How to Build Your Real Estate Network as a New Agent

how-to-build-your-real-estate-network

You’ve got your license in hand, your business cards are printed, and your real estate career is officially underway. But what comes next?

Networking. 👥

In real estate, your network is your net worth. While marketing and branding are important, it’s your relationships—your professional and community connections—that will drive your long-term success.

Whether you're launching your business in Indianapolis, Evansville, Fort Wayne, or anywhere in between, this guide will show you exactly how to build a real estate network that fuels growth, supports your development, and brings in steady leads.

📍 Why Networking Matters for New Agents

As a newly licensed real estate agent, you may not have a long track record—but what you can build immediately is trust through connections.

Strong networking helps you:

  • Build credibility and visibility

  • Generate client referrals

  • Find mentors and peers for guidance

  • Stay up-to-date on market trends

  • Collaborate with service professionals (lenders, appraisers, etc.)

And it’s not just about leads—it’s about building a career foundation rooted in people who want to see you succeed.

1️⃣ Start with Your Sphere of Influence

Your most valuable network is the one you already have: your sphere of influence.

This includes:

  • Family and friends

  • Former colleagues

  • Past classmates

  • Neighbors

  • Social groups (church, clubs, gym)

Let them know you’re in real estate and how you can help. Not everyone will need your services right now, but many know someone who does.

📩 How to connect:


Send a friendly email or text, post a social media update, or mail a handwritten note. Let people know:

  • You’re now a licensed agent

  • You’d love their support (referrals)

  • You’re here to help with questions—even if they’re just curious!

2️⃣ Attend Local Real Estate Events and Trainings

Indiana has a thriving real estate community, and attending live events is one of the best ways to meet professionals in your market.

Look for:

  • Indiana Association of REALTORS® events

  • Local Board of REALTORS® networking mixers

  • Open houses (hosted or attended)

  • Real estate conferences and trade shows

  • Continuing education classes at REAL University

Face-to-face networking helps you build real relationships, not just business cards. You’ll meet seasoned agents, lenders, inspectors, and other key players who may become referral partners—or mentors.

3️⃣ Join Real Estate Facebook Groups & Online Communities

If you’re more of a digital networker, there are dozens of online communities where agents share advice, celebrate wins, and look for collaboration.

Start with:

  • Facebook groups for Indiana REALTORS®

  • Local neighborhood groups

  • Women in Real Estate groups

  • BiggerPockets forums

  • LinkedIn networking groups

💬 Join discussions, ask thoughtful questions, and share what you’re learning. It’s not about selling—it’s about connecting.

And of course, don’t forget to follow REAL University on Facebook for updates, tips, and exclusive training opportunities.

4️⃣ Partner with Local Businesses

Real estate is local—so your network should be too.

Reach out to:

  • Mortgage brokers and lenders

  • Title companies

  • Home inspectors

  • Insurance agents

  • Movers

  • Interior designers and stagers

  • Contractors and handymen

Start by grabbing coffee and learning about their services. Look for ways to refer business to them first. When you become a helpful connector in your community, people will naturally refer clients back to you.

🤝 This approach builds a win-win referral network that supports everyone’s growth.

5️⃣ Follow Up and Stay Top of Mind

Networking isn’t just meeting people—it’s maintaining those connections.

Use a CRM (customer relationship management) tool to:

  • Track conversations and referrals

  • Schedule check-ins

  • Send birthday and holiday notes

  • Stay organized with follow-up tasks

Simple touch points—like congratulating someone on a new job or sending a local market update—keep you visible and valuable.

✅ Remember: consistency builds trust, and trust builds business.

6️⃣ Host Your Own Events

Looking to make a splash? Try hosting a casual event in your community. You’ll position yourself as a local expert and attract both prospects and professional partners.

🎉 Event ideas:

  • First-time homebuyer seminar

  • Community Q&A night

  • Coffee and donuts pop-in

  • Home staging workshop with a local designer

  • Summer open house tour

You don’t need a big budget—just a clear invitation and a friendly vibe. Bonus points if you invite a mortgage lender or inspector to co-host and provide added value.

7️⃣ Be Active on Social Media (But Make It Personal)

Social media is a powerful extension of your networking strategy—when done authentically.

Use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn to:

  • Celebrate client wins

  • Share behind-the-scenes stories

  • Post local tips and market updates

  • Highlight small businesses and events

  • Tag referral partners and professionals

Don’t just talk real estate 24/7. Show your personality, your passions, and your community involvement. It builds trust and keeps your name top of feed (and mind).

📱 Need a few ideas? Our post, 7 Marketing Tips for New Real Estate Agents in Indiana, includes tons of content inspiration.

🌱 Long-Term Growth: Invest in Mentorship and Education

As a new agent, you’ll grow faster when you learn from others who’ve already walked the path. A good mentor can offer:

  • Market insights

  • Lead-generation tips

  • Contract and negotiation guidance

  • Emotional support when things get tough

Don’t be afraid to reach out to experienced agents and ask for advice—or better yet, offer to help with their open houses or listings. You’ll gain exposure, experience, and valuable trust.

🧠 Final Thoughts: Relationships > Sales

Your real estate network isn’t a list of leads—it’s a community of people who know, trust, and refer you.

Start small, follow up with intention, and show up as your authentic self. Over time, your network will grow—and so will your business.

At REAL University, we’re here to support every step of your journey—from license to leadership. Stay connected and keep building the relationships that will define your career.

© 2024 REAL UNIVERSITY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Visit Us: