The Ultimate Guide to Instagram Stories for Lead Generation (for Realtors in 2025)

If you’re a real estate agent trying to generate leads on Instagram in 2025, there’s one platform feature you should be leaning into more than you probably are: Instagram Stories.

Stories aren’t just for behind-the-scenes glimpses and morning coffee photos—they’re a powerful tool for building trust, starting conversations, and generating high-quality leads when used strategically.

But first... let’s clear up one of the biggest mistakes we still see agents make.

The Feed vs. Story Mix-Up

Too many agents are posting content that belongs in their Stories to their feed, and vice versa.

Here’s the difference:

• Your Instagram feed is where people decide whether to follow you. Think of it as your highlight reel—the place where new potential clients land and assess whether you’re relevant to them.
• Your Stories, on the other hand, are where people get to know you. It’s where trust is built and relationships begin.

So while your feed should be a curated mix of valuable, interesting content for locals or relocators, your stories should feel more like texting a friend.

Quick Instagram Feed Checklist for Realtors

Before you post something to your feed, run it through this 5-question checklist:

✅ Would a local or relocator stop scrolling for this—or is it just content for content’s sake?
✅ Does this solve a problem your audience is Googling—or highlight a pain point they didn’t even know they had?
✅ Is there a strong hook that grabs attention and keeps people watching or reading?
✅ Is there a clear CTA (comment, DM, save, click)?
✅ Would a brand new viewer know what you do from this post alone?

✨ If you answered “yes” to most of these: it belongs on your feed.
If not? Save it for your story.

Instagram Story Ideas for Realtors (That Actually Generate Leads)

Now for the fun part—let’s talk about Instagram Stories that help you generate leads, not just views.

Here are tested ideas that work in 2025:

→ “I’ve got 4 buyers looking in [neighborhood]”

If you’re even thinking of selling, message me—I’ll let you know if your home matches what they need.

→ “Just found a listing that’s way underpriced”

DM me if you want the details.

→ “If I were buying right now…”

Create a short story series showing 1-2 homes you’d choose and why.

→ Preview a listing and use a poll sticker: “Want more info?” Yes / No

→ “Client convo of the week” (anonymized, of course):

Share a real buyer or seller Q and your response—end with: “Wondering the same thing? DM me.”

→ Show your laptop setting up an MLS search and explain what it is—then ask: “Want me to set one up for you?”

→ Screenshot hot new listings each week and ask if they want more info on any

→ “Save or skip?”: Show 3 listing photos (a kitchen, a yard, a bathroom) and ask your audience to vote if they’d keep it or redo it.

Then follow up: “Want me to send you more homes like this?”

→ “Word on the street: [insert current market stat or trend].

True or false for you?

→ Explain how off-market properties work and that you have access to them—then ask: “What are you looking for? I’ll keep an eye out.”

→ Show behind-the-scenes of your email newsletter and ask: “Want to get on the list?”

→ Share a peek at a lead magnet you’re creating and say: “Want early access?”

→ Use a fill-in-the-blank question: I’d sell my home today if I could get $___

→ Document a listing preview (with or without a client): What you liked, what you’d change, what you’d watch out for.

How to Use Stories to Build Trust

Lead gen doesn’t always mean pushing listings. Often, your best leads come from people who feel like they know you. Here’s how to make that happen with Stories:

→ Share everyday moments:

Coffee run, gym check-in, snacks in your front seat before a showing—it’s the real-life stuff that humanizes you.

→ Recap your week or weekend:

Didn’t post that cute brunch spot or hike? Drop a story series with quick recaps. People love personal updates.

→ Give a peek at what’s inspiring you:

Share the podcast episode, book, or playlist that’s getting you through this week.

→ Create ongoing storylines:

Let people follow a project or journey—renovating a home, learning a new skill, growing a team, or even planning a trip. This builds story equity and keeps people coming back.

Final Thoughts

If you're a realtor who wants to generate more leads with Instagram Stories, remember: it's not just about posting frequently. It's about posting intentionally.

Your feed is for attracting the right people.
Your stories are for converting them into actual leads.

Use both the right way, and Instagram becomes more than just a scroll—it becomes your most powerful lead gen tool in 2025.

Want help creating story prompts that do the heavy lifting for you?

Join Coffee & Contracts for plug-and-post content designed to attract buyers, sellers, and locals—without overthinking it.