I became licensed over a month ago. Since then I have worked constantly to get my name out there and gain a client. I've knocked on doors in my neighborhood, held open houses almost every weekend (and knocked on those neighbors doors), sent out letters and cards, talk to everything I can at PTA meetings, parades, Girl Scouts, in line at the store, etc... I've talked to at least 500+ people. I've had not one solid lead. I'm starting to feel hopeless and extremely discouraged. Is this a normal feeling in real estate? If so, what did you do about it? Could you give a new agent advice on the best way/place to find a client?
Hold an adult education class at a college or community college on how to buy a house and what is involved. You tell them how the financing works, to avoid buying anything prior to the house sale. Etc. Do this for years on end. You can also go work for someone who has such leads already.
You've only been at this a month? Didn't you check out some basic info before you started this? On average it takes one year before you see any commission whatsoever. Meanwhile, it's outgo, outgo, outgo. Do you have your website up running? Or at least your LinkedIn Facebook business pages? Are you providing genuinely helpful well-written info for prospective buyers sellers? First client often tends to be a family member or someone you knew long before you started RE.
I'm not a big fan of what you're doing to drum up business. I assume you talked to your broker and he advised you to do all those things. (If you haven't talked to him, you should.) The problem is that you're not offering anything that people want. You perhaps can snag a few potential buyers at open houses, but you have to handle it right and you have to follow up with people. As for networking at PTA meetings--that's not productive. Do they want to buy or sell a house? Same with Girl Scouts. I've actually had some success with strangers--lines at stores, etc. But not by just smiling and saying: Hi. I'm Suzie, a real estate agent. Do you want to buy a house? Though it can be frustrating, you can try going after expired listings and FSBOs. At least you know that they're both motivated to sell. Network with other professions that might be aware of people getting their homes ready to sell: Plumbers, electricians, etc. Also, mail carriers are supposed to be an excellent resource, though I've never tried that. You also might consider formal networking groups like BNI. The problem there is that virtually all BNI groups already have a real estate agent as a member, and BNI only allows one person from any one profession. But you never know; there might be an opening. And there are lots of other business networking groups, from your local Chamber of Commerce on down. Also, be persistent in farming a neighborhood. You've only been licensed for a month. So maybe you've done one mailing? If you're even farming a neighborhood. Repetition is key. One mailing a month for 6-8 months to the same folks should produce some leads. And, again, speak to your broker. Hope that helps.
