I was always interested in real estate but I focused on the investment side. After a few investments, I thought to myself “You know what? Maybe I should just get my license!” So I did in 2019, but it was initially just for myself or those who knew me, like family or friends, while I kept my full-time job. Things started to take off in 2021, so I took the leap and went full-time into real estate. It was different for me, making the move from working just with the people I was closest with to growing a clientele. I also had just moved from Mississauga to Cambridge. It was a lot to kind of grow all at once – new license, full-time shift to real estate, new city, and new people.
Enjoying our content? Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter to get real estate market insights, news, and reports straight to your inbox.
Standing Out in a Saturated Sea of Real Estate Agents
For those that are starting out, they have to know they may be spinning their wheels for a little bit before they find their groove. That’s simply because everyone knows a real estate agent. So what is it that’s going to make them want to choose you over someone else that they’ve known or seen in the business for a long time?
I’ve grown my business with a lot of networking. Being in a new city where I didn’t know anyone and I didn’t have a network of professionals who could help me in my business, I knew I had to prioritize building my own professional community. I’m continuously networking and building relationships with lawyers, mortgage brokers, stagers, inspectors, and even real estate agents because I didn’t know any in Cambridge. And while some agents might look at other agents as competition, I consider them allies. I never know when I’m going to work with one of them. Some have more experience and I can learn from them, while with others, I can learn from their mistakes.
- Read: For Agents, By Agents: How to Leverage AI and ChatGPT to Build a Successful Real Estate Business
Tips For Building Your Brand in a New City
I had to find new clients that were local in Cambridge, so I was doing things like joining local Facebook groups and getting involved in areas that interest me. I have kids, so I got involved with the school board and networked with parents. I also go to a lot of events in my city so I can meet local people and talk to them. If I could wave a magic wand, I would be working by referral only, but I know to make that a reality, my level of service has to be exceptional.
You do have to do a lot of work to get yourself out there. You’ll have a bigger reach on social media than if you went doorknocking and people don’t really want you to come to the door. You may have to knock on 1,000 doors before people will even listen to you. With social media, you have a bigger reach in a shorter time. I don’t think about the number of likes or followers I have, but more so, am I providing my audience with helpful content?
I have a Google My Business review page, and I also am on Rank My Agent, both of which have been great tools for building my business. People have said they found me on Google My Business after reading a review, so having a platform where people can see what my clients have thought, whether it’s Google reviews or social media where you can post your testimonials, is absolutely essential. I’d rather have someone else brag about me than me brag about myself.
Facebook groups have been essential for building my clientele. And I specifically say Facebook groups because I’m in groups that actually matter to me so I get to speak to people on a personal level. Once that conversation starts it usually rolls into “So what do you do?”. They already know and like me at that point, and like the same things, and then it naturally goes into, “Well I was looking to buy”, or, “I was looking to sell”. That has been where, in terms of social media platforms, most of my clients have come from.
Also, learning from others is a humbling experience. I like to reach out to others who are successful and say, “I love what you’re doing. I want to learn from you.” I just think it’s important not to be the, “I’m too scared to find out” or, “I don’t want to ask” kind of person but humble yourself and be like, “I like what they’re doing, I’m going to find out.” So whether you have to join their team or you have to go do their open houses, to learn firsthand from someone successful is a great opportunity. Now, three years into my career, I’m excited to continue learning and building my brand.
