
Google Local Service Ads for Real Estate Agents: Everything You Need to Know in 2025.
Real estate agents live and breathe local markets. Whether it’s finding a buyer for a family home in the suburbs or helping an investor locate rental properties in a growing neighborhood, location is everything. That’s exactly why Google Local Service Ads (LSAs) are a game-changer for real estate agents in 2025.
Unlike traditional Google Search Ads, Local Service Ads put you at the top of Google—literally—above organic search results and standard paid ads, making it one of the most powerful tools for local lead generation.
In this blog, we’ll cover:
- What Google LSAs are
- Why they matter for real estate
- How to set them up
- How they differ from Google Ads
- Best practices to dominate your local market
Let’s get into it.
🔎 What Are Google Local Service Ads?
Google Local Service Ads are a special type of ad that appears at the top of search results when someone looks for a local service, like:
- “Real estate agents near me”
- “Top realtors in Dallas”
- “Real estate broker San Diego”
Each LSA shows:
- Your headshot or team photo
- Business name
- Google rating (stars and number of reviews)
- Phone number
- Business hours
- A “Google Screened” badge (if approved)
Unlike traditional PPC ads, you only pay when someone contacts you through the ad, either by call or message.
💡 Why Real Estate Agents Should Use Google Local Service Ads
-
Top Placement = Higher Clicks
LSAs appear above standard Google Ads and organic results. That means you’re the first option a buyer or seller sees. -
Pay Per Lead, Not Per Click
Unlike regular Google Ads, LSAs charge you only when a lead contacts you, not just for clicks or impressions. -
Built-In Trust
Google verifies your license and background (via “Google Screened”), helping you stand out as a trustworthy professional. -
Mobile Optimization
LSAs dominate on mobile devices, making it easy for on-the-go users to call you instantly. -
Lead Dispute Option
Did a lead call you about something unrelated (like apartment rentals when you only sell)? Google allows you to dispute and potentially refund invalid leads.
🛠️ How to Set Up Google Local Service Ads for Real Estate
✅ Step 1: Check Availability
As of 2025, Google LSAs for real estate are available in most U.S. and Canadian metro areas. Visit the Local Services Ads signup page and enter your business type and location to check eligibility.
✅ Step 2: Create Your Profile
You’ll need:
- Business name and address
- Service areas (ZIP codes or cities you serve)
- Hours of operation
- Business license info
- Insurance details (if applicable)
- Real estate license number
✅ Step 3: Background Check
Google partners with Pinkerton or Evident to conduct a background check. This includes:
- Agent or broker license verification
- Identity and criminal history checks
- Business entity validation (if applicable)
This process may take a few days.
✅ Step 4: Add Photos & Reviews
Upload:
- Professional headshot or team photo
- Photos of happy clients (with permission)
- Screenshots of 5-star Google Reviews
Make sure your Google Business Profile is active and has at least 5+ reviews for better ad performance.
✅ Step 5: Set Your Budget
You’ll set a weekly budget based on how many leads you want. Example:
- $250/week might get 15–20 verified leads
- You can pause anytime or raise the cap during busy months
✅ Step 6: Go Live!
Once approved, your LSA can appear to thousands of potential local buyers and sellers within your targeted area.
🔄 Google LSAs vs Google Search Ads: What’s the Difference?
Feature | Local Service Ads | Google Search Ads |
---|---|---|
Placement | Top of page | Below LSAs |
Billing | Per lead | Per click |
Lead Type | Phone/message | Website visits or forms |
Verification | Required (Google Screened) | Not required |
Ease of Use | Beginner-friendly | More complex setup |
Review Importance | High | Moderate |
Want the best of both? Many agents run LSAs and traditional Google Ads together for maximum exposure.
📈 How Much Do LSAs Cost for Real Estate Agents?
Costs vary by city and competition level. Here's a rough breakdown:
City | Average Cost Per Lead |
---|---|
Miami | $25–$35 |
Los Angeles | $30–$50 |
Chicago | $20–$35 |
Smaller Towns | $15–$25 |
Pro Tip: Because it’s pay-per-lead, the ROI is generally higher than standard Google Ads or social media ads.
🧠 Advanced Tips to Optimize Google Local Service Ads
⭐ Collect More Google Reviews
Reviews directly impact LSA ranking. After each closing, ask happy clients to leave a Google review—it helps you get more impressions and builds trust.
📱 Respond Quickly
Google tracks response times. Fast responses = higher rankings. Consider enabling message notifications or call tracking via Clikgini.
🧪 Use Lead Tracking Tools
Connect your LSAs with your CRM (like HubSpot or FollowUpBoss) to track conversions, follow-ups, and ROI.
🚫 Dispute Invalid Leads
Don’t pay for junk calls! Use Google’s dispute system if a lead doesn’t meet your criteria (e.g., outside your area, spam, irrelevant services).
📊 Real Results: What Agents Are Seeing
Here’s a real-world example from a Clikgini client in Austin, TX:
Campaign: Google LSA for Seller Leads
Budget: $200/week
Duration: 1 month
Results:
- 74 calls and messages
- 26 qualified seller leads
- 9 listing appointments
- 3 listings secured
Cost per listing secured: $66.67
That’s a better ROI than most postcard campaigns or open houses.
🏁 Final Thoughts: Are Google Local Service Ads Worth It for Real Estate?
Absolutely—if you're a licensed agent focused on local buyers and sellers, Google Local Service Ads offer one of the most cost-effective, trust-enhancing, and lead-generating options on the internet today.
While setup takes a bit more time than traditional ads, the long-term benefits—top visibility, cost control, and vetted leads—make LSAs a must-have in your marketing toolkit.
🚀 Want Help Setting Up Google Local Service Ads for Your Real Estate Business?
At Clikgini, we specialize in Google Ads for real estate—including LSA setup, lead tracking, call monitoring, and ongoing campaign optimization.
✅ Google Screened assistance
✅ Affordable monthly plans
✅ Real-time reporting dashboard
✅ 7-day free trial
👉 Get started now at Clikgini.com
Show up at the top. Get more local leads. Close more deals.