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!