When you are a new real estate agent, it can be a daunting task to find leads. Luckily, networking is a great way to expand your client base and access deals.
Networking can be as simple as getting to know people in your local community. For example, making friends with the hairdresser, divorce lawyer, and others can help you grow your business.
Be Active
The more you put yourself out there, the more real estate leads you’ll have. This goes for online networking, in-person meetings, and even everyday conversations with people you know or meet at a coffee shop, supermarket, or the local farmer’s market.
One of the best ways to grow your network is by joining local business groups that fit your real estate niche. These groups often host expos, networking breakfasts, lunches, and happy hours. These are a great way to connect with professionals like mortgage brokers and home inspectors who can refer clients to you.
Before you attend a networking event, take the time to craft and practice your real estate sales pitch so that it stands out from the rest. Then, follow up with each person you met by email, phone, or in person. This shows that you care and have a genuine interest in growing your network, encouraging those in it to keep you in mind for their real estate needs. Also, be proactive about supporting local businesses and causes that are important to you and your community.
Get Involved
A successful real estate agent knows that their business isn’t just about listing and closing transactions – it’s also about getting involved with the community to build trust and connect with people.
This includes everything from volunteering for community projects to participating in local forums. By leveraging these opportunities to meet locals, you can establish yourself as a credible source of information and an expert in the area.
Investing time in prospecting and real estate marketing is a must for every real estate agent, but it’s essential to do it correctly. Rather than attending an event and handing out cards to everybody you see, focus on getting to know the attendees. Try to learn their stories, family dynamics, and what professional concerns they have.
Then, use a customer relationship management tool to create and maintain an organized list of the new connections you meet. This will help you follow up with them and provide a valuable reminder of your services. This type of system is referred to as a CRM and is used by almost everyone in sales jobs.
Get Creative
Don’t limit yourself to meeting other agents when building your real estate network. You can also find value in networking with hairdressers, lawyers, and other local professionals who may help you convert leads into clients.
At every networking event, be ready to present your unique value-add and enticing sales pitch. It is also essential to remember that networking events are not just one-off meetings; you will likely return to many of the same people repeatedly.
Following up with your new contacts is critical to ensuring that you remain top of mind when they are ready to buy or sell. You can accomplish this by sending emails, making phone calls, or scheduling coffee dates to check in with your contacts. Alternatively, you can use a CRM system to set up an automation funnel to deliver your contact with regular follow-ups, such as a quarterly email asking how their home is coming along.
Balancing professional industry and client networks can be challenging for new real estate agents, but it is possible to curate both by intentionally managing your time. By maintaining an online presence, staying engaged with the community, and attending events, you can build a strong real estate network to support your prospecting efforts.
Get Connected
There aren’t many fields where the social element of work is more important than in real estate. Successful agents prioritize maintaining an online presence, engaging with local community members, and becoming better listeners when they meet new people. They also rely on tools like email newsletters, checklists, and market reports to stay top-of-mind with leads.
In addition to attending open houses and buyer seminars, it’s also wise for agents to seek out opportunities to connect with local business owners. This can be done through partnering with homebuilders, trade specialists like landscapers and title companies, or local banks that offer mortgage loans.
When meeting people at networking events, follow up on your conversations. You can do this via phone, email, or scheduling an opportunity to meet. This helps your growing network feel special and valued. It’s also good to take notes about the people you meet, such as their family, profession, or specific real estate needs, to serve them effectively.
Finally, it’s essential to have a formal system of keeping track of your growing real estate network. This ensures you never miss an opportunity to connect with someone who may be a prospect or lead.
Be Strategic
The quantity of leads matters, but quality also counts. You’ll want to target your real estate network with people likely to buy or sell their homes shortly. You can help with this by providing information about current market conditions on your website. This kind of lead gen will help you identify qualified leads ready to talk with a real estate agent.
It would help if you also considered hosting your events to meet prospects. This doesn’t have to be a real estate event; it can be a dinner party, concert, or local business giveaway. This is an excellent way to build relationships with people in your sphere of influence and convert them into clients.
Prospecting is a large part of your job, especially when starting. Treat it like any other appointment and commit to doing it each day. The more consistent you are, the better your results will be. If you can’t commit to daily prospecting, try setting a goal of two or three days per week first and then increase your efforts over time.