September 30, 2025
Why Top-Producing Agents Use TV Advertising
Real estate agents use TV advertising to build the kind of local name recognition that fills their pipeline with ready-to-list sellers and qualified buyers.
Table of Contents
In real estate, name recognition is everything. When homeowners decide to sell, they call the agent they've heard of. When buyers need representation, they reach out to someone who feels familiar and trustworthy. TV advertising for real estate agents builds that recognition faster and more effectively than any other medium, and with campaigns starting at just $50, it's no longer reserved for top producers with massive marketing budgets.
Here's the challenge most agents face: you're competing against hundreds of other agents in your market, all fighting for the same Zillow leads and running similar Facebook ads. The agents who consistently win listings aren't necessarily better at real estate. They're simply more visible. TV advertising changes that equation by putting your face and name in front of homeowners in your target neighborhoods, multiple times a week, on the channels they actually watch.
Why Top-Producing Agents Use TV Advertising
The most successful agents aren't just good at real estate. They're visible. TV advertising gives you the kind of presence that makes you the first call when someone's ready to buy or sell.
Become the go-to local agent. TV puts your face and name in front of homeowners in your target neighborhoods multiple times a week. When they're ready to list or buy, you're already top-of-mind. Research shows 71% of consumers won't work with someone they don't recognize. In a market with hundreds of agents, that recognition is the difference between winning the listing and never getting the call.
Build instant credibility. Consumers trust TV ads 4x more than social media ads. A TV commercial positions you as an established professional, not just another agent with a Facebook ad. When sellers interview agents, you're the one they've already seen on TV. That credibility advantage often determines who gets the listing before you even walk in the door.
Dominate specific neighborhoods. Target by ZIP code, city, or radius around a specific address. This is perfect for farming areas where you want every homeowner to know your name. Unlike billboards or mailers that reach random audiences, TV advertising lets you focus your budget on the exact neighborhoods you want to dominate. And unlike static marketing, you can adjust your target area anytime based on what's working.
Track measurable results. See exactly how many people viewed your ad, which channels performed best, and where your impressions came from. Unlike billboards, yard signs, or mailers, you know exactly what you're getting for your money. TV advertising ROI is measurable, which means you can optimize your campaigns based on actual data.
Stand out from the competition. While other agents fight for Zillow leads and Google Ads clicks, you're building real brand awareness on channels your clients actually watch, including ESPN, HGTV, local news, and 100+ streaming platforms. When everyone else is competing on price per lead, you're building the kind of recognition that brings clients directly to you.
Real Results Agents Are Seeing
Real estate agents using TV advertising report significant improvements in their business:
Seller inquiries from targeted neighborhoods. Agents consistently report receiving listing inquiries from homeowners in the specific ZIP codes they're targeting with TV ads.
Buyers mentioning they saw the ad. During buyer consultations, agents hear "I saw you on TV" regularly. This instant recognition changes the dynamic of the conversation.
Increased name recognition at open houses. Visitors recognize the agent from TV, leading to more meaningful conversations and potential client relationships.
More referrals from people who recognize them. Friends and family of viewers remember "that agent from TV" and make referrals even if they haven't worked with the agent personally.
Higher close rates on listing appointments. When you walk into a listing presentation and the seller has already seen you on TV, you're not starting from zero. You're confirming what they already believe about you.
The pattern is clear: building brand awareness through TV creates the kind of recognition that brings clients to you, rather than you chasing leads.
Targeting Strategies for Real Estate Agents
TV advertising for real estate agents works best when you target strategically. Here's how to maximize your reach.
Geographic Targeting for Farm Areas
Most successful agents focus on specific neighborhoods or farm areas. TV advertising lets you target with precision:
ZIP code targeting: Focus your budget on the exact ZIP codes where you want to be known. If you're farming a specific neighborhood, every impression goes to potential clients in that area.
Radius targeting: Set a radius around a specific address or your office location. Perfect for agents who want to dominate their immediate area.
City or metro targeting: For agents working broader markets, target entire cities or metropolitan areas to build regional recognition.
The key advantage over traditional marketing: you can adjust your targeting anytime. Start with a focused area, and expand as you build recognition and budget.
Demographic Targeting for Your Ideal Clients
Different agents serve different markets. Match your targeting to your specialty:
Luxury agents: Target higher-income households and premium neighborhoods where your ideal clients live.
First-time buyer specialists: Target younger demographics and starter home neighborhoods.
Downsizer/relocation specialists: Target empty-nester demographics who are likely considering their next move.
Investment property experts: Target viewers interested in real estate investment content and higher-income households.
Interest-Based Targeting
Reach viewers based on what they watch and their interests:
Home improvement content viewers: People watching HGTV and home renovation shows are often thinking about their home's value.
News viewers: Local news viewers tend to be homeowners engaged in their community.
Sports viewers: Family-oriented content reaches established households likely to have real estate needs.
Budget Considerations for Real Estate Agents
Most agents spend $500 to $2,000 per month on Zillow leads, Facebook ads, and mailers. For just $50 to $250 per month, you can be on TV building the kind of name recognition that brings clients to you.
Think about it this way: TV advertising starts at $50, and one listing pays for months of advertising. If your average commission is $10,000 and TV advertising helps you win even one additional listing per quarter, that's a massive return on investment.
Here's how to think about budget allocation:
Testing phase ($50-$100/month): Start small to see how TV advertising performs in your market. Track whether you're getting recognition and inquiries.
Growth phase ($150-$300/month): Once you see results, increase your budget to maintain consistent visibility. This is enough to reach your target area multiple times per week.
Domination phase ($400-$600+/month): For agents serious about owning their farm area, higher budgets create the frequency needed for true top-of-mind awareness.
The beauty of TV advertising through Adwave is flexibility. You're not locked into long-term contracts or minimum commitments. Start at $50, see results, then scale based on what works.
How TV Advertising Works for Real Estate Agents
Getting your real estate business on TV is simpler than you might expect.
Provide your website or brokerage info. Adwave's AI pulls your headshot, listings, testimonials, and branding to create a professional commercial. Simply enter your website URL or social media profiles, and the system gathers everything it needs.
Review your custom commercial. In about 2 minutes, you'll see a broadcast-ready 30-second ad featuring your real estate business. The AI creates a professional commercial that showcases your brand.
Customize with the chat-based editor. Swap your photo, update the script to highlight your specialties (luxury homes, first-time buyers, investment properties), change music, or adjust messaging. Make it perfect for your brand and target audience.
Choose your target market. Go hyper-local with specific neighborhoods or ZIP codes, or cover your entire metro area. Set your budget starting at just $50.
Launch and track performance. Your ad goes live within 24 hours on NBC, Hulu, HGTV, ESPN, and 100+ premium channels. Track views, locations, and spend in real-time through your dashboard.
The entire process takes under 10 minutes from start to launch. No video production experience required, no expensive agency fees, just your brand on TV.
Creating Effective Real Estate TV Commercials
The best real estate TV commercials share common elements:
Lead with your face. Real estate is a relationship business. Your photo or video footage should be prominent. Viewers need to recognize you when they see your yard signs or meet you at an open house.
Highlight your specialization. Don't try to be everything to everyone. If you specialize in luxury homes, lean into that. If you're the first-time buyer expert, make that clear. Specificity builds trust.
Include social proof. "Over 50 homes sold this year" or "Rated 5 stars by 100+ clients" builds instant credibility. Even if you're newer, highlight any achievements that demonstrate your capability.
Clear call to action. Tell viewers exactly what to do: visit your website, call your number, or scan the QR code. Make the next step obvious.
Professional but personable. Your commercial should feel polished but not stiff. You want viewers to feel like they already know you.
For inspiration on creating effective commercials, check out our guide on what makes a good TV commercial.
Measuring Success for Real Estate TV Advertising
Unlike billboards or mailers, TV advertising through Adwave is fully trackable. Here's what to monitor:
Impressions and reach. See how many people viewed your ad and where they're located. This tells you if you're reaching your target neighborhoods.
Website traffic. Track increases in website visitors during and after your campaign runs. Use Google Analytics to see if visitors mention coming from TV or QR code scans.
Direct mentions. Track how often prospects mention seeing your ad on TV during consultations. This qualitative feedback is often the most telling indicator of success.
Lead source tracking. Ask every new lead how they heard about you. "I saw you on TV" is a powerful answer.
Listing appointment conversion. Monitor whether your listing appointment close rate improves. Recognition advantage should translate to higher conversion.
The goal isn't just impressions. It's building the kind of recognition that makes you the obvious choice when someone's ready to buy or sell.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Targeting too broadly. It's tempting to want everyone to see your ad, but spreading your budget too thin means nobody sees it enough times to remember you. Focus on specific neighborhoods until you're truly recognized there, then expand.
Inconsistent advertising. Brand recognition requires repetition. Running one campaign and stopping won't build the familiarity you need. Plan for consistent monthly advertising, even at lower budgets.
Generic messaging. "Your local real estate expert" doesn't differentiate you. Get specific about what makes you different and who you serve best.
Ignoring your online presence. TV drives awareness, but viewers will Google you before calling. Make sure your website and online reviews support the professional image your TV ad creates.
Ready to Be the Agent Everyone Knows?
In real estate, being known is half the battle. TV advertising builds the kind of local name recognition that fills your pipeline with ready-to-list sellers and qualified buyers, and it starts at just $50.
The agents winning listings in your market aren't necessarily better than you. They're simply more visible. TV advertising puts you on equal footing with top producers, building the recognition that turns strangers into clients.
Create your first real estate ad free and see what your brand looks like on the big screen. No credit card required, no production costs, just your face on TV, building the recognition that grows your business.
Or learn more about pricing to plan your campaign budget.
Common questions answered
Does TV advertising work for individual real estate agents?
Yes. TV advertising helps agents build name recognition and establish themselves as the local expert. Buyers and sellers often choose agents they recognize and trust, and TV creates that familiarity faster than most other channels. The key is consistent presence over time rather than one-off campaigns. Agents who commit to ongoing TV presence typically see growing recognition and referrals.
How do real estate agents measure TV advertising success?
Track increases in branded search volume for your name, direct website traffic during campaign periods, and leads who mention seeing you on TV. Survey new clients about how they found you. Watch for growth in referrals, which often increase when your brand becomes more visible. While attribution isn't as direct as digital advertising, successful TV campaigns create measurable movement in these indicators.
What should a real estate agent's TV ad focus on?
Feature yourself prominently since you're building personal brand recognition. Highlight your local expertise and what makes you different from other agents. Consider showcasing successful transactions or happy clients (with permission). Include your contact information clearly. The goal is for viewers to remember your name and face when they're ready to buy or sell.
How much should a real estate agent budget for TV advertising?
Start with $1,000 to $2,000 monthly to test the channel. This provides meaningful local reach while keeping investment manageable. Successful agents often invest 10-15% of their commission income back into marketing, with TV being one component of their mix. Scale based on results, considering that one additional transaction can justify significant advertising investment.