To help you navigate the world of real estate networking, we’ve gathered nine insightful experiences from Realtors and Real Estate Investors. These industry professionals share their successful networking stories, from leveraging YouTube for real estate networking to exploring new real estate sectors. Dive into these valuable lessons and apply them to your own networking approach. Here are nine real estate networking tips from industry leaders.
- Leverage YouTube for Real Estate Networking
- Harness In-Person Networking at Conferences
- Engage Actively at Industry Events
- Offer Help to Establish Connections
- Utilize Professional Websites and Teamwork
- Foster Genuine Connections
- Participate Actively in Trade Shows
- Connect with Local Vendors and Contractors
- Explore New Real Estate Sectors
Leverage YouTube for Real Estate Networking
I use YouTube, as it is the go-to platform for live streaming and long-form video content, but it also creates a great networking opportunity. I now have more time to discuss what makes my listings and their surrounding areas so fantastic.
Listings are only the beginning, though. By posting educational content on YouTube, I can also create a sense of familiarity and trust with a potential buyer. I’ll see to it that my videos are viewed and produce new leads, or at least conversations. I can also cross-promote my videos across various social media channels and my website.
To let viewers know what you want people to do next, sprinkle calls to action across your videos, homepage, and descriptions. This networking technique has introduced me to several new people, including homebuyers, whom I would have otherwise not had the chance to meet.
Michael Bondi, Realtor, Las Vegas Realty for Sale
Harness In-Person Networking at Conferences
Networking in the real estate industry is crucial for creating valuable business opportunities. One of my most successful networking experiences happened when I attended a local real estate conference. During one of the breakout sessions, I struck up a conversation with another attendee who was in the property-management business. We exchanged contact information and stayed in touch after the conference.
After several months, I reached out to them for advice on a property I was looking to invest in. Not only did they provide valuable insights, but they also introduced me to one of their clients who was selling a commercial property that fit my investment criteria perfectly. This eventually led to a successful partnership and an excellent return on investment.
Mark Buskuhl, Founder and CEO, Ninebird Properties
Engage Actively at Industry Events
One of my most successful networking experiences in the real estate industry occurred at a local real estate conference. During a panel discussion, I approached a seasoned real estate developer and engaged in a meaningful conversation about emerging trends in the market. We exchanged contact information and stayed in touch afterward. Months later, I received an invitation to collaborate on a residential project in a growing neighborhood.
Key lessons from this experience include the importance of active participation in industry events, genuine curiosity about industry trends, and the value of building a rapport with industry experts. Networking isn’t just about collecting business cards; it’s about establishing meaningful connections and nurturing those relationships over time. This experience taught me that by staying informed and genuinely engaging with others in the field, you can uncover valuable business opportunities.
Tony Mariotti, CEO, RubyHome
Offer Help to Establish Connections
When I was just starting out as a real estate investor, I had little money or resources to provide value for investors who could mentor me. I attended a presentation given by a seasoned real estate investor, but he was struggling with his PowerPoint slides.
After the presentation, I offered to improve the look, flow, and graphics of the slides for better clarity. He shared a copy; I delivered, and we have formed a mentorship that lasts to this day, which has provided me with a ton of insight I couldn’t have learned from books.
Mark Severino, Real Estate Investor, Best Texas House Buyers, LLC
Utilize Professional Websites and Teamwork
In 2006, I was just starting in the business and had put together a website with listings in Boca Raton. A potential buyer reached out to me. I showed them what was available, but they didn’t like what they saw. To my surprise, one of the listing agents called to ask how things had gone. Upon hearing what the client was looking for, he offered an off-market property that matched their needs. This resulted in a successful deal that earned me $1.7 million in commissions. After doing this a few times, I brought this agent into my team.
This experience not only confirmed the importance of building a professional website to generate leads I wouldn’t have found elsewhere, but it also taught me the value of great teamwork. The agent’s initiative and my attention to the client’s needs allowed us to build a working relationship that translated into successful sales.
Zev Freidus, Founder, ZFC Real Estate
Foster Genuine Connections
Networking is an essential skill in the real estate industry, as it allows professionals to build relationships and create valuable business opportunities. In my experience, I had a successful networking experience that led to a significant business opportunity.
The key lesson I learned from this experience is the importance of making genuine connections with people. I attended a networking event organized by a local real estate association, and I made an effort to engage in meaningful conversations with the attendees. I didn’t focus on selling my services or pushing my agenda; instead, I listened actively and showed a genuine interest in learning about others’ businesses and backgrounds.
Zach Shelley, Founder and CEO, A-List Properties
Participate Actively in Trade Shows
Real estate trade shows have proven to pave the way for more opportunities in our industry. The main reason we participate in one is to increase our sales. This is also a good venue to feel out the real estate scenario—get in touch with the current developments and trends that can help our businesses move forward.
My advice is to research. There are several trade shows that occur annually, and usually, a grand list of the schedules is released yearly. Plan ahead to determine which location would suit you best so that you can secure admission.
If there is an opportunity to showcase through exhibition booths or by being a speaker, don’t hesitate to participate. Trade shows are also a venue for pitch sessions, so the more you can make yourself visible, the more chances you have to make connections with potential investors.
Stephen Keighery, CEO and Founder, Home Buyer Louisiana
Connect with Local Vendors and Contractors
One of the best networking opportunities is reaching out to vendors and contractors in your local market. Whether you’re a new real estate agent or a seasoned professional, sometimes it’s best to take a step back and reevaluate your target market.
Develop a solid strategy to connect both online and offline with your potential customers. Your next real estate opportunity might be a neighbor that lives next door or within your circle of friends.
Kenneth Cox, Real Estate Broker, DFW Urban Realty
Explore New Real Estate Sectors
Back in 2016, my husband and I sold an apartment building in Phoenix for a price that seemed unbelievable at the time. We planned to do a 1031 exchange, but just couldn’t find any replacement properties with the CAP rates we wanted.
We told our agent we were ready to take the capital gains tax hit since CAP rates were too low. He knew a hotel investor from another group who mentioned hotel CAP rates could be better. We were intrigued and ended up partnering with him to buy two hotels!
Now, we’re exploring a potential new build here in Arizona and looking at international opportunities too. It all started because we were open to exploring a new area of real estate.
My advice is, don’t limit yourself—be open to connecting with professionals across different real estate sectors. You never know where those conversations might lead you! I’m so glad we took a chance on hotels back then.
Nic Stohler, Creator, Nic’s Guide
