After all the time and energy you’ve spent studying, you were able to pass your exam and join a brokerage firm. Congratulations! Now you’re ready to start making the big bucks! But how do you secure the business of your first client as a new real estate agent? Sure, your friends and family know you just got your license, but the odds are they won’t be your first deal. Here are some strategies you can employ to make connections and get clients without breaking the bank.
Join Meaningful Organizations
There are a lot of organizations that you can join as a certified real estate agent. Becoming a member of some will help you, but it’s important that you join the right ones. The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) is the most crucial organization to join. If you find your local NAR chapter, you can maximize your outreach!
Enhance Your Online Presence
Your online presence whether you’ve been a licensed real estate agent for one day or one decade is crucial. That means making sure you have a functional, informative website and polished social media presence. Share information on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook on a consistent basis. You should also invite your friends and family to like your pages so your posts gain even more traction.
Send Out Announcements
Sending out personal notes or even emails letting people know you’re a new agent in town can be a lot less intimidating than trying to talk to strangers in person. You can send notes to friends, family, and neighbors and let them know you’re a resource when the time comes to buy or sell. And if they simply have a question, let them know you’re happy to help anytime.
Network with Other Real Estate Agents
While it may seem counter-intuitive to talk to people who are potentially your competitors, other real estate agents with more experience than you can serve as an invaluable resource. Many agents will be flattered that you are wanting to learn from them. You can also use this as an opportunity to identify what your local market may be lacking when it comes to real estate agents
Leave Pop-Bys
Pop-bys are a fun, affordable way to make people remember you. These are small gifts with a short message encouraging homeowners to contact you for their buying and selling needs. You don’t need to go over-the-top with the “salesyness.” Pop-bys are especially great around the holidays and even during seasonal changes. Leave some candy for Easter or flower seeds at the beginning of summer. Just make sure you leave your contact info.
Connect With Your Local FSBOs
Any homeowner with a “for sale by owner” sign is a potential client. While the owner is likely trying to avoid paying a real estate agent a commission, working with an agent can be a big help if a home has been on the market for a while. Many owners will decline your offer, but you may find a few that will jump at the chance, and this will help you get your foot in the door!
Use Awkward Agent
Awkward Agent was created to help real estate agents (especially newly licensed ones!) connect with clients in a meaningful way. We’re your pro marketing partner helping you close deals with those hard-to-get clients without breaking the bank. Become a member and see all the ways we can make your life as a new real estate agent easier.
Every agent-client relationship has an awkward phase. We help you get through it!
