Business

Networking Tips for New Real Estate Agents

Published

2 years ago

April 22, 2023

You’ve studied hard, passed the exam, and now you have your real estate license. You’re officially one step closer to your dream of becoming a real estate agent, but the work has only just begun. The most challenging part of a career in real estate is landing your first few clients.

As with many commission-based jobs, a thriving career in real estate is built on connections. You may have connections from prior careers, know individuals in your community, or be brand new to a city and looking to establish yourself. Regardless of your situation and how many contacts you have, networking is critical to success for any new real estate agent. And these valuable networking tips can help you connect with more people and get ahead.

Join a Real Estate Brokerage

Joining a real estate brokerage can provide several benefits, including access to industry resources, training, and support from experienced agents. Additionally, many brokerages have established relationships with lenders, title companies, and other businesses that can be helpful when working with clients.

Stay Active on Social Media

In today’s world, staying active on social media is vital to be successful as a real estate agent. Use social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to share information about properties you’ve listed, open houses you’re hosting, or events you’re attending. Then, engage with your community through comments, likes, and shares to encourage further interaction. Regular posting can help clients get to know you and convey that you’re reliable and available when they need you. Be sure to tag your location so clients in your area can easily find you!

Connect with Other Professionals

If you’re looking to establish yourself, it’s just as important to connect with other professionals in the real estate industry as with clients themselves. Attend brokerage open houses, introduce yourself to other agents at listing appointments, and exchange business cards with industry professionals you meet. By building relationships with other agents and professionals, you’ll expand your network, increase opportunities for leads, and potentially find a mentor who can guide you based on their experience.

Here are four other great ways to connect with real estate agents.

Get involved with your local board of REALTORS®.
Attend industry events such as conferences, seminars, and trade shows.
Connect with other agents on online forums for real estate professionals.
Volunteer for an industry-relevant charity or non-profit organization to give back to your community while meeting other industry professionals.

Join a Local Real Estate Association

Another great way to meet new people and market yourself as a real estate agent is to join a local real estate association. These associations typically host monthly meetings where members can network with each other and learn about new listings or developments in the area. Additionally, many associations offer educational courses or seminars to help new agents learn more about the industry and hone their skills.

There are several professional associations for real estate agents, such as National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and the National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents (NAEBA). These groups offer members access to extensive resources, educational opportunities, and networking events for a nominal membership fee.

Host Your Own Events

In addition to attending events hosted by others, you can also host events yourself. For example, you could host an open house for a property you have listed or provide a free seminar on the home-buying process. By hosting events, you’ll have the opportunity to control the marketing message and make a lasting impression on potential clients.

Final Thoughts

Networking is essential for new real estate agents looking to build their client base. By joining a brokerage, staying active on social media, connecting with other professionals, and hosting events, you can make a name for yourself and improve your chances of landing clients. Real estate is a people business, so get out there and meet new faces!

Business

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke: A New Approach to Fine Real Estate

Published

4 weeks ago

December 16, 2024

Matthew Wiles

Photo credit: Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke.

Byline: Andi Stark

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke, a real estate platform operating across Hawaii, is rewriting how properties are bought and sold in the region. Unlike larger firms reliant on public listings and mass marketing, Private Listings’ strategy prioritizes personalization, privacy, and meticulous curation of ultra-high-end, off-market properties, including oceanfront estates, gated community residences, and architectural masterpieces.

Harold Clarke, founder of Private Listings, describes their method as one that rejects “cookie-cutter solutions in favor of understanding the nuances of both buyers and sellers.” This approach has resonated with ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) seeking refined and discreet real estate transactions.

The Hawaiian real estate market remains a hub for global investors, with the median price for a single-family home in the state reaching $900,000 in 2024, according to the Hawaii Association of Realtors. Within this competitive landscape, Private Listings is building up to be a trusted name for properties that extend beyond luxury into generational investments.

Challenging the Industry Norms

Private Listings deliberately avoids the conventions of large-scale real estate firms. By focusing on fewer, higher-value properties, the company ensures that each transaction is treated with the same level of care and confidentiality.

Public listing platforms, while effective for broader markets, often expose sellers to unnecessary attention or unqualified inquiries. For Clarke, this model is misaligned with the needs of UHNWIs. “Privacy isn’t a luxury for our clients—it’s a necessity,” Clarke explains.

This philosophy has led Private Listings to handle some of Hawaii’s most significant real estate transactions, including off-market properties valued at over $40 million. Its success is not measured by the volume of listings but by the depth of trust built with clients, many of whom return for subsequent transactions.

Adapting to Changing Client Demands

While Private Listings maintains a foundation of traditional practices, the firm also recognizes the evolving needs of its clientele. The global real estate market is increasingly influenced by concerns over digital security, with a 15% rise in data breaches targeting high-net-worth individuals in the past three years, according to cybersecurity firm NortonLifeLock.

To address these risks, Private Listings employs rigorous screening for potential buyers and uses secure platforms for communication and transactions. The firm’s “by invitation only” model ensures that clients remain protected from the pitfalls of public exposure. Clarke notes, “Our goal is not just to sell homes but to create an environment where clients feel safe and confident during every step of the process.”

The Human Element in Real Estate Transactions

Despite advancements in technology, Private Listings firmly believes that real estate transactions cannot be reduced to algorithms or automation. Unlike firms that depend heavily on online data aggregation, Private Listings emphasizes human connection and insight.

The company’s sales strategy integrates personalized client interactions, in-depth market analysis, and years of experience navigating Hawaii’s unique real estate ecosystem. Clarke’s background in managing family assets and his global perspective is significant in shaping this essence.

Future Directions for Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke

As Hawaii continues to attract global attention, Private Listings aims to expand its influence within the state while maintaining its core principles. The company is currently developing a new platform to streamline services for UHNWIs, blending their demand for discretion with seamless access to Hawaii’s finest off-market properties.

Additionally, Private Listings is strengthening its ties with local communities, recognizing that sustainable growth benefits both the company and the islands’ ecosystems.

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke has set itself apart in Hawaii’s real estate scene by moving away from the typical mass-market approach. Through a mix of traditional values and modern sensibilities, the firm continues to define what it means to transact ultra-high-value properties with integrity and care.