6 Ways to Get More Referrals in Real Estate
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Real estate referrals play an important role in the success of agents today. Competition is fierce and opportunities for listings fluctuate, so real estate agents need to tap into their network of buyers and sellers in order to sustain their income. Most real estate referrals begin with providing stellar customer service to clients, but simply asking clients for referrals is only a part of the process. Networking and building a solid stable of relationships (plural) is an important element of creating a healthy flow of referrals that extends beyond clients.
Let’s take a look at six ways to network and relationship build that will result in a consistent flow of real estate referrals.
1. Get Involved in Your Community: Build Connections Through Volunteering
Volunteering for a cause you’re passionate about is not only fulfilling but also a powerful way to expand your network and generate future business opportunities – especially in your community. By giving back, you can connect with like-minded individuals, cultivate meaningful relationships, and enhance your reputation as someone invested in local causes. The relationships you build through these efforts can often lead to real estate referrals, partnerships, and future business, as people naturally gravitate towards those who demonstrate genuine care for their community.
Consider volunteering in areas that resonate with your values or interests. For example, you could:
- Donate your time to an animal shelter or wildlife rescue organization.
- Offer your assistance to local schools, such as tutoring students or helping with extracurricular activities.
- Sponsor or participate in charitable events like community fun runs or walks to raise awareness for various causes.
For those in real estate, there are also opportunities to align your volunteer efforts with your profession. This could include:
- Joining your local Habitat for Humanity chapter to help build homes for those in need.
- Collaborating with affordable housing advocacy groups to promote accessible housing in your community.
- Organizing or sponsoring neighborhood clean-up events to improve local spaces, showing your commitment to the area’s well-being.
Beyond the direct benefits of building connections, your volunteer work can also boost your visibility. Share your involvement on your business social media platforms, showcasing photos or videos of your efforts. This not only highlights your dedication but also helps promote the charitable organizations you’re working with, fostering goodwill both online and offline. When people see you actively participating in causes, it strengthens your brand image as a community-focused professional.
To take your volunteering efforts further, think about how you can make these experiences a regular part of your business outreach. For instance, hosting charity drives or events in partnership with local nonprofits could become a cornerstone of your marketing strategy. Incorporating volunteerism into your long-term goals will not only build your network but also deepen your personal satisfaction as you make a lasting impact.
2. Grow Your Network by Attending Real Estate Conferences and Events
Attending conferences and real estate events is one of the most impactful ways to expand your professional network and grow your business. These events offer a wealth of opportunities—not only to sharpen your skills and stay up-to-date on market trends but also to build meaningful relationships that can lead to valuable referrals.
At first glance, it may seem counterintuitive to spend time networking with peers who might be your competition for leads. However, the reality is that real estate professionals often specialize in specific geographic areas, property types, or client demographics. Because of this, agents frequently encounter leads that fall outside their expertise or preferred market. When this happens, they’re more likely to refer those leads to someone they trust—someone they’ve met and connected with at an event.
By attending industry events, you position yourself to be top of mind when another agent needs to pass on a lead that aligns with your specialization. Consider the long-term benefits of these relationships: the more agents you know, the more opportunities you create for future business. Real estate referrals aren’t limited to clients, either. Agents can recommend you to professionals in related fields such as mortgage brokers, contractors, or property managers, further broadening your referral network.
Real estate events also offer the chance to build your personal brand. Participating in panel discussions, workshops, or networking sessions allows you to demonstrate your expertise, enhancing your reputation among peers. You can even leverage these opportunities to create content for your business by sharing key takeaways, photos, or live updates on your social media channels. This demonstrates your commitment to staying informed and connected, while simultaneously expanding your online visibility.
To make the most of these events, come prepared with clear goals—whether that’s learning a new marketing strategy, connecting with agents from different regions, or discovering emerging technologies. Practice introducing yourself confidently, and have your business cards or digital contact information ready for easy exchange. Follow up after the event to maintain the relationships you’ve formed, solidifying your place in their network.
3. Join a Group or Class to Expand Your Network
Participating in a group or class based on your personal interests is a fantastic way to build connections while doing something you enjoy. Whether it’s fitness, sports, or a shared hobby, joining a local class or league allows you to engage with others in a relaxed, informal setting, naturally fostering relationships that can benefit both your personal and professional life.
If you’re passionate about fitness, consider joining a fitness class or sports league in your community. From yoga and spin classes to kickboxing or softball teams, these activities bring together people who already share a common interest, making it easier to strike up conversations and build rapport. As you attend regularly, you’ll form bonds with fellow participants, some of whom could become future clients, referral sources, or even collaborators in your business ventures. The key is to be genuine and enjoy the experience—relationships built on mutual interests are often the most authentic and long-lasting.
Beyond fitness, think about joining a club that aligns with other interests. Book clubs, hiking groups, movie clubs, or small business owner meetups provide rich opportunities to network while indulging in activities you love. These settings offer a low-pressure way to meet new people, often leading to organic conversations about your career, interests, and expertise.
If you’re not finding the perfect group, why not create one yourself? Platforms like Meetup make it easy to start a group tailored to your specific passion. By organizing your own group—whether it’s for real estate professionals, entrepreneurs, or people who share a particular hobby—you position yourself as a leader and connector, further raising your profile in your community.
The connections you make in these groups can extend beyond casual interaction. They can turn into referral sources, partnerships, or leads for future business. The goal is not to treat every interaction as a networking opportunity but to build relationships that are founded on shared experiences and genuine camaraderie.
4. Join Your Local Chamber of Commerce to Grow Your Network and Credibility
Becoming a member of your local chamber of commerce is an invaluable step toward expanding your professional network and boosting your business visibility. Chambers of commerce are designed to foster local economic growth, and their events and programs offer numerous networking opportunities that can help you connect with other professionals, business owners, and community leaders.
During your first year of membership, it’s crucial to be as active as possible in chamber activities. Attending events like mixers, business breakfasts, and educational workshops allows you to meet new people, exchange ideas, and build relationships that can lead to future real estate referrals or collaborations. The more consistently you participate, the more you’ll position yourself as a committed and engaged member of the local business community.
Beyond networking, your involvement in the chamber will help you assess which programs and activities best align with your real estate business. For instance, some chambers may offer specialized committees or groups focused on industries such as housing or small businesses, providing you with a more targeted way to engage. Additionally, your participation not only grows your connections but also helps you establish credibility within the community. People are more likely to trust and refer business to professionals who are visibly invested in the success of their local area.
To further enhance the benefits of your membership, consider offering to speak at chamber events or sponsor local initiatives. This positions you as a thought leader in your field and increases your exposure to potential clients and partners. Active participation in the chamber’s initiatives can also lead to leadership roles, further elevating your profile and influence in the community.
5. Build Referral Networks by Connecting with Other Real Estate Agents
Networking with real estate agents outside of your local market, whether in different cities or states, can be a powerful strategy for expanding your business through referrals. By establishing relationships with agents in other areas, you create mutually beneficial referral networks. These connections enable agents to refer clients who are relocating or seeking properties outside of their own service areas, ensuring that potential leads don’t go untapped.
In today’s digital age, technology has made it easier than ever to build and maintain these connections. Online platforms and professional groups provide a seamless way for real estate professionals to network and collaborate, regardless of geographic location. Buffini, for instance, offers its own Referral Network and dedicated Facebook groups where agents can connect, exchange insights, and share referral opportunities. These networks foster relationships built on trust and a shared commitment to delivering exceptional service to clients.
By actively participating in these groups, you can position yourself as a reliable partner for out-of-market real estate referrals, while also gaining access to agents who can send business your way. To maximize the benefits, engage regularly by offering value—whether that’s through sharing market updates, providing local insights, or simply being a resource for others. Over time, these interactions can lead to a steady stream of high-quality referrals from trusted colleagues across the country.
6. Leverage the Buffini Work by Referral™ System
The Work by Referral System leverages a mix of direct mail, email, phone calls, video messaging, Pop-Bys, personalized dialogues, and hand-written notes to help you move beyond passive word-of-mouth endorsements. By actively engaging with clients and their networks, this system creates a reliable and consistent flow of high-quality referrals from their friends and associates.
This straightforward, multi-channel marketing approach is designed to strengthen your relationships and turn clients into enthusiastic advocates for you and your business, generating a steady stream of referred leads.
While these six networking ideas are not the only way to generate real estate referrals, they are proven methods of becoming more ingrained in your community, which will result in a sustained flow of leads. Good luck!
