Real estate has never been easier to do from behind a screen. You can close on DocuSign, prospect through Slack, and build your brand on Reels and Stories. But the agents winning the most listings and referrals know something the tools can’t replicate: what happens when you actually show up.
The top agents today don’t pick between online and offline networking. They use technology to stay efficient and use face-to-face time to build trust. That’s the kind of trust that wins listings, earns referrals, and unlocks off-market deals.
Why In‑Person Networking Still Matters for Agents
“When you finally meet someone in person that you’ve only known through a screen, it pulls your relationship that much further, that much faster,” says Evelyn Anders, Director of Business Development at Zoocasa. As the real estate world grows more virtual, Anders believes in-person interactions have become “incredibly important for relationship building.”
Her insight echoes what research confirms. A study in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that making a request face-to-face is 34 times more effective than doing it by email. The difference comes from the nonverbal cues and emotional connection that happen only in person.
In surveys comparing meeting formats, a strong majority of people say in‑person meetings create deeper relationships than virtual ones. Psychologists call this the chameleon effect, our unconscious tendency to mirror another person’s body language, tone, and gestures. That subtle synchronization builds trust almost instantly, but it only works when you’re in the same room.
Networking Tips to Try
The good news is you don’t need a major conference to start building these connections (though it certainly doesn’t hurt). Some of the most effective networking happens in small, everyday moments that most agents overlook.
- Grab a quick coffee. Invite a past client or fellow agent you’ve only messaged online. No agenda needed, you’ll learn more in 10 minutes of conversation than months of emails.
- Do a drop-by. Do a drop-by. In a world of automated follow-up sequences, a handwritten card or a small seasonal gift, like a roll of wrapping paper during the holidays or a gift card to a coffee shop, stands out precisely because so few agents do it anymore.
- Reach out to nearby agents. Even in her own real estate business, Anders knows the importance of calling contacts directly: “Do you have anything coming soon? My client’s interested.” Those conversations led to off‑market deals that never hit MLS, access earned through trust, not technology.
- Attend industry events: Instead of weeks of cold DMs, step into a room filled with the very people you’re trying to reach. “These events are so concentrated,” Anders says. “There’s no other way you’d be in a room with them.”
- Build your referral network. When clients move outside your market, you don’t have to lose them. Instead, connect them with trusted agents in your network who serve that area. Chances are, they will return the favour. As Anders puts it, “It really is who you know, a lot of the time.”
And if you are in and around the Vancouver area, you’re in luck. EXP CON Canada is just around the corner, and there’s still time to grab a spot. Find all the details here. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with top agents from across the country in one place, share insights, build relationships, and learn from the industry’s best.
Your Reputation Begins in the Room
Every interaction shapes how people see you. Other agents pay attention to how you communicate, follow up, and handle details. They want to work with people who make the whole experience feel easy. “At the end of the day, agents remember who was easy to work with,” Anders says. Putting a face to the name makes a much greater impact.
Keep Growing Your Network, All Year Long
Digital tools will always enhance your business, but efficiency isn’t the same as connection. Real estate success still runs on relationships you’ve built offline. “The more agents can build their networks, the more successful they’re going to be overall,” Anders says.
New to Real Estate? Start Here
If you’re a new agent looking to grow your connections, Zoocasa’s Agent Accelerator program is designed to help you do just that. You’ll receive personalized mentorship and hands‑on coaching, access to pre‑qualified online opportunities generated from Zoocasa’s national audience, and training that helps you turn inbound inquiries into closed deals, all with no upfront or monthly fees to join the program (standard brokerage splits still apply).
Beyond tools and coaching, you’ll join a thriving community of agents across Canada. In-person networking, collaboration, and referrals are part of the experience from day one.
