How can you tell "good" leads from the not-so-great? The answer may be to analyze the data available in your real estate apps and software.

Brokers can use this information to detect patterns in consumer behavior and identify which leads may be more ready to buy. By targeting these "warm" leads, brokers and their agents save time that may have been wasted on those not ready to buy or sell a home.

The good news is that real estate apps are increasingly giving users access to this data via built-in analytics tools. We've rounded up three common types of real estate solutions and ways you can identify warm leads in each.

1. Call Capture/Text Message Services

Do your sign riders feature automated phone numbers that prospects can call or text for more information? If so, most of these services feature call capture capabilities that record a prospect's phone number at the moment of peak interest--curbside.

More advanced solutions, like VoicePad, go one step further by funneling prospect information into a lead management program and giving those prospects the ability to search for other properties from their mobile device. The program can then track all properties that prospect has viewed, how many times they've viewed it, what homes have been favorited and more. Agents and brokers can use this information to target the most active prospects and craft a tailored follow-up strategy.

You can see all your options for call capture and text messaging services here.

2. VOW and IDX Websites

Virtual Office Websites and IDX sites that integrate with or have a CRM built-in can track the behavior of registered users on your site. Via analytics, agents and brokers can see data on individual users' search frequency, price range, listing type, neighborhood, and more. As previously mentioned, this information be used to target the most active prospects with a tailored follow-up plan.

These websites are useful tools once prospects convert to clients, as well. Those sites that allow clients and their agents to leave notes and suggest properties are valuable communication tools that can be used throughout the home search.

3. Email Newsletters

Analytics capabilities are a must in order to gauge the effectiveness of your email marketing. At a minimum, your solution of choice should track open rates, link clicks, and who clicked on which link. Subscribers who have clicked on property links, for example, should be followed up with.

If your program can track who has shared articles in your newsletter or forwarded it to others, follow up with those leads, too. Even if they're not ready to buy or sell a home soon, their sharing behavior demonstrates that they're highly engaged. It's good to touch base with these leads, so that you'll most be top-of-mind when they are ready to buy or sell.

Other email newsletter solutions offer more methods for identifying warm leads. HomeActions, for example, has recently added "trigger articles" to their newsletters. These articles specifically target prospects who are in the market to buy a home with topics like, "How to Qualify for a Mortgage." When a consumer reads a trigger article, the agent gets an email alert notifying them of their new warm lead. (If you'd like to learn more about identifying warm leads via email marketing, view our recorded webinar!)

Your turn: What methods and/or tools do you use to identify prospects who are ready to buy or sell?