How to Get Your First Real Estate Client

By Realty Times Published May 15, 2025 11:25 am Updated Jun 6, 2025 11:26 am

When you’re a new real estate agent, it’s a competitive environment. There’s no shortage of great agents in pretty much any location in the country, but you need that first break with a new client to start establishing your career and reputation.

What can you do?

How can you secure your first client as a new agent?

Use Google Ads

Most people who want to buy a home go straight to the internet first and foremost. That means they’re most likely to find a real estate agent there. You need to go where your potential audience is, and according to The Digital House Hunt, 90% of home buyers use Google to begin their search.

It’s estimated that searches related to real estate have gone up on Google more than 250% in recent years.

The competition in organic results is tough, especially if you’re a new agent, but you can put yourself front and center with Google Ads. Using Google Ads is great for a new agent because you’ll then be in the first part of the search results for your local area.

If you’ve never used Google Ads before, it may be worth working with a freelancer or agency to get started.

Create Videos

An excellent way to set yourself apart from other agents is to add a face and personality to your website and social media pages.

If you’re a new agent, start your branding with the use of videos. You can include videos of yourself so that people get to know you and your personality.

Make your introductory video something that reflects what you hope to build your brand into, even if you’re not all the way there yet.

Use Who You Know

One of the easiest ways to get your first client as a new agent is to tap into your existing network of people you already know. These may not be people you know in a business sense. It can be anyone.

This could include your friends, family, past coworkers, neighbors, or people you know casually.

The more you can gain clients through people you know, the larger your professional network will ultimately grow.

Once you get that first coveted client, ask them to refer you as well.

Get Out and About

Sometimes, to get clients as a new real estate agent, you’re going to have quite literally to hit the pavement. Be involved in your community and let people know you are a real estate agent looking for clients.

Maybe you join professional organizations or start volunteering in your community to get your name out there.

Approach People Who Are Selling By Owner

When you’re a new agent, it can be tough to connect with people because they’re not as likely to come to you.

Instead, you might end up going to them.

For example, find homes that the owner is currently selling and approach them about working with you.

You can also go over expired listings and see if you can get in touch with those people, convincing them to relist.

Find Your Farm

Your real estate farm is your location-based niche where you specialize. Not every agent will have a neighborhood or particular location they work in, but if you’re a new agent, it’s a good way to set yourself apart.

You can start to build your brand as the leading expert for a particular neighborhood, and then you’ll have a niche. That niche will mean less competition for you, and you can build your name that way, focusing on a smaller and more manageable area. Yes, you might be limiting your clients, but you’re also increasing your chances of successfully connecting with them.