Key takeaways
- New agents get clients by borrowing trust (referrals, teams, brokerage leads) and by building it (sphere outreach, open houses, local content).
- Pick two or three sources, work them every day and track results.
- A real estate referral network gives you ready clients with no up-front cost while your own pipeline grows.
- Fast response and consistent follow-up matter more than the lead source.
To get clients as a new real estate agent, combine sources that lend you trust — referrals, a team or your brokerage — with daily habits that build your own pipeline, such as sphere outreach and open houses. Below are 10 proven ways to land your first clients, even with no sales history.
Why getting clients is hard at first
Buyers and sellers want experience, and new agents don’t have a track record yet. NAR’s 2026 Member Profile shows agents with two years or less experience closed a median of 2 transaction sides in 2025. The goal of your first year is simply to get enough deals to build reviews, confidence and a past-client base.
10 ways to get clients as a new agent
1. Tell your sphere — properly
Make a list of everyone you know and contact each person personally. Explain that you are now licensed and ask who they know who is thinking of moving.
2. Join a real estate referral network
A real estate referral network sends pre-qualified buyers and sellers in your chosen areas. You pay a share of commission only when you close.
3. Hold open houses for other agents
Busy listing agents are often glad to let a new agent host. Each open house is a room full of potential buyers without agents.
4. Take floor time and office leads
Ask your broker about weekend coverage, phone duty or sign calls.
5. Take overflow from top producers
Offer to handle leads that experienced agents are too busy for, on a referral split.
6. Pick a niche
First-time buyers, a specific neighborhood, condos, military relocation or a language community — a niche makes you memorable and easier to refer.
7. Publish local content
Short neighborhood videos, market updates and “cost to live in” guides help people find you on Google and social media.
8. Network with lenders and local businesses
Loan officers, property managers, builders and moving companies all meet people who need an agent.
9. Build agent-to-agent relationships
Agents in other cities refer relocating clients. Read our guide to agent-to-agent referrals.
10. Follow up relentlessly
Most clients are not ready the first time you talk. Put every contact in a real estate CRM with a next step.
Which sources work best for new agents?
| Source | Cost | Speed | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Referral network | Fee at closing | Fast | Ready clients with no up-front spend |
| Sphere of influence | Time | Medium | Long-term referrals |
| Open houses | Low | Medium | Meeting unrepresented buyers |
| Floor time / office leads | Low | Fast | Practice and quick wins |
| Paid online leads | High, up front | Varies | Agents with budget and follow-up systems |
Compare the models in referral network vs lead generation and see our full list of lead generation ideas for new agents.
What to say to win the client
Be honest about being new, then lead with what you offer: time, responsiveness and support from your broker or team. Our real estate referral scripts include wording for first calls.
PropReferrals
Get clients while you build your sphere
PropReferrals sends AI/ISA-verified buyers and sellers in the zip codes you choose.
Frequently asked questions
How do new real estate agents get clients with no experience?
Start with your sphere, referral networks, open houses for other agents, office floor time and overflow leads from top producers.
What is the fastest way for a new agent to get a client?
Referral networks, brokerage leads and overflow from busy agents usually produce clients fastest because the client already wants help.
Should new agents buy leads?
Only if you have a budget and a follow-up system. Many new agents start with referrals and low-cost sources instead.
How many people should a new agent contact each day?
Many coaches suggest a daily target such as 10–20 conversations; consistency matters more than the exact number.
Sources: NAR 2026 Member Profile (2025 data); Inman, “New agents say how they’re surviving” (May 2026); REALTOR® Magazine, “How to get more referrals from agents.” General information only, not legal, tax or financial advice.
How to get clients as a new real estate agent: key takeaways
Learning how to get clients as a new real estate agent comes down to consistent outreach, fast follow-up and a steady source of vetted referrals. To stay compliant, check your state’s rules and review the National Association of Realtors Code of Ethics.