Hello! What are the best kind of networking events to attend for a new realtor? I know these types of events are important but I also do not want to attend an event if it is going to be a waste of time.

Anytime you put yourself infront of others, it really is not a waste. Our local used to do a New Realtor event, I was on the committe. It was a great time to network with other Realtors. Networking with other Realtors is very important, Its always easier when you know the person that is your opponent during a deal.

If you go to an event, eat the free food, drink your free drinks, and leave, its a waste of time. If you go to an event with the expectation of picking up a client, its a waste of time. Networking is about getting your name out, passing out a card, and building a relationship for FUTURE business.

I agree with Dayton. Network with other Realtors as much as possible. I've never gotten a single referral out of these events (since they're all in my own market area), but it's always informative to meet your competition and to be able to swap stories. I always learn something out of them, so it's never been a waste of time. But you do have to be assertive and make sure you talk to lots of people (it's also good practice for chatting up potential clients).

As far as getting clientele, I go to as many social events as possible. Neighborhood parties, soirees at my wife's work/alumni events, car shows, friends' birthdays. I meet huge numbers of people there, and those do work well for finding clients since it seems everyone wants to talk about the real estate market these days.

I'm going to to disagree. Networking with agents is a waste of time if they are all agents from your area. You will never or very rarely get a referral from them. Who cares if you know or don't know the realtor that you are going to do a deal with. I've met quite a few agents that I thought were good and then I did a deal with them. Do enough deals and you'll get to know them anyways and they will know you. Where you need to network is with organizations that there is a wide variety of professions involved. Look to a Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, and other professional organizations. If you aren't busy at first do some volunteering. When I became an agent and over the years I saw quite a few agents really get involved with the local real estate association. Going to every event, being in on planning and helping with all the networking things. So much so that they were out of the business in a year. They focused so much on networking with other agents then selling real estate.

I go just for the food. And wine.

Now Perky has a the right idea!! You might be starving for awhile getting started as an agent. You might as well take advantage of the free food!