How to Jump-Start Your Real Estate Career
Every day, countless individuals pursue a career in real estate, drawn by the promise of high income, self-employment, and the potential to shape their own futures. After passing the state-mandated real estate exam and obtaining their licenses, they are eager to jump into the world of real estate, ready to reap the rewards of their hard work. Yet, the reality is much tougher than expected. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), fewer than 10% of agents earn more than $100,000 per year. So, what separates the successful agents from those who struggle?
The answer lies in a critical first step: building your client base. Here’s how you can do that, starting from day one.
Why Building a Client Base Is Essential
Success in real estate revolves around one thing—clients. No matter how motivated, skilled, or knowledgeable you are, without clients, your real estate career will struggle to take off. Building a strong client base is the foundation for generating consistent business, and it starts by reaching out to the people who already know, trust, and respect you.
The first step to success? Let everyone know you're now a real estate agent and available for business.
How to Build Your Client List
Begin by creating a comprehensive list of everyone you know. This is your database. Your list should include friends, family, neighbors, church members, former coworkers, and anyone you’ve interacted with, including your doctor, your accountant, or even your local barista. These people may not need real estate help right now, but they might know someone who does.
The key is to start with your sphere of influence—people who already know you and are more likely to trust your services, even if you’re new to the field.
The Perfect First Letter to Announce Your New Career
Once you’ve compiled your database, the next step is to reach out to them. Send a simple, concise letter to announce your new career as a real estate agent. This letter is an important first step in creating awareness about your business and establishing connections that could lead to your first deals. Let’s break down what your letter should include:
Introduction and Announcement: In the first paragraph, let your contacts know that you have passed the real estate exam and obtained your license. Mention the firm you have joined and express your excitement for this new journey. This makes it clear that you are now a professional in the field and ready to help.
Highlight Your Previous Experience: In the second paragraph, discuss how your previous work or life experience has prepared you for this role. Even if you haven’t worked in real estate before, other skills—like customer service, project management, sales, or communication—are extremely valuable. This will help ease any concerns your contacts might have about recommending a “new” agent.
Call to Action: Finally, in the third paragraph, directly ask for business. Let them know that you would love to help them or their friends and family with any real estate needs. A clear request for referrals is crucial—many people might not think to offer help unless you ask. Encourage them to pass your name along and assure them that you will take great care of anyone they send your way.
Why This Approach Works
People like doing business with people they trust. By starting with your personal network, you’re building your real estate career on a foundation of trust and familiarity. These individuals already know your character and work ethic, which will make them more willing to refer you to others.
Additionally, even if someone on your list doesn’t have immediate real estate needs, they’ll likely remember you in the future or pass your information on to someone who does. In real estate, word of mouth is powerful, and staying top-of-mind through your network is key.
The Bottom Line: Take Action
The road to success in real estate isn’t easy, but taking this first step—building a client base by reaching out to everyone you know—can help you get a strong start. Be proactive, send that letter, and ask for referrals. The more people who know about your new career, the better your chances of getting your first clients.
Remember, the most successful real estate agents don’t wait for business to come to them—they actively seek it. So take control of your career, start building your database today, and lay the foundation for long-term success.
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