🏡 How to Build Your Real Estate Business: Your guide to becoming the local expert your clients trust
Jumping into real estate is thrilling—but let’s be honest, it can also feel a bit like diving into the deep end without a life jacket. The good news? You don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re a brand-new agent or looking to level up, this guide will help you build a rock star support team, position yourself as a local expert, and create a marketing presence that gets attention.
👥 Step 1: Build Your Dream Team
You might be wondering, “Wait—what team?”
Your real estate team isn’t your office coworkers, it’s your behind-the-scenes support crew. These are the people you’ll rely on and confidently refer to clients. Think:
- Title officers
- Title company marketing reps
- Mortgage lenders
- Home inspectors
- Home warranty reps
- Interior designers
- Handymen (the golden unicorn of referrals)
🔍 How to Find the Right People
Start by asking your broker or sales manager for recommendations. Then, reach out—set up a coffee meeting or even a quick five-minute phone call. Be clear: you’re a new agent, you’re focused on a specific neighborhood, and you want partners you can trust to take care of your clients.
Pro tip: Try to build relationships with at least two people in each category so your clients always have options.
💡 Don’t Overlook Marketing Reps!
A great title company marketing representative can help launch your brand. They’ll assist with:
- Designing and mailing postcards
- Adding you to real estate newsletters
- Creating a personal brochure
- Hosting homebuyers’ or sellers’ workshops
- And more
They’re not just “nice to have”—they’re essential to your growth.
📍 Step 2: Become the Local Expert
Want buyers and sellers to see you as the go-to agent? Know your neighborhood like the back of your hand.
🏘️ Here’s how:
- Preview listings in your target area
- Learn the model names (check the MLS history if it’s not in the listing)
- Know the streets, subdivisions, and nearby schools (including private and charter)
- Visiting the HOA office—ask about the most common violations
- Get to know community perks like golf clubs, parks, or resident events
- Mail a newsletter monthly to your neighbors. Here’s a good and free one: Between Friends Newsletter Series. Sign up on orhp.com.
- People trust professionals who know their stuff. And in real estate,
- Hyperlocal knowledge = power.
🏗️ Step 3: Embrace New Home Communities
Buyers love that “new home smell”—and builders love agents who are informed and engaged.
🤝 What to do:
- Visit new home sales offices in your area
- Bring your business card, personal brochure, and maybe even a treat (like a small box of candy)
- Get familiar with their most popular models
- Ask about current incentives and pick up model sketches and pricing sheets
- Stop by regularly to stay on their radar
Share this info with your buyers, and you’ll quickly become their go-to resource for both resale and new builds.
📣 Step 4: Market Yourself Like a Pro
Now that you’ve done the work—built a network, studied the market, and mastered your community—it’s time to get the word out.
Start by asking yourself:
👉 What kind of marketing are you comfortable with?
- Cold calling or door knocking? Go for it.
- Writing newsletters or blog posts? Put that talent to work.
- Free newsletter that works, try orhp.com
- Tech-savvy? Think video, social media, or digital ads.
- Great with people? Networking events might be your jam.
🧰 Must-Haves for Your Marketing Toolkit:
- Your own website. Not just a page on your brokerage’s site—create a personal brand. Try something like JaneSmithRealEstate.com.
- A clear tagline. Make it memorable! Examples:
- “Helping Phoenix Buyers Win Since 2025”
- “Your Scottsdale Neighborhood Pro”
- Social presence. Set up a professional LinkedIn profile and Facebook business page. Make sure when someone Googles your name, you look polished and active.
- 🏠 Step 5: Host Amazing Open Houses
- Open houses are your chance to meet motivated buyers and show off your neighborhood know-how.
- By now, you should feel confident talking about:
- Local market stats
- Floorplans and models
- Community perks
- School options
- AND why you’re the agent to work with
- 💻 Use Technology to Capture Leads
- Try tools like Curb Hero—a free app that lets guests sign in digitally, scan a QR code, and even browse listing info on their phones.
- Don’t forget to ask:
- “Are you working with an agent?”
- If they are, great! Give them your card and move on. If they’re not, now’s your chance to shine.
🚀 Final Thoughts
Real estate success is all about focusing on relationships, preparation, and showing up like a pro. With the right team behind you, hyperlocal knowledge, and a solid marketing plan, you’re not just starting a business. You’re building a reputation.
So go out there and own it. You’ve got this!
Doreen Drew, Realtor Partner
Daisy Dream Homes Real Estate LLC
Phoenix, AZ
email: [email protected]
text: 623-734-6660
www.daisydreamhomes.com