Pay-at-closing real estate lead companies offer access to potential clients without the upfront costs typically associated with lead generation services. This model is mutually beneficial as agents only pay for leads that result in successful transactions, which minimizes risk and maximizes the return on investment. I’ll explore some of the top companies that offer pay at closing real estate leads while examining their offerings and how real estate professionals can benefit from the services.

  • Zillow Flex: Best for data-driven courses and coaching
  • Sold.com: Best for performance-based lead assignment
  • ReferralExchange: Best for agents in the REALTOR® network
  • Clever: Best for providing a streamlined platform to receive leads
Sign up for free with Sold.com to receive real estate referrals and jump-start your business.
  • Buyer and seller leads
  • Manage all referrals on the agent dashboard
  • For individual agents or teams
Sold.com has paid for this placement. However, our team of experts approved Sold.com as an appropriate product, and our content remains editorially independent.

The Close’s Top Picks for Real Estate Leads Pay at Closing

Type of Software
Best for
Referral Fees
Qualifications Needed
Zillow FlexData-driven courses and coaching15%–40% of commissionBy invitation only; only certain locations apply
SOLD.comPerformance-based lead assignment30%–35% of commission (0% if paid by sponsor)Undisclosed
ReferralExchangeAgents in the REALTOR® network 35% of commissionThree years of experience, at least 20 transactions, or comparable sales volume within the last 12 months
CleverProviding a streamlined platform to receive leads1.5% listing fee ($3,000 minimum)Over five years of experience with great client reviews and extensive market knowledge

Zillow Flex: Best for Data-Driven Courses & Coaching

Zillow Flex Program
Pros
Cons
  • It can receive lifelong clients.
  • Zillow is owed its fee on the first two transactions with a client within two years of receiving the lead.
  • Top real estate listing website.
  • Agents must adhere to stringent performance standards.
  • It is affiliated with a trusted brand in real estate.
  • This can be an extremely costly program to join.
  • There is no upfront cost to participate once
  • It is only available to high-performing agents in certain locations.

Why I Chose Zillow Flex 

I chose Zillow Flex for agents already participating in the Zillow Premier Agent program because it offers an opportunity with no upfront costs for agents already invested in the platform. Agents invited to join Zillow Flex will have access to over 50 on-demand and ten live, instructor-led Zillow Academy courses. Per Zillow, these courses can help increase an agent’s answer and appointment rate and overall lead conversion. 

  • No upfront costs: Fees are limited to the costs of participating in Zillow Agent Premier. 
  • Geographical area: Only certain areas can participate in the Zillow Flex program. The following areas are excluded:
  • Phoenix, AZ
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • San Diego, CA
  • Sacramento-Stockton-Modesto, CA
  • San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose, CA
  • Denver, CO
  • Orlando, FL
  • Daytona Beach, FL 
  • Melbourne, FL
  • Jacksonville, FL
  • Miami-Fort Lauderdale, FL
  • Tampa-St Petersburg-Sarasota, FL
  • Fort Myers-Naples, FL
  • Port St. Lucie, FL
  • Sebastian, FL
  • Homosassa Springs, FL
  • Ocala, FL
  • Gainesville, FL
  • Palm Bay, FL
  • Punta, FL
  • Atlanta, GA
  • Chicago, IL
  • Indianapolis, IN
  • Boston-Manchester, MA
  • Springfield-Holyoke, MA
  • Washington-Hagerstown, MD
  • Baltimore, MD
  • Detroit, MI
  • Saint Louis, MO
  • Raleigh, NC
  • Durham, NC
  • Charlotte, NC
  • Minneapolis-Saint Paul, NC
  • Las Vegas, NV
  • Queens, NY
  • Bronx, NY
  • Brooklyn, NY
  • Manhattan, NY
  • Oklahoma City, OK
  • Cleveland, OH
  • Akron, OH
  • Portland, OR
  • Philadelphia, PA
  • Norfolk-Portsmouth-Newport, RI
  • Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
  • Houston, TX
  • San Antonio, TX
  • Austin, TX
  • Richmond-Petersburg, VA
  • Seattle-Tacoma, WA

Fees & Process for Zillow Flex 

One of Zillow Flex’s many benefits is the pricing tier structure, where the referral fee increases as the transaction price increases. This flexibility ensures that the higher rates are associated with higher commission fees. Agents pay Zillow based on the commission they receive from their side of the transaction, and the rate varies based on market location. Fees range from 15% to 40%. 

SOLD.com: Best for Performance-based Lead Assignment

sold.com logo
Pros
Cons
  • Provides referrals for individual agents or teams
  • Unknown agent qualification is needed
  • Sign-up process is easy
  • Geographic coverage is undisclosed
  • Receive both buyer and seller leads
  • Agent referral fee isn’t mentioned on the website
  • Dedicated agent portal
  • You have no control over how many leads you receive.

Why I Chose SOLD.com

SOLD.com’s performance-based model is determined by the agent’s success. The more deals an agent closes, the more referrals they will receive. By prioritizing performance, SOLD.com rewards agents who consistently excel and provides them with increased opportunities for growth and success. This approach maximizes an agent’s earning potential and ensures that agents are continuously motivated to deliver the best client results. 

  • Guaranteed Display: Agents can pay an extra fee to increase ranking and exposure on SOLD.com.
  • Agent dashboard: This dedicated area lets the agent manage all referrals. 

Fees & Process for SOLD.com

Join the SOLD.com network by completing the sign-up form with the requested information. Your showcase on SOLD.com will then be created. Once signed up, you’ll execute a standard referral agreement outlining the terms, and your profile will be activated. Fees for the program are 30% to 35% of the agent’s commission, but in some cases can be 0% if paid by sponsor.  

Referral Exchange: Best for Agents in the REALTOR® Network

ReferralExchange logo
Pros
Cons
  • Support seven days a week
  • Agents are accepted to network on an as-needed basis
  • Licensed service team nurtures leads on your behalf
  • Must be experienced with leads to start
  • Lead notification through text, phone call, and email
  • Can only join via invitation
  • Propriety data models match leads to agents
  • Not ideal for newer agents

Why I Chose ReferralExchange

Since ReferralExchange operates as an invite-only lead generation platform, joining requires being part of the nationwide REALTOR® referral network. By limiting access to those already within the network, ReferralExchange maintains a high-quality standard and ensures that members possess the necessary credentials and expertise to participate effectively.

  • Lead qualification: All leads are screened and qualified through a proprietary system before being contacted.
  • Expansive network: ReferralExchange has agents across all 50 states.

Fees & Process for ReferralExchange

ReferralExchange operates uniquely compared with most pay-at-closing providers. Initially, it accepts leads from individuals who may lack the capacity to work with them and then refers these leads to its network of agents. Joining this network is exclusive, being invite-only. Once accepted, agents pay a 30% referral fee for each successful transaction.

Clever: Best for Providing a Streamlined Platform to Receive Leads

clever logo
Pros
Cons
  • It has no upfront costs.
  • It requires experience to join.
  • It provides qualified leads.
  • It might be unavailable in some geographical areas.
  • It helps increase agent brand awareness.
  • It does not guarantee completed deals.
  • It reduces marketing costs.
  • It is marketed as a discount service to sellers.

Why I Chose Clever

Clever’s commitment to fairness and transparency sets it apart from its competition. The platform doesn’t play favorites based on how much you’re willing to pay. Instead, it considers the quality of service an agent provides and client satisfaction. Clever ensures that leads are vetted, so agents know they’re connecting with serious buyers and sellers ready to make a move. Plus, there is no fee to join the program. 

  • 1.5% listing fee: This fee is lower than many other pay at closing leads platforms. 
  • Qualified leads: Clever obtains all the pertinent information before sharing the lead with agents. 

Fees & Process for Clever 

Clever offers a straightforward and fair fee structure for agents who want real estate leads at closing. Instead of charging agents, Clever earns revenue through referral fees from any transaction closed through leads received from the platform. The more satisfied clients an agent serves and the better their reviews, the more business Clever sends their way. Agents interested in joining Clever can quickly sign up through the website form to see if they qualify to join the network.

Methodology: How I Chose the Best Pay-At-Closing Lead Generator 

Our methodology at The Close is comprehensive in assessing pay-at-closing lead generators. Drawing on the expertise of real estate professionals, writers, and editors, our team conducted extensive research and analysis to evaluate each platform, considering essential features like fee structure, lead quality, agent support, geographic coverage, and transparency. Through this process, we strive to provide our readers with valuable insights and recommendations to help them identify the most suitable pay-at-closing lead generator for their business needs.

Your Take

Pay-at-closing platforms allow agents to receive leads without upfront costs and only pay a fee upon successful transactions. It is a cost-effective way to access leads and grow their business without the financial risks associated with traditional lead-generation methods.