Being an agent in multiple cities

[Jean LaCosse]

Hi,

I have just recently received my Realtors license and hung it with a brokerage in the Minneapolis, St Paul area in MN.

I am initially from the Duluth area about 2 hours north of here. My sphere of influence becomes much larger when I include people who live in my hometown.

The fees to join the Duluth association are not very high and I was wondering if it would be a good idea to try reaching out to my sphere up there as well as down here to cast a wider net for leads, considering I am brand new. That would obviously create a lot more travel time should I get a client in Duluth and that could take away from time spent building relationships in MSP, but considering I know 2-3x more people in my hometown would it make sense to try working both markets?

Thank you for any responses!

[Forrest Kalk]

@Jean LaCosse congrats on getting your license!!

It’s a good idea to get as many leads coming in as possible as a new agent. I myself did the same thing when I started last year. I recently helped a friend buy a home about 1 hour outside my local or “ideal” market. I likely will refer anyone outside 1 hour to an agent in their city. Once you have several clients and get busy, I don’t see driving to Duluth being sustainable.

What I would do is market to your friends and family as much as possible, and also build a good relationship with a local agent in your hometown. Then when you start getting calls, you can refer your clients to the local agent who you’ve grown to know and trust. Set up a referral agreement with them so when your clients buy or sell their home, you receive 25% of the commission.

Focus on marketing to everyone, but make sure your time is worth the reward (or potential reward).

I hope that helps, and good luck!!