Start your real estate career strong. Use these expert strategies to attract buyers and sellers, build a client list, and grow your business fast.

Starting a real estate career can be exciting, but one of the biggest challenges for new agents is building a strong client base from scratch. Without an established network, it can feel overwhelming to find your first buyers and sellers. The good news? With the right strategies, you can grow your client list quickly and sustainably.

In this guide, we’ll explore proven methods to help you establish trust, attract prospects, and turn them into loyal clients.

1. Leverage Your Sphere of Influence (SOI)

Your sphere of influence—friends, family, former colleagues, and acquaintances—can be your first source of leads. Let them know you’ve started a real estate career and are ready to help with buying, selling, or renting.

• Share your new role on social media.

• Send personalized emails or handwritten notes.

• Ask for referrals, not just direct business.

Pro tip: People are more likely to trust someone they already know, so this step can give you your first deals faster.

2. Build a Strong Online Presence

In today’s market, your online visibility can make or break your real estate career.

• Create a professional website showcasing your services, listings, and client testimonials.

• Be active on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

• Post valuable content—such as neighborhood guides, market updates, and home-buying tips—to position yourself as an expert.

  SEO tip: Optimize your content with keywords like “real estate agent in [Your City]” or “homes for sale in [Your City]” to attract local searches.

3. Attend Local Networking Events

Building a client base requires building relationships.

• Join local business groups or real estate associations.

• Attend community events, fairs, and open houses.

• Exchange contact information and follow up within 48 hours to maintain the connection.

Face-to-face interactions help establish trust more quickly than online introductions alone.

4. Host Free Workshops or Webinars

Position yourself as a helpful, knowledgeable agent by offering free value.

• First-time homebuyer workshops.

• “Selling Your Home” seminars.

• Market trend webinars.

These events let you showcase your expertise and collect contact information for future follow-ups.

5. Use Real Estate CRM Tools

A Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system helps you store contacts, track leads, and stay consistent with follow-ups.

• Schedule reminders to check in with prospects.

• Send automated newsletters with market updates.

• Track conversations to personalize your approach.

Consistency is key—clients may remember you months or years after your first contact if you stay in touch.

6. Offer Exceptional Service from Day One

Word-of-mouth referrals are one of the most powerful lead sources in real estate. Even your very first client can lead to several more if you:

• Communicate clearly and regularly.

• Go the extra mile in property searches and marketing.

• Provide guidance beyond the transaction, such as recommending contractors or moving services.

7. Be Patient and Persistent

It takes time to build a client base, especially without prior connections. The key is to show up consistently, both online and offline. Every conversation, social media post, and community event is an opportunity to plant seeds for future business.

Building a real estate client base from scratch is all about visibility, trust, and persistence. By leveraging your network, creating a strong online presence, attending local events, offering free value, and providing excellent service, you can turn strangers into lifelong clients.

Remember, in real estate, relationships come before transactions—and the clients will follow.

Matt Witte strives to be the best realtor in North Andover MA.

Any questions about real estate, reach out to Matt Witte, North Andover Realtor MA