Without exaggeration, my entire business has been built around meeting clients from lease listings I’ve posted on Craigslist. Over 90% of my business has, in some form or other, originated from Craigslist – either by meeting someone who’s directly called me from the site, or referred to me by someone I’ve met from Craigslist. This quickly turned into a six-figure per year income from continuous Craigslist leads and referral business. Here’s how I did it.
Learn how to make money as a Real Estate Agent, build your network of clients, and the exact steps I’ve used to grow my business from $0 to over $120 million in sales: $50 off with code ThankYou50 for a limited time: https://goo.gl/UFpi4c
Note: Craigslist is primarily US-based. There may be similar sites that work best with your country (Kijiji in Canada, for instance).
Disclosure: Craigslist alone won’t make you millions. This took me years to cultivate – it took me several years to build it up to the point where I was actually making over $100,000 just from craigslist leads and referrals from craigslist leads. It won’t be a get-rich-quick technique but it CAN add tremendous value to what you’re already doing.
1. Go to Craigslist (I KNOW someone will ask me this…so here it is…step one…Craigslist.com)
2. When posting, I’ve found longer titles work better than shorter titles – ALL CAPS work best. If you use symbols like stars ★ or brackets, shorter titles do better. Use this carefully as it can be a bit spammy.
3. The body of the message should be kept simple, clear and concise. First thing to mention is your name and contact information (email and phone)
4. Mention that you have access to other properties and that they should contact you (if you’re a Realtor and want to work with leads)
5. Mention the specifics of the house – bedrooms, bathrooms, price, and square footage.
6. Describe the house in extreme details. The more keywords you use in your description, the more it’ll come up on Craigslist search results.
7. If you’re a Realtor – DISCLOSE that you’re a Realtor.
8. MAKE SURE TO HAVE GOOD PICTURES. This is essential.
9. Make sure to pick up your phone and return emails as soon as they come in. Otherwise you can lose the client.
10. Do not renew your ads. Just continue posting new ads and letting the old ones continue to run.
11. Ideally have several ads going at the same time, this increases the likelihood of someone reaching out.
That’s it! It’s pretty simple. Do this regularly, continue adding new lease listings when the current ones get rented out, continue helping people with their rentals, and these clients will eventually turn into buyers, sellers, referrals, and potentially great friends. It takes time but it’s paid off big for me.
Thanks for watching!
Add me on Instagram: GPStephan
Add me on Snapchat: GPStephan
Suggested reading:
The Millionaire Real Estate Agent: http://goo.gl/TPTSVC
Your money or your life: https://goo.gl/fmlaJR
The Millionaire Real Estate Investor: https://goo.gl/sV9xtl
How to Win Friends and Influence People: https://goo.gl/1f3Meq
Think and grow rich: https://goo.gl/SSKlyu
Awaken the giant within: https://goo.gl/niIAEI
The Book on Rental Property Investing: https://goo.gl/qtJqFq
Thanks again man, for the Craigslist “template” you sent me a while ago. I’ve been getting crazy amounts of leads. Been doing it consistently now for 3 weeks (all lease posts). Closed 1 lease and turned in two apps, got two buyers pre approved and 11 leases I’m working on as we speak! This stuff works!!! Just got a phone call yesterday form a buyer who’s budget is 940k “holly SH*T”!! Thank you so much!
Thank you for all of this knowledge! Please send me the Template as well! Soldbyhengee@gmail.com
Could i utilize this template, new to investing and been using CL since 2005 for bartering etc and would love to use my background in it to build my portfolio
Can I get the template as well. My email is dsimsrealtor26@gmail.com
Dude thats awesome! How’s it going now brother?
@Graham Stephan Craigslist keeps flagging my posts
Thank you for your advice. I have 15 rental properties in the Houston area and currently one vacancy. In Houston the Landlord pays a months rent to the Realtor half going to the Listing agent. If I put the MLS # to the property will a buyer agent know that they will get a commission for finding a Tenant? There are non-disclosure laws preventing me from putting that in the ad. Also Craig’s List Houston prevents me from putting an Email address in the ad.
Simple but smart stuff. Have you found that Craigslist is less popular for leases and there is less opportunity on it than when you started in the biz?
Craigslist isn’t as good as when I first started but it’s still a great way to get business!
This is the most legit video I’ve seen yet!
Thanks dude!
How are you tracking click thrus on Craigslist?
I can’t anymore. But at the time there were ad trackers you could embed in the ad.
Graham!! So what should we do now since craigslist literally says “NO brokers or agents?”
PLZ HELP
Where does it say that?
Graham Stephan legit as soon as you have the option to put the title etc. on the Ad
Doesn’t show that for me?
Graham Stephan is there a place I can send you a screenshot?
You’re a genius!
Hi Graham.. i would like some info/advise/help on a beach access property (land) i have for sale in Jamaica in a vacation villa community. (hez.andy@gmail.com). id really appreciate just a quick convo if you can reach out. This is the only contact i have for you. Thanks.
Nice Bro…. I watched your full video but i am i just little bit confused.
1. How can i collect payments? Suppose i am from other country not USA or canadian.
2. How can i post selling ads if i don’t have any selling property?
3 suppose If i got seller from craigslist who selling real estate property, should i contact him or her to sell their property ? what things to do if i don’t have?
This is great information. I am selling a property in South Florida and have added many of the tips you have suggested. Thanks so much for the great info!!
AWESOME! Good luck on the sale!
Hi Graham, thanks for the videos. Quick question. Are these your own listings that you’re posting on Craigslist or are they another agent’s listings and you’re looking to represent a buyer (or Lessee in this case)?
In the beginning it was other agents. Now I only post my own!
Ok cool. Yea I’m just starting out so I would be looking to post other listings. One more question… Do you have to get permission from these agents first?
YES! Absolutely you need to get permission. Preferably get permission in writing. In the end it helps them out, too, because they get increased exposure on the listings and then you get access to clients who call you.
CLICKBAIT!
Gotcha!
Lol
Graham, does success as real estate agent matter depending what state you live in? I know being an agent is not a get rich quick sort of deal and the pay can be inconsistent at times, but if you do become an agent and take it seriously do you have to move to a different state to be successful?
Not at all. Except the less expensive areas require more volume. But it’s all relative…making $100k/year in Kentucky is like making $300k/year in Southern California.
Graham Stephan Thank you
Great tips, I’m new and habe be watching along with taking notes on some YouTube videos and yours are great!!
Thanks for the information, this was a very useful piece of knowledge. In a look vacations rental properties visit is for maximum information. skypeat:freeadposter
So you recommend spamming? C’mon man this the problem with CL everyone doing this. If everyone just posted once and updated let’s say on a weekly basis CL wouldn’t be a s@#t hole that it is.
Then you can post weekly, do whatever you want!
Do you have a video for how to get properties to list? How do you go about doing that? If you don’t have any office members with available leases to use?
Thank you so much !!!!!!
How much can you charge for a lease agreement? 10 percent gross rents? First months rent? Do you ask for a deposit from the tenant? Wondering if this would work in my market in Salt Lake City, UT. I feel like homeowners would be reluctant to pay an agent because it can eat up all their cashflow.
Where can I get the right to post up photos that are not mine or I dont have. My office doesn’t really work with rentals. Their mostly sells. Not many agents are working with rentals. So where can I get images.
As we can see in the video, It’s a digital world out there everyone decide their vacations via internet, click us at get your targeted audience vacation rental properties. skypeat:freeadposter
Hey where do you actually find the properties that youre listing?
Other agents in my office 🙂
Nice! Good shit, bro.
Graham Stephan hey man can you do this with actual listings as well? Like list another agents listings on craigslist, so that you can find buyers? In the process you also help them sell the listing…
Hi Graham, I’ve been watching your videos for awhile and I guess the question I have for this particular video is, how would you suggest someone obtain these listings in order to post on Craigslist? Thanks and looking forward to hearing back from you!
You can ask other agents in your office for permission to post their listings! That’s what I initially did.
Graham, I highly appreciate that you respond back to your viewers and continue to provide valuable insight. Thank you for that! In such a case, how would the commission be calculated? Is it split between the listing agent and yourself for finding the renter?
Do you ever go in person to meet the apartment lease agent, or do you everything by phone and email?
click ba
it!!!!!!
LOL did you even watch?
I started posting on CL 5 years ago and it is a large part of my success. I would say $100k/150k of my income a year comes from CL.
Well done Sean!! Yeah 5 years ago was golden for Craigslist!
I have people posting my ads through team viewer in the Philippines for $.50 cents an ad as long as they renew each day over here in Dallas for my team. You say in here not to renew just to delete and repost. That is an interesting tactic. Hard to pay someone each ad if that is what they end up doing. Is it that much of a game changer?
Hey Graham, I currently post on craigslist -about 5 at a time (and I try to do it everyday). I’ve found that if I post around 2pm, I usually get someone to call me later that day. Did you ever find specific times of the day that worked better for your posts?
Good question! I’ve found that posting at night for me worked best, I’d usually post around 5pm PST!
I can’t believe you just replied to me! What??!! In all seriousness, thank you so much. I just started real estate 3 months ago and your video on how you sold your first house has really lit a new fire in me to not get so discouraged and just keep moving forward. Invaluable. Thank you.
Thanks, Coach. What are the limitations to Westside Rentals?
Master Bedroom or Masturbate Room ? 😂
Love this. I used Craigslist years ago, but our market is pretty flooded. But probably need to get back to the basics. Graham, could you make a video with advice for people who work full time but desire to build a biz in real estate? Thanks!
“First we’re going to go to Craigslist.com… obviously.” Idk why that cracked me up so bad
🙌🏼😜
Where are you getting your leases from?
great. I use to stay on Los Felix in West Hollywood. Lovely place
I want to work need a buyer if any one there just nock me on my skype robiulislambadol
Great video Graham!
Thanks for directing this to me! I’m DEFINITELY using this going forward!
Glad it’s helpful!
You literally give the most tangible information on every single video. I love the content man. Thanks for putting this all togethet
Thanks so much!! Means a lot!
what other videos or literature do you recommend for leads?
Awesome advise. I want to eventually try “rent to buy” when I have the funds and I’m hoping this will quickly grab the attention of potential renters – especially in multifamily residences
Would this work in the UK?
can you please do a series elaborating on this concept? do you screen rentees before you schedule an open house? do you secure commission paperwork on the other end with the listing agent before connecting them with your client? I guess I am inquiring about the ‘after the lead’ phase – if it’s not too much for you to get into. Thanks Graham
Hey Graham, I put up about 15 ads in the last week and a half, copying your strategy. Not a single inquiry. Any thoughts?
How are your titles? Is it a good price range? What other ads are being posted? Is your contact info visible? Is your ad showing up in Craigslist and not being ghosted (search for it incognito) there’s a lot of variables that could play into it.
https://post.craigslist.org/manage/6693450696?action=display&go=display
or https://post.craigslist.org/manage/6690624123?action=display&go=display
The links you sent me don’t work!
Try it now
https://miami.craigslist.org/brw/apa/d/newly-renovated-and-freshly/6693450696.html
https://miami.craigslist.org/brw/apa/d/pembroke-pines-home-in-highly/6690624123.html
Hey Graham, I like your video and it has been very helpful. When you chose your listings, do you post all your listings or only a few choice ones? I have been doing it for the last month or so and have only generated 2-3 leads. What am I doing wrong?
What is the best way to find rental listings as a new agent?
Great video I had build a six figures salary doing rentals. I am in Doral Florida if you ever around here let me know. Lunch is on me.
Which types offer can i run with this leads, thanks
What if your office does not have any rentals, what do you recommend then?
Great Stuff, learned a lot! Can’t thank you enough! Love the watch!! look like a Zenith from here. I got my eyes on a Zenith powered Daytona Rolex! love the Brand lots of History! Good
leather band choice!
Yes!!! Thank you so much, good eye!
BUlk create craigslist ads with the software http://bit.ly/cladpincoupn Cladpin è dotato di funzionalità di creazione di e-mail che consente di creare e-mail in modo rapido e semplice.
thanks
Hi Graham awesome video. I’ve definitely seen success with craigslist too. My first sale was a craigslist rental lead that decided to buy once they realized all the pet fees and general fees associated with renting.
In your first few years in real estate, was the bulk of your income derived solely from lease listings using this method? That eventually became buyer and seller income? I know in your other videos you’ve stressed open houses and sphere. I guess my question is, since you’re saying 90% of your business originated from Craigslist: was the income from lease listings in the first few years enough to live on?
You’ve got great content thanks for all your help!
Great video! Question: how do you get permission to post on behalf of the owner on Craigslist? Are you pulling from MLS and asking permission from the listing agent?
you get the listing or permission from the agent!
so… Shorter Long Titles with a whole bunch of non-spammy alt-code symbols. got it.
What about using kijiji instead of Craigslist?
Kijiji works well in Canada!
Graham, thanks for this. As a commercial agent, I’ve been using Craigslist for commercial leases/sales for about 10 months and have had success in doing so, but with room for improvement.
How do you feel about this template on the commercial side of real estate? Looking forward to your feedback! Love the channel!
-Kyle
I’d absolutely try it out and let me know how it goes!
How did you find the leads for rental listings?
How much commission was standard when you represented the buyer only?
2.5% to each side!
2.5% for a years rent I am assuming?
I don’t fully understand, I am just now learning about real estate and now signing up to get my real estate license. I understand how in the long run Craigslist has gotten you referrals. I was wondering how does these leadings make you money in the moment. Do you eat paid at all for these listings, is it a small monthly payment? Or is it a long term Social investment that pays off big and consistent?
How comfortable is the average real estate agent with people posting their listings on other platforms? How does the profit return to you? Advertising fees, flat rates, percentages of sales? Thanks for the vid!
Thanks. Two questions: where you find these listings for rent and persuade landlord or manager to pay you commission, especially as new agent without previous rentals. Second question, lots of No Broker Fee Ad on craigslist, how you compete? Any tenants would like to pay you one month broker fee? Thanks
You said you only posting your own listings now. So how you get these listings then? Thanks
$25k/ month? Woooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooow
😨
Would you rent furniture to fill an empty home for picture purposes? or is a well photographed empty room ok?
Not at all! If it’s furnished, I generally prefer furniture – but it’s not a deal breaker.
Best video yet! Right along side of MeetKevin and you in your car. Thanks again. Applying this stuff now.
how do you get these listings?
Hi Graham, I’ve been watching your videos for more than a year now and I’ve been a huge fan. I’m 19 and have had my real estate license for nearly two months now. I’ve gotten about 35 leads since then and I am actively working with 3 of them to find their future homes. Now for my question, how do you go about getting into the leasing side of real estate? Which paperwork is involved in the permission to advertise a lease, is it just a standard listing agreement?
Thanks,
Did you find this info? I have been looking through the comments to see if this was answered as well.
@Darren Kriz search for rentals from your MLS, ask the listing agents if you can advertise their rentals, for those who say yes, you can advertise their listing.
How do you get your photos for the houses your posting though?
Hey Graham! Do you have any tips/suggestions to help get craigslist posts further up in the results? Besides reposting. Thanks in advance!
How do you get the leases Steph ? And when I do get clients they only use me to look at everything on the market and then they walk away, it’s my first year and I watched all your videos but I’m getting discouraged .
How’d you get that listing to post on Craigslist ?
👀👀
How do you get the leases to begin with?
By contacting other agents and asking them if you can market their listings and 98% of the time they will tell you yes
search for rentals from your MLS, ask the listing agents if you can advertise their rentals, for those who say yes, you can advertise their listing.
The audio quality has improved 100%!
Hi Graham, thanks for the informative sharing; What do you say exactly to the prospective tenants who called you from Cragslist to get them to allow you to be their tenant agent for the property? Because they might think you are representing the landlord as you listed the property on Cragslist, (but actually the listing belongs to your colleague)
ask your collegue for permission to adverstise the listing so that you can bring them a possible renter.
Wow. Amazing. Thank you so much! I’m going to double down on Craigslist, now!
How do I start from zero everything??
Ty so much you rock. Just one problem I really didn’t understand the last part of reposting it got a little bit confusing if you can elaborate I would greatly appreciate it. Ty
Ely
So the listing you can borrow from agents in the office is just a regular listing for a sale or does the listing have to be a leasing to use for the Craiglist ad? Only part I’m confused on
Will a realtor get a tenant for you and also set up payment?
If you were living in Europe, what will you then have used for finding tenants? In Denmark, where I am living. Craigslist only exists in Copenhagen and that’s like the most expensive place to buy a Real Estate.
Hope you can help.
Grate video! 😛
What if you have no houses for lease or sale and you are just working with buyers? How would we then utuilZe
It’s 2020, and posting your phone number will draw a lot of scammers. They will message you telling you they are interested, then ask you to enter a code for “verification” that YOU are real. DO NOT DO THAT!! They are trying to steal American phone numbers so they can get an American Google number to spam or scam Americans
Hi Graham. I’ll really appreciate it if I can I get that template too. Thanks. my email is marquez.javier71@gmail.com
Craigslist is charging $5 per post
FOR ALL OF YOU TRYING TO THIS METHOD DON’T! YOU WILL BE FINED HEAVILY IF YOU ARE POSTING LISTINGS WITHOUT THE PERMISSION OF LISTING AGENT OR PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY
If you use other peoples pictures you will get fined $250 per post!
Graham, do you think this will still work in 2020?
I can do CL real estate listings. let me know if you are looking for CL poster.
I am doing CL real estate postings from past 5 years if anyone looking skilled CL real estate postings expert at lower price and contact me.
Hi Graham, thanks for sharing. This was posted 2 years ago, would you say Craigslist is still your go to platform for posting real estate rental? What do you think about Facebook market place in comparison to Craigslist? Thank you and keep up the good work! *sipping on my 20 cents coffee*
25000 a monthhhh dammmmnmnnnn major housing crisis!!! 30 year mortgage what does that equallll where i live people cant afford 1000 a month!!🤣🤣🤣 how do you get a realtor or rental owners base to do their properties??
He’s in LA so prices are pretty crazy, personally I would never pay that much for rent
A little late here. Wish I started watching your channel a long time ago, always some interesting and helpful stuff. I am taking and nearing the end of an online real estate course and am feeling a little anxious about getting started and all that… if this illness ever lets me anyway lol. but you and your videos are always a tremendous help inspiration and one of the reasons I even became interested in real estate as a career(and got my discover it secured card). watching these videos and learning a little here and there really makes it seem more and more of a possibility for me to succeed. keep up the good videos.
How’s it going?
You are amazingggg!!!!!!
I will try this and post a vid about it if it works so subscribe to my channel!
I wouldn’t include my phone
Wealth of information here wow
Great content.
Cl job leads available
Skype pollobhossain22
“SunCor Financial MPI review”
Watched your video and read your responses to comments and I’ve come to the conclusion you’re one of the most down to earth philanthropists on YouTube or anywhere. You deserve all the success you’ve had and only wish you good vibes man. Keep it 💯
☺☻♥♦ 4 Years later & Craigslist charging $5 a post! ☺☻♥♦
The other option is FB Marketplace, however very buggy and not smooth… and tons of spammers…
thanks for posting this! I was just trying to find out how often should I post to get my fit bit sold through craigslist. I went through so many videos already, I can’t watch anymore! but you answered it. Thank you so much! 🙂
Hey! How do you do this if you have no listings?