The cold hard fact of the matter is that you can be the smartest, most capable, well-read Realtor on the planet but if nobody knows about you you still won't have any business. Unfortunately, there are many Realtors in every market. Becoming a Realtor and thinking that you are just going to have business because you are one simply won't happen.
Building a sphere of influence and calling on your relatives is a good start but at some point to stay in business you will have to appeal to the general public. The only way to let them know that you are out there is to advertise.
So, you say money is tight and you can't afford to advertise. HEAR ME LOUD AND CLEAR: YOU CAN'T AFFORD NOT TO!!!!!!
A suggestion for something that others maybe haven't thought of is to develop an unbranded post card or door knocker (cheap and no postage) that simply asks What Is Your Home Worth--Find Out For Free! Add just your phone number and see if you don't get some calls. Obviously, this doesn't take the place of the branded marketing that you need to be doing but it could help jump-start you into some business.
As you generate some business remember to budget a percentage of your commission to marketing. Do your homework and try to build a marketing plan that gives you a variety of different outlets. You'll be surprised that in a short time people will think you have been a Realtor forever!
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