If you work in the real estate industry (or are aspiring to), you know that it’s all about connections. The more people you connect with, the more chances there are to find potential buyers, clients, and just to meet people in the industry. You never know where opportunities might come from and that’s why it’s SO important to network and put yourself out there. Easier said than done, right? I know it can feel a little intimidating at first, so I’m sharing my tips on how to network in the real estate world in this post.

Start With Your “Sphere”

Your sphere of influence is essentially a list of people consisting of all the people who know you, both professionally and unprofessionally, and who may present an opportunity for a referral or direct business. Texting, calling, e-mailing, and/or the best one of all, getting face-to-face— with those people you know in your sphere, is the easiest and lowest-hanging fruit when it comes to doing business in real estate. That is because there is already some sort of relationship established vs. a relationship that starts totally “cold”.

Attend Real Estate Events

Attend real estate conferences, industry events, and seminars in your area. These events provide a great opportunity both to learn and also to meet and network with other professionals in the industry which is important for establishing a network of referrals.

Leverage Social Media

Use social media platforms (Instagram, Youtube, Facebook, LinkedIn, etc… ) to connect with potential clients and other real estate professionals. Share valuable content and engage with your followers to build relationships and establish yourself as an authority and “player” in the industry.

Build Relationships With Local Businesses

Partner with local businesses such as mortgage brokers, title companies, and home inspectors to cross-promote each other’s services and refer clients to each other. You can even do this with local businesses like coffee shops and yoga studios. By consistently supporting and hanging around local community businesses, you will begin to meet recurring patrons and hopefully soon become known as the “neighborhood realtor”.

Host Events

Host events such as open houses, home-buying seminars, and networking events (or just parties in general :)) to bring together your sphere of influence. This can help you establish yourself as a local expert and clock in that “face-to-face” time.

Be Consistent!

Remember, networking is all about building relationships and establishing trust over time. Focus on providing value to others and being genuinely interested in their needs and goals, and you’ll be well on your way to building a successful real estate network that will result in substantial relationships and hopefully, lots of sales.