There are various types of leads-live transfer leads, cherry picking leads, real time leads and leads sent to you via filters. Depending on your specific needs, any or all of these choices can be beneficial. You simply pick the type you are most comfortable with.
Consider finding that sells their leads in real time before you make an investment with a mortgage lead company. When you use real time leads, you are getting fresh leads that are hot off the press and there will be customers who are just waiting for you to call.
If you are in the market for real time quality leads you need to know that they will cost a bit more. These leads will have of potential customers who are eager and ready to apply for a mortgage. This list will not be full of rejects or people who do not qualify for a mortgage. It will be money well spent and much better than cheaper leads that have been sorted and used.
If a company is willing to sell you their mortgage leads for a dollar or less they won't be very new. At this price the leads have been gone through over and over and are probably a year old or so. The choice is yours but you should always try to buy quality leads that will benefit you.
If you were the victim of a in the past this may be because you were getting cycled through many different companies. Companies will sell each other number for mortgage leads, there are call centers that are calling non-stop. With the falling and rising market these companies are coming to a shine. If you manage to find a company that is trustworthy and provides good services, you will be off to a great start!