Starting from scratch: Real estate agent relocation

Real estate agent relocation is a tricky thing. It's sort of like starting over from scratch. How do the most successful agents pull this off? Let's take a look

As rookies, real estate agents are advised to troll their sphere of influence to hook their first client. But what happens when agents, new or experienced, move to a new area, leaving that sphere behind?

While completely starting a real estate business again from scratch isn’t easy, real estate agent relocation can be done – with a plan.

Before you go

Come up with a real estate agent relocation plan. In it, include at least the following:

When and how you’ll tweak your website to reflect your new market. Start writing content specific to the market.
Update your social media profiles.
Which lead gen techniques you’ll use in the new market.
What marketing materials you’ll require.
At least a rudimentary marketing budget for the first six months or year.
A thorough analysis of the competition (in your niche, in the neighborhoods in which you hope to work, etc.). Check out their websites for gaps in their marketing that you can take advantage of.

Next, it’s time for a marathon warm-call session. Comb through your CRM and call anyone with whom you’ve done business, from former clients to vendors, and everyone in your sphere (family, friends, former colleagues, etc.).

It’s the old “Who do you know …” question that you want to ask. Except in this instance, you aren’t asking who they know who wants to buy or sell real estate, but who do they know in your new town that you can call on if you have questions about the area?

Naturally, even if you have to make up questions, you’ll call these contacts in the future. In the meantime, their information goes in your CRM.

Real estate agent relocation is like being a rookie again. . .sort of

Think back to when you were a new licensee. What did you do to get your first client? Something worked, whether it was door-knocking, floor time, sitting open houses for other agents – whatever it was, plan on doing it now.

Yes, it will be tedious, but keep in mind that the situation is temporary. As a seasoned agent, you’ve got this, and before long you can ditch the drudgery and work on the more interesting aspects of your business.

Establish your brand

Earlier, we suggested that you study the competition in your new market. One of the things to study carefully is branding.

Is there a lot of copying? Weaknesses? Study the most successful agents and vow to choose a branding strategy that helps you stand out from the crowd.

Immerse yourself in your new town

Use any downtime you have to learn everything you can about your new market. The best way to do this is to drive. Drive. And, drive some more.

Take all the backroads, commute with the commuters, drive through neighborhoods. Get to know the area in which you hope to concentrate so well that you feel as if you’ve lived there for decades. Every street, every business – become familiar with all of it.

While you’re out there, snap photos that you can later use with your local content on your website and on social media.

It goes without saying that you’ll also tour available properties, right?

Get to know the folks

Depending on your personality, getting to know people in your new town can be a pleasurable experience or one filled with dread.

The easiest way to meet people is by joining organizations. Whether you choose to volunteer your time at the local animal shelter or in a school or you join the Chamber of Commerce or a civic club, the networking opportunities are endless.

Make a point of introducing yourself to local business owners as well. One agent we spoke with chose a different business to visit every day. He would introduce himself as the new agent in town and leave the owner with a business card.

Later, he would return, repeatedly, doing business with those that gave him the warmest reception. Becoming a regular at several local businesses is a brilliant way to remain top-of-mind with people who have developed their own, large, spheres of influence.

Not sure how to get started? Try checking out your neighborhood’s Nextdoor page for upcoming community events.

If all else fails, open your wallet

Buying leads. While the practice doesn’t carry the nasty connotations it once did, agents are still hesitant to buy leads. We’ve all read or heard the complaints from agents who bought leads that “suck.”

For some reason, many agents feel they don’t need to “work” online leads – that they’re a gift from the gods, all packaged up and ready to go. In reality, like every other lead, online leads require work. Do it right, and they’ll convert.

At any rate, if you are desperate to get those first few deals after your real estate agent relocation, buying leads may just be what you need to do.

It’s been said that it takes a rookie real estate agent at least one year to get up and running. Since you’re a bit savvier than a newbie, it most likely won’t take you that long. If it does, however, don’t be hard on yourself and don’t give up.

Before you know it, you’ll be a local and you may just end up with a CRM so packed with information that it puts your old one to shame.

Not ready to buy leads? A LeadSite can help you get those leads organically – Here’s how.