Cherie & Company = your own database is your best ROI!!! Also being ACTIVE in your local Chamber of Commerce and a BNI or  Le Tip type networking group that meets regularly. 

If not sure how to do that, then I recommend Buffini & Company, as they taught me how to mine the gold from my database and spend money on my golden goose not leads on "Godzillow". 

Don't spend money for referral generation. 

 Expand your sphere of influence within your own community by getting involved.  People want to work with someone they know or have been referred by someone they know.   Use social media.

What company do you get your signs from?  That's the best company in my book!  I've gotten two buyers from that who bought listings of mine.  May have a third lined up that way as well.  Almost had one other, but he wanted to use his agent, who didn't even know the listing existed.

Any lead generation company charges you by the month.  If someone charges you only when you take a client to closing, THAT is the answer.  

I have not analyzed the companies to find the "best" one.

Cherie, I think it's more important to find a company and managing broker who can teach you how to prospect.

those are lead generator, not referral generators.  

Your sphere is your referrals. T & R, and the rest are just ways for you to spend yourself out of business in most markets.

Love the question - thanks for starting the dialogue

Systems in place and enjoy the process of expanding your relationships.   Do the work, I know where my business comes from, and everyone connected to every deal knows they helped me.     I am seven levels deep in some of my referrals and all seven people know it when I help a client they are connected to because of one of my past clients.

I am not one to pay for leads.  Best to generate our own organically.  As for referrals ...agent to agent ... AR is a great resource but not perfect. I've made a few bad referrals

I would vote for RE/MAX. However, you should not count on your company to generate the leads you need for success. Generate your own leads.

Steady and frequent use of this one can generate many Good leads, generally better than any that the other places are selling for a premium.

I think that those willing to refer on a percentage of closed sales are probably more effective than those that charge for leads.

None that are as cost effective as my own marketing

Your question is "What is the best LEAD generation program for real estate agents?"  

Of course you know EVERY real estate agent has the very same question.

The answer depends on the type of business you have. Most agents are practicing accidental real estate. Without real clarity, there is little help for them.

If you have defined your business to have a preference towards expensive waterfront condo in 55+ communities...NOW, like a laser, the best places to invest in lead generation is known.

ALL LEAD GENERATION PROGRAMS WORK

but they do not work for everyone. Primarily due to counter-intentions or a complete mis-math of business intention and lead generation strategy.

They all work! The variable is the agent and their business plan.

More data needed.

I think you are here.  AR is an excellent place to find referrals.   

Estately or Movoto depending on your area provide referrals for 30% referral fee.  Each market is different they don't have much going on in San Diego.  You'd have to inquire.

parked and reading

Still your own website with blogs, listing, re news etc. Trulia, Zillow and Realtor are the sites that may cost $500 to get a potential client. After showing or interview it does not carry far.....

As for lead generation most here in the "Rain" will definitely say not to buy but make your own.

As to referrals as a member you have one of the best ways to find someone in another community here in the "Rain."

If you are speaking to lead referral programs, its not who has the best, but do you have the follow up to nuture these leads you have paid for, for the 6, 8, 12 months before they decide to act.  If you have the ability to nuture them, most will work.  If you don't have the system to follow these leads, all programs suck.

I think you mean LEAD generation, not Referral. you can buy leads you dont buy referrals.  Referrals will come with time and effort, there isn't a shortcut.

Cherrie,

The best referral generation program is getting out in the community where you are working, meeting people and becoming the Google of your marketplace.  It is much harder than paying for some leads that may or may not turn into business, but in the long run, you will have a real book of business.  A