It’s an exciting time to learn how to get clients in real estate. However, becoming an established real estate agent won’t happen overnight, but there are ways you can market yourself to build up your network.
If you want to know how to get clients in real estate, we have 10 tips to help you get your foot in the door.
How Do Sellers Pick a Real Estate Agent?
Many home sellers searching for real estate agents may interview several before choosing the one with the best fit.
Don’t assume that a seller will pick the agent that promises them top dollar for their home. Savvy sellers know there’s more to selling than setting a price.
Here are some things sellers will consider before hiring a real estate agent:
A proven track record.
A seller will want to know the success rate of an agent. How many similar homes in the area have they sold? How long did they take to sell them? What were they sold for versus the listing price?
A solid marketing plan.
Sellers will want to pick an agent who can offer professional photos, high-quality print materials, posting to MLS sites, and broker house tours.
Availability.
Sellers don’t want to be fighting for their agent’s attention. They want a responsive agent who will keep them updated with texts, calls, or emails.
Negotiation skills.
If a lowball offer rolls in, a seller will want to know how their agent will work on their behalf to get them the most money.
How to Get Real Estate Clients: Top Tips to Try
Here are some of the best tips for how to get clients in real estate.
1. Reach out to friends and family.
Your friends and family probably know someone looking for an agent. Time to get your real estate business on their radar.
One referral may lead to another. Your personal network is a great way to connect with potential clients, so don’t be hesitant to email your social contacts, letting them know you’re an agent actively looking for new clients.
2. Make the most of referrals.
Great referrals happen when your client has an excellent experience working with you.
The right time to ask fir a referral may be when an over-asking offer comes in or at the closing table. Celebrate with your client, and tell them how much you enjoyed working with them. Then ask if there’s someone they know who may need help with their home sale.
3. Build your network.
If you want to succeed in real estate, making connections is critical. Building your network won’t happen overnight, but eventually, you’ll make connections that lead to opportunities.
Start by attending events and choosing activities that interest you. Take a class, volunteer, or join a fitness community to meet new people. Join your chamber of commerce and start attending local business events. Build a rapport with listing agents, real estate attorneys, home stagers, and other professionals in the industry.
4. Surprise them with a pop-by.
Pop-bys are small gifts you deliver to former clients to show appreciation for their business.
Imagine “popping by” a past client’s house when you’re in their neighborhood and surprising them with a jar of honey and a note that reads, “Thank you for BEE-ing a wonderful client.”
5. Create a professional website.
Potential clients want to know more about your services. A well-designed website can help establish your brand and set you apart from the competition.
Your website is a place for you to educate potential clients and provide them with valuable resources. In addition to having a personal bio, a list of services, and glowing testimonials, don’t forget to mention that you have real estate agent insurance.
Business insurance for real estate agents can help cover the risks associated with your business and protect you from damaging claims. In some states, you may be legally required to have insurance. Here are three core policies for a real estate business that we recommend:
General Liability Insurance
This foundational business insurance covers costs from third-party accidents, property damage, and bodily injury caused by your business. Without this type of coverage, your business may be responsible for those costs.
Professional Liability Insurance
Professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions insurance, covers claims that may not be covered by general liability insurance — such as the costs associated with claims or lawsuits of negligence.
Business Liability Insurance Coverage
Consider bundling general liability and professional liability insurance into a comprehensive business liability insurance policy. This can provide broader protection. A business insurance quote can help you compare different coverage options.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance
In most states, if you have employees (even part-time or temporary), you must have workers’ compensation insurance. This policy protects your business if your employees get sick or injured while on the job.
At Simply Business®, we make finding insurance easy and quick. Get started today with our free online quote tool, designed to get you a business insurance quote for real estate agents in minutes.
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Get an affordable and customized policy in just minutes. So you can get back to what matters: Your business.
6. Take advantage of social media.
For new real estate agents, social media can help you cultivate relationships with potential clients and position yourself as a trusted resource. The key is providing value to your clients by keeping them informed of market trends, posting local listings, and engaging them with an informative blog (more on that later.)
7. Join an online neighborhood community.
Remember, a home is more than a house. You’re also selling a neighborhood and the town or city, so you need to have a good grasp of the area.
An online neighborhood community like Nextdoor and Facebook Neighborhoods can help you connect with people and build a local presence. It can be great way to engage with others and position yourself as a local expert.
8. Start a YouTube channel.
YouTube has become a popular way for people to learn about goods and services, so you should know how to leverage this video platform to grow your real estate business.
As a listing agent, you can take viewers on a video tour of a listed home, or you can create highlights of a city or town.
9. Get blogging.
If you want to position yourself as an expert in real estate, you need a professional blog to back it up. Every time you post a blog, you have the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge to potential clients.
And Now For The Closing.
You have the tools you need to build your network, market your skills, and position yourself as a reputable agent. Go ahead and get that first sale.
Looking for more information about becoming a real estate agent? Check out these helpful guides:
5 Real Estate Marketing Ideas That Will Get Your Business Out There