs: Use a CRM like Follow Up Boss, HubSpot, or Mailchimp to set up automated outreach.

✅ Leverage AI for Follow-Ups: Use ChatGPT to draft personalized responses based on common FSBO objections.

Why This Strategy Works Better Than Traditional FSBO Prospecting

🚫 No cold calling random FSBOs – You’re reaching out only to sellers who are statistically more likely to need help.

🚫 No wasted time on unqualified leads – You’re filtering for FSBOs that are likely leaving money on the table and have been sitting unsold.

✅ A value-driven, non-pushy approach – Instead of asking for the listing, you’re offering solutions to their problems.

✅ You get to work with motivated sellers – These homeowners already want to sell—they just need your expertise to do it the right way.

Final Thoughts: AI Can Be Your Ultimate FSBO Prospecting Assistant

This ChatGPT + Zillow strategy eliminates the guesswork and helps you target FSBO sellers who need your help the most. By reaching out with a value-first approach, you’ll increase your chances of converting them into seller leads and future clients.

🔹 Try this today: Run the ChatGPT prompt, gather FSBO leads, and reach out to at least 5 sellers this week. The more conversations you start, the more listings you’ll land.

💡 AI isn’t just for content—it can be your ultimate lead-generation assistant. Are you using it to its full potential?

How This Tool Can Benefit Real Estate Agents

Operator by OpenAI takes routine tasks off your plate—answering frequently asked questions, collecting lead information, and nurturing prospects—so you can focus on personal interactions that drive conversions. Whether you’re responding to late-night inquiries, scheduling home tours, or providing community insights, Operator ensures that no lead goes unnoticed and no opportunity slips away.

Examples of Use Cases:

24/7 Lead Qualification

Automatically gather key information from potential buyers or sellers.

Example: Operator sorts leads based on budget, timeline, and property preferences, triggering tailored follow-up emails.

Instant Market Insights

Provide clients with on-demand neighborhood data, pricing trends, and school information.

Example: Operator taps into market analytics to generate real-time answers about median home prices or local amenities.

Appointment Booking

Reduce back-and-forth by letting Operator schedule showings and consultations.

Example: A buyer inquires about a property at midnight, and Operator confirms an available time on your calendar.

How to Get Started

1. Sign Up for Operator: Visit Operator by OpenAI to learn more and request access or sign up.

2. Connect Your Tools: Integrate your CRM, email marketing software, and property databases for a seamless workflow.

3. Design Conversation Flows: Configure AI-driven scripts or chatbots to address common inquiries and automate key tasks.

4. Test and Refine: Use real client interactions to fine-tune Operator’s responses, ensuring a smooth user experience.

Why Operator is a Game-Changer

In a field where every lead matters, having a tool that never sleeps and delivers consistent, high-quality support can set you apart. Operator by OpenAI leverages cutting-edge AI to automate repetitive tasks, provide immediate answers, and gather valuable insights—all while freeing you up to focus on building lasting client relationships. It’s a competitive advantage that modern agents can’t afford to ignore.

Ready to revolutionize your client engagement?

Try Operator by OpenAI and see how this AI-powered tool can streamline your lead qualification, enhance customer service, and keep you ahead in a fast-paced real estate market. It’s time to elevate your workflow and close more deals with less effort!

71% of Real Estate Agents Didn’t Close a Deal Last Year—Here’s How to Make Sure You’re Not One of Them

A recent Redfin survey has revealed a striking statistic: 71% of real estate agents did not close a single transaction last year. While this number includes agents who may not be actively selling, it underscores a key industry trend—only 30% of agents are responsible for the majority of business activity. 

What This Means for Real Estate Professionals

This data presents both a challenge and an opportunity for real estate agents. With fewer deals being closed, competition for clients is fiercer than ever. However, agents who refine their marketing strategies and leverage modern lead generation tools have a significant advantage in positioning themselves within the top-performing tier.

Key findings from the survey include:

• Agent Productivity is Polarized: 72% of active agents completed five or more deals in the past year, while 42% of agents earned less than $50,000.

• Market Conditions Are Improving: Half of active agents expect home sales to rise in 2025, with increasing optimism about buyer pipelines.

• Challenges Persist: Unpredictable income and difficulty finding clients remain the top concerns for agents.

Strategies for Agents to Stay Competitive

1. Enhance Digital Marketing Efforts With lead generation becoming more competitive, agents should focus on maximizing their digital presence. Tactics include:

   • Investing in SEO-driven content (blog posts, neighborhood guides, and market insights) to improve website visibility.

   • Using AI-powered chatbots and CRM tools to nurture leads efficiently.

   • Doubling down on social media engagement, especially through video marketing on Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and LinkedIn.

2. Refining Lead Generation Strategies

   • Focus on high-intent lead sources such as Google Ads, organic search traffic, and direct referrals.

   • Leverage email marketing automation to stay in touch with past clients and convert website visitors.

   • Implement AI-based tools to analyze market data and refine outreach strategies based on predictive analytics.

3. Diversifying Income Streams Given the unpredictability of commission-based income, top agents are exploring new revenue sources:

   • Offering real estate coaching or consulting to newer agents.

   • Providing property management services for investors.

   • Engaging in real estate investing to build long-term wealth.

Looking Ahead: Adapting to Industry Changes

The Redfin survey also highlights broader industry trends, such as the rising concern over declining commissions and evolving MLS structures. As agents navigate these shifts, those who proactively adjust their marketing, lead generation, and client management strategies will emerge stronger.

By leveraging technology, refining their approach to client acquisition, and staying ahead of market trends, agents can ensure they remain in the 30% who are actively closing deals and growing their business.

Thanks for reading.

See you next week.

The Real Estate Marketing Update Team @ imFORZA