Be Your Own Marketing Superhero and Leave the Farming to the Farmers!

So you’re new to real estate and ‘they’ (well-meaning people) are telling you to ‘farm’.

I say let’s leave the ‘farming’ to farmers and become your own real estate lead magnet superhero! That’s my position on ‘farming’ for real estate leads when you are just getting started.

When I first started in real estate, I was a stay-at-home homeschooling Mom, I had 4 small children, and my husband at that time was a college professor. I barely had enough money to take the real estate course and pay for my association dues, so I definitely did not have the marketing budget to spend thousands or even hundreds of dollars a month on mailing out postcards or whatnot.

So, how did I market without a farm? How did I get leads?

Very simple — wherever I was - that was my ‘farm’. Meaning — back then my girls were in gymnastics — and they took French — and we went to a nice little church two towns over — and I spent time with my friends having playdates with our kids . . . I made sure EVERYONE knew what I did - without being annoying, of course. . . Conversations about real estate abound if you pay enough attention, don't be afraid to chime in and mention how amazing the real estate market is right now, how the interest rates are still really low and it's a great time to buy or sell! Also — people LOVE to talk about what ‘they’ do — which is a great way to get them to ask what YOU do. . . Ask them first and just listen. . . then eventually they will ask what you do or what you’ve been up to. . . that’s when you share what you’re doing and why. . . AND you give them your business card, with your photo on it . . . and you ask them if they would like you to put them on your info list for updates in their area. . . then you get their information - their address, email address, and phone number. It’s really easy to build your database and email list once you start making it a habit.

My first listing was when a playgroup friend’s Mom wanted to sell her home (I had both sides of that deal $13K commission to me). I helped her sell her home in one town and buy another home closer to her daughter and that side of the family (another $11K). I listed and sold my kids’ French teacher’s home — in spite of the fact that her husband also had a friend who was a Realtor ($8K commission). I helped a really nice gentleman who worked for the FBI/homeland security from church find a rental and received other referrals for rental help from other FBI type clients ($2,200 commission).

When you’re first getting started in real estate — and even for your long-term success — the name of the game is RELATIONSHIP MARKETING . . . Constantly build relationships. Never limit your ‘farm’ area. Never limit what you will do or who you will help. I know some agents who turn their nose on rentals or listings under $100,000.00 Back in the day, when I was just getting started those $80K one bedroom condos and little rental deals helped pay the bills between the bigger closings. . . and helped add more potential future deals by the relationships I was making and the people I helped. People don’t forget when you go out of your way for them or when you help them out when no one else would.

Do yourself a favor and become your own real estate marketing superhero by the simple art and practice of constantly building relationships, and ABP -- Always Be Prospecting. Everyone needs a place to live and everyone moves or knows someone who needs help with a move at some point in time. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and ask for the business and find out who could use your help. The best part of becoming your own marketing superhero: it's FREE and it's genuine!

Are you a busy woman just getting started in real estate? Or maybe you've had your real estate license for some time now, but just haven't been able to launch your business. I am currently interviewing a few motivated women in real estate who want to launch, relaunch or take their businesses to the next level. If this sounds like you, call, text, or email me directly to let me know: (786) 390-2499 or diana@dianafahmie.com

P.S. This advice is not just for Realtors. . . it can apply to any business and anyone launching or running their own business.