Every successful real estate agent knows that marketing is the key to growing your business. But how much should you actually spend? Setting the right realtor marketing budget doesn’t have to be confusing. Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned pro, this guide will help you create a smart plan that brings real results—without overspending.
Why You Need a Marketing Budget
A real estate marketing budget is more than just a list of expenses. It’s your action plan for getting seen, building trust, and converting leads. Without one, it’s easy to waste money on ads or services that don’t deliver.
Here’s what a strong budget helps you do:
- Stay focused on what works
- Measure return on investment (ROI)
- Plan for seasonal slowdowns
- Scale your business with confidence
“Most agents think spending more means better results. But the truth is, you need to spend smarter—not harder. It’s about targeting the right people with the right message,” says Felix Shaye, Google Certified Expert and owner at AdJet Marketing.
How Much Should Realtors Spend on Marketing?
Experts suggest spending 10%–15% of your gross commission income on marketing. New agents may need to spend more up front to build momentum. Top-producing agents often reinvest even more to stay ahead.
A basic rule:
- New agents: 15%–20% of projected income
- Mid-level agents: 10%–15%
- Top agents: 5%–10%, but usually on more expensive strategies like Google Ads or retargeting
Use a [realtor marketing budget template] or [ROI calculator for realtors] to get a clear snapshot of where your money should go.
What Should Be in Your Real Estate Marketing Budget?
Here’s a simple breakdown of typical real estate advertising costs to consider:
Essentials
- Signage and business cards
- Professional headshots
- Real estate website setup
Digital Must-Haves
- Google Business Profile optimization
- SEO and blog content
- Email newsletter tools
Lead Generation
- Facebook and Instagram ads
- Google Ads
- Landing pages with call tracking
Brand Building
- Video marketing
- YouTube channel setup
- Local sponsorships
Extras That Add Value
- CRM and automation tools
- Virtual tours
- Drone photography
“One of the most overlooked costs is time. If you’re not using tools like an ROI calculator or a real estate advertising cost estimator, you’re flying blind. Data should guide every dollar you spend,” says Felix Shaye.
Tips to Maximize Your Realtor Marketing ROI
You don’t need to break the bank to grow. Follow these simple strategies to make every dollar count:
- Use a custom real estate marketing budget plan tailored to your goals
- Compare realtor advertising platforms to see where your leads actually come from
- Invest in affordable marketing for real estate agents like social proof or client testimonials
- Download a realtor budget planner to stay organized and adjust monthly
- Test low-cost realtor advertising packages before going all in
Spend Smarter with Expert Help
At AdJet Marketing, we specialize in helping realtors set up marketing strategies that actually convert. Whether you need a real estate advertising cost estimator, a full-service plan, or just want to set up your realtor marketing budget, we’re here to help.
“You don’t need the biggest budget—just the smartest strategy,” says Felix Shaye. “The agents who win are the ones who know where to spend and when to pivot.”
Ready to build a budget that works?
Contact AdJet Marketing today to get your custom real estate marketing budget plan and start seeing better results, faster.
More Resources:
https://www.hubspot.com/products/crm/real-estate
https://www.searchenginejournal.com/real-estate-content-guide
