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What You Need to be Successful When Buying Mortgage Leads

John Jurkovich (The Broker Builder)
December 20, 2024

Lead buying can either be a game-changer for your mortgage business or a quick way to burn cash. The difference? Knowing how to do it right.

I recently had a chance to sit down with Jimmy King, co-founder of BankingBridge, to talk all things lead buying, from the basics to insider strategies. Jimmy isn’t just talking theory—his company helped mortgage professionals generate over 60,000 leads in 2024.

If you’ve ever wondered, Should I buy leads? Where do I start? How do I make this work?—this one’s for you.

Why Lead Buying is (Still) a Smart Move

Lead buying gets a bad rap because a lot of people do it wrong. Here’s the truth: it’s not about buying leads—it’s about converting them.

Jimmy explained it like this: “You can’t just dabble in lead buying. You need a strategy, a budget, and the patience to stick with it long enough to see results.”

If you’re not ready to commit to $5,000–$8,000 over several months to learn and refine your approach, lead buying probably isn’t for you. But if you’re willing to invest in the process, the returns can be huge.

The Two Types of Leads You Need to Know

Not all leads are created equal. Jimmy broke it down into two main types:

  1. Long-Form Leads
    These come with a lot of data—credit scores, income details, etc.—but the lead has no idea who you are. You’re buying their information from a third party, like LendingTree, and competing with multiple lenders. Speed is everything here.
  2. Rate Table Leads
    These leads are self-selected. Your logo and rate appear on a rate table, and when a customer clicks on it, they’re taken to your landing page. These leads already know who you are, making them warmer and easier to convert.

Pro Tip: If you’re a broker, rate tables are your friend. They’re especially effective if you’re competitive on pricing and have a solid landing page for conversion.

 

 

The #1 Rule of Lead Buying: Consistency

Jimmy stressed the importance of sticking with one or two lead sources and doubling down on what works.

“Don’t jump around every month,” he said. “Build a relationship with your lead provider, and you’ll get better service and better leads.”

What You Need Before You Buy Leads

Lead buying isn’t for the unprepared. Here’s what you need to have in place:

  1. A CRM That Works for You
    Your CRM is your best friend when it comes to lead nurturing. Choose one that’s easy to use and comes with pre-built templates. Jimmy recommended CRMs like Bonzo, Shape, and Relku.
  2. A Strong Landing Page
    This is where leads go after clicking on your ad or rate table. It needs to be mobile-friendly, modern, and optimized for conversions. BankingBridge can handle this for you, so you’re not stuck building it yourself.
  3. A Realistic Budget
    Plan to spend at least $2,000–$3,000 per month. If you can’t afford that, wait until you can. Trying to scrape by with a few hundred bucks won’t get you anywhere.

Jimmy’s Playbook for New Mortgage Brokers

If Jimmy were starting a mortgage company today, here’s what he’d do:

  1. Run Lean
    Keep your expenses low. Don’t hire support staff or spend on unnecessary tools.
  2. Invest in Rate Tables
    Use a service like BankingBridge to display competitive rates and generate high-quality leads.
  3. Focus on Conversations
    The first goal isn’t to close deals—it’s to start conversations. Measure success by how many leads engage with you, whether it’s through email, text, or phone.
  4. Go All In
    Commit to a lead provider and push hard for results. If you’re spending $3,000 a month, aim to generate 50–100 leads and get at least 70% of them to engage with you.

Pro Tips for Converting More Leads

Buying leads is just the first step. Here’s how to maximize your ROI:

  1. Send Personalized Video Messages
    Stand out by sending short, personalized videos to your leads. Introduce yourself, share why you’re different, and make a real connection.
  2. Follow Up Strategically
    Jimmy recommends a three-part video follow-up:
    • Video 1: Introduce yourself and explain why you’re reaching out.
    • Video 2: Offer a second opinion or invite them to explore your services.
    • Video 3: Provide a valuable tool, like rate alerts or a homeownership app, to keep them engaged.
  3. Nurture the Long Game
    Not every lead will close today—but that doesn’t mean they’re a lost cause. Use tools like Finlocker or Homebot to stay top of mind and nurture them for future opportunities.

Why BankingBridge Stands Out

If you’re serious about lead buying, BankingBridge is a no-brainer. They handle everything from landing pages to rate displays, helping you convert more leads without the headache of building it all yourself.

“We’re not just a tech tool—we’re a partner,” Jimmy said. “We make sure your leads are high-quality and your landing pages are optimized for conversion.”

It’s Time to Bet on Yourself

Lead buying isn’t a magic bullet, but it’s a proven way to grow your mortgage business—if you’re willing to put in the work.

As Jimmy put it: “If you’re thinking about going out on your own, just do it. You’ll look back in a few years and realize it was the best decision you ever made.”

If you’re ready to dive into lead buying or want to explore BankingBridge’s tools, reach out. And if you’re looking for guidance on building your business, I’d love to help.

Let’s stop revving the engine and start moving forward.

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John Jurkovich (The Broker Builder)

My name is John Jurkovich aka "The Mortgage Broker Builder". I've been building mortgage companies and running sales teams for the last 3+ Decades. I recently decided it was time to take my knowledge and experience to the world of Bankers And Brokers so we can grow the future of the mini broker!

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