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Real Estate Lead Matching Process

How the 6-filter system plus manual oversight matches real estate clients with the best-fit agents

Brandon Austin avatar
Written by Brandon Austin
Updated this week

Real Estate Lead Matching Process

Quick Answer

Real estate leads are matched using the same 6-filter system as other programs (publication, license, property type, language, distance, performance), but with manual oversight for commission leads to optimize agent-client fit. The system prioritizes agents on the same publication, then expands network-wide, with performance history influencing selection for high-value opportunities.

Overview

The real estate matching process ensures clients connect with the most suitable agents based on location, expertise, language needs, and performance history. While the automated system handles initial matching, the Heritage Web team can manually adjust assignments for commission-based leads to optimize success rates.

The Six-Filter Matching System

Filter 1: Publication Source

How it works:

  • Client submits request on specific publication

  • System first checks for agents on SAME publication

  • Then expands to network-wide if needed

  • ~50 real estate-focused publications available

Example: Client on BlackRealEstateAgents.com

  • Priority: Agents listed on BlackRealEstateAgents.com

  • Secondary: Agents on other publications if needed

Filter 2: Valid License

Requirements:

  • Active real estate license in client's state

  • License number verified with state board

  • Current standing (no suspensions)

  • Proper property type authorization

Special Considerations:

  • Multi-state licenses increase matches

  • Referral licenses for out-of-state

  • Commercial licenses for commercial property

Filter 3: Property Type Expertise

Matching Categories:

Client Need

Agent Specialty Match

First-time buyer

Residential, buyer representation

Luxury home

Luxury, high-end residential

Investment property

Investment, multi-family

Commercial

Commercial, industrial

Land/Development

Land, new construction

Foreclosure

REO, short sales

Filter 4: Language Capabilities

Matching Process:

  • Exact match with client's preferred language

  • Includes agent's personal languages

  • Includes team member languages

  • High-level matching (Spanish, not dialects)

Impact: Significantly increases trust and conversion

Filter 5: Geographic Distance

Default Settings:

  • Standard: 25-mile radius for agents

  • Adjustable via support request

  • Based on agent's office location

  • Can set different for buy vs. sell

Optimization Tips:

  • Urban agents: Smaller radius OK

  • Rural agents: Wider coverage needed

  • Luxury agents: Often wider territory

Filter 6: Performance Metrics

Ranking Factors:

  • Historical conversion rate

  • Response time average

  • Client satisfaction scores

  • Number of successful closings

  • Years of experience

How it's used: Tiebreaker when multiple agents qualify

The Matching Process Flow

Step 1: Client Submission

Client completes detailed intake form:

  • Property type and price range

  • Location preferences

  • Timeline (immediate, 3 months, etc.)

  • Financing status

  • Language preferences

  • Special requirements

Step 2: Initial System Match

Automated system applies all 6 filters:

  1. Identifies all licensed agents in area

  2. Filters by property type expertise

  3. Checks language capabilities

  4. Verifies distance parameters

  5. Ranks by performance

  6. Creates match list

Step 3: Manual Review (Commission Program)

Heritage Web team evaluates:

  • Agent availability and capacity

  • Recent performance trends

  • Relationship history

  • Special circumstances

  • Best fit selection

Step 4: Lead Distribution

For Commission Program:

  • Selected agent receives notification

  • E-signature agreement sent

  • Upon signature, contact delivered

  • 2-hour response window begins

For Dashboard Purchases:

  • Lead appears in matched agents' dashboards

  • First to purchase gets exclusive access

  • Immediate contact information

  • Lead removed from others' view

Optimization Strategies

Maximizing Your Matches

Strategy

Impact

Implementation

Multiple Publications

2-3x more matches

List on community and general sites

Complete Specialties

40% more matches

Use all 7 specialty slots

Team Languages

25% more matches

Include all team capabilities

Wider Radius

More volume

Email support to adjust

Strong Performance

Priority selection

Focus on conversion

Property Type Positioning

Configure your specialties strategically:

  • Broad + Specific: "Residential" + "First-time buyers"

  • Multiple Types: Both commercial and residential

  • Niche Expertise: Unique specialties for less competition

  • Market Demands: Adjust based on local trends

Geographic Coverage

Balance reach with service quality:

  • Primary Zone: Where you're strongest

  • Secondary Zone: Willing to travel

  • Virtual Capability: Expand for initial consultations

  • Partnership Areas: Where you have referral partners

Manual Override Scenarios

When Manual Selection Occurs

The Heritage Web team may manually assign when:

  • High-value property requires best performer

  • Special language or cultural needs

  • Previous relationship exists

  • Geographic coverage gaps

  • Agent specifically requested

Performance-Based Selection

Top performers receive preference for:

  • Luxury listings

  • Commercial properties

  • Multiple property portfolios

  • Urgent relocations

  • VIP clients

Tracking Your Match Rate

Metrics to Monitor

Without a dashboard for commission leads, track:

  • Leads received per month

  • Source publications

  • Property types

  • Geographic distribution

  • Conversion by category

Improving Match Frequency

If not receiving enough matches:

  1. Verify license is current and visible

  2. Expand property type specialties

  3. Add team language capabilities

  4. Request radius adjustment

  5. List on additional publications

  6. Improve response times

Important Notes

  • Same System: Uses core Heritage Web matching technology

  • Manual Enhancement: Commission program includes human oversight

  • Quality over Quantity: Better to match well than match often

  • Performance Matters: Build track record for more opportunities

  • Fair Distribution: System prevents monopolization

FAQs

Q: Why does my colleague get more real estate leads than me? A: Compare your listings, specialties, languages, radius settings, and performance metrics. Small differences can significantly impact matching.

Q: Can I specify which types of real estate leads I want? A: Yes, through your specialty selections. Be specific about property types, price ranges, and transaction types you prefer.

Q: How does the system handle competing agents in the same area? A: For dashboard purchases, it's first-come, first-serve. For commission program, performance and fit determine selection.

Q: Do I match differently for buying vs. selling clients? A: The system considers your expertise in each area. Ensure your specialties reflect both if you handle both types.

Q: Can I improve my matching priority? A: Yes, by improving response times, conversion rates, and client satisfaction. Performance directly impacts future matching.

Next Steps

  • Audit your current listing configuration

  • Add missing specialties and languages

  • Request radius adjustment if needed

  • Track which publications generate matches

  • Focus on performance improvement

Related Articles

  • Understanding the Six-Filter Matching System

  • Setting Up Your Real Estate Agent Profile

  • Real Estate Lead Response Protocol

  • Building Your Performance Metrics

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