The New Real Estate Marketer's Guide: A Comprehensive Roadmap from License to Success 2025
A comprehensive practical guide for young Saudis who obtained their real estate marketing license from the Real Estate General Authority. Learn how to start from zero without connections or capital, how to get your first brokerage contract, with inspiring success stories and proven free strategies to build your real estate career.
Introduction: You Are Not Alone in This Journey
Congratulations! You've obtained your real estate marketing license from the Real Estate General Authority after passing the Saudi Real Estate Institute courses. This is a great step worth celebrating. But let me guess what's on your mind right now: "What's next? How do I start? I don't have connections in the real estate market, I don't have capital for marketing, and I don't know how to get my first brokerage contract!"
If these are your thoughts, you're not alone. This is exactly what 90% of new real estate marketers feel on their first day after obtaining their license. The difference between those who succeed and those who give up isn't luck, connections, or money – it's the right knowledge, clear strategy, and determination to continue.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll take you on a practical journey step by step, from the moment you get your license to achieving your first successful deal and beyond. We'll share globally and locally proven strategies, inspiring success stories of people who started from zero just like you, and practical tips you can apply today at no cost. Because at Raghdan Real Estate Services, we believe every real estate marketer deserves a real chance at success.
Chapter One: The Truth No One Tells You
Before we start with strategies, we need to be honest with you. Real estate marketing isn't an easy path to quick wealth. Global statistics say that 75% of new real estate agents don't complete their first year in the profession. But that doesn't mean you'll be one of them! This statistic exists because most people enter the field with wrong expectations and without a clear plan.
Realistic Expectations for the First Year
First 3-6 months: A building and learning period. You may not achieve any significant income, and that's completely normal. This period is an investment in your future.
Months 6-12: Beginning to reap rewards. With consistency and effort, opportunities will start appearing and you'll achieve your first deals.
Second year onwards: Growth and stability phase. Your network expands, your reputation strengthens, and referrals start flowing.
Why Do Most New Marketers Fail?
Impatience: They expect immediate results and give up after a few weeks.
Lack of plan: They work randomly without a clear strategy.
Shyness about self-promotion: They fear telling people about their new profession.
Financial unpreparedness: They didn't save enough to cover expenses during the building period.
Working alone: They don't ask for help or learn from experienced professionals.
Your Mindset is Your Strongest Weapon
Success in real estate marketing starts with mindset. You must accept that rejection is part of the game. Not everyone you contact will become a client, and that's normal. The successful marketer learns from every experience and keeps trying. Always remember: every "no" you hear brings you one step closer to the next "yes."
Chapter Two: Understanding the System - Brokerage Contracts and Advertising Licenses
Before you start looking for clients, you need to fully understand how the system works in Saudi Arabia. This understanding will make you more confident and credible in front of potential clients.
What is a Real Estate Brokerage Contract?
A brokerage contract is a formal agreement between you as a real estate marketer and the property owner, giving you the right to market their property and find buyers or tenants. This contract protects your rights and ensures you receive your commission when the deal is completed.
What is a Real Estate Advertising License?
After signing the brokerage contract, you must obtain an advertising license from the Real Estate Advertising Platform under the Real Estate General Authority. This license allows you to legally advertise the property on all platforms.
Why is This Important for You as a Beginner?
Your understanding of this process gives you a competitive advantage. Many property owners don't know these details, and when you explain the process clearly and professionally, you gain their trust. Instead of seeing you as a young inexperienced person, they'll see you as a professional who understands the market and regulations.
Chapter Three: Sphere of Influence - Your Hidden Treasure
Here comes the biggest secret in real estate marketer success: the Sphere of Influence (SOI). You might say: "I don't have connections in real estate!" The truth is you have a treasure you don't know about.
What is a Sphere of Influence?
Your sphere of influence is everyone you know and who knows you. They don't necessarily have to be in real estate. They are your family, friends, classmates, neighbors, acquaintances from the mosque or gym, your social media followers, and even the vendor you buy your morning coffee from!
Why is the Sphere of Influence So Important?
Statistics speak clearly: 68% of sellers find their real estate agent through a recommendation from a friend or family member. This means more than two-thirds of real estate deals come from personal relationships, not paid advertising!
People prefer dealing with those they know and trust. Even if you're new to the field, your friend or relative will prefer dealing with you over a stranger because they know your ethics and integrity.
How to Build Your Sphere of Influence List?
Take a paper and pen now and start writing the names of everyone you know. Don't think too much at this stage, just write. Start with:
Family: Parents, siblings, uncles, aunts, cousins. Childhood friends: Even if you haven't contacted them in years. Classmates: From school and university. Former colleagues: If you worked anywhere before. Neighbors: Current and former. Activity acquaintances: From the mosque, gym, training courses. Social media followers: Those who interact with your posts.
Your first goal is to reach a list of at least 100 names. This may seem like a lot, but you'll be surprised how many people you actually know!
How to Communicate with Your Sphere of Influence?
Now that you have the list, it's time to communicate. But be careful: the goal isn't direct selling! The goal is to tell them about your new profession and stay in their minds.
The first message can be simple: "Hello, I wanted to let you know I've obtained my real estate marketing license from the Real Estate Authority and started working in this field. If you hear about anyone thinking of selling, buying, or renting property, I'd appreciate it if you could point them to me. Thank you for your support!"
This message achieves several goals: informs them of your new profession, politely asks for help, doesn't pressure them to buy or sell, and keeps you in their minds when they hear about an opportunity.
Chapter Four: Free Marketing - Your Costless Weapon
Don't have a budget for paid advertising? No problem! In the age of social media, you have powerful free marketing tools.
Valuable Content Strategy
The secret to effective free marketing is providing real value to people, not just advertising yourself. Instead of posting "looking for clients" or "contact me for real estate," provide content that benefits people.
Ideas for valuable content: Tips for first-time buyers: How to choose the right neighborhood, what to inspect before buying. Neighborhood information: Price per meter, available services, schools, hospitals. System explanations: How the real estate brokerage system works, buyer and seller rights. Video tours: Even if you don't have properties to market, you can tour different neighborhoods. Market news: Updates on property prices and new developments.
Social Media Platforms
Snapchat: Excellent for quick tours and daily content. Saudi youth spend a lot of time on Snapchat. Instagram: Perfect for beautiful photos and short videos (Reels). Focus on attractive visual content. TikTok: Fast-growing platform, excellent for reaching new audiences. Authentic and simple content succeeds more than polished content. Twitter/X: Good for discussions and opinions about the real estate market. LinkedIn: Excellent for professional networking and building your reputation as an expert.
Golden Tips for Content
Consistency is more important than perfection: Post regularly even if the content isn't perfect. Be authentic: People connect with real people, not polished ads. Engage with others: Don't just post, comment on others' posts and participate in discussions. Use appropriate hashtags: Such as #SaudiRealEstate #JeddahRealEstate #RiyadhRealEstate. Don't be afraid to show your personality: People buy from people they like.
Chapter Five: Building Trust Without Previous Experience
The biggest challenge facing a new real estate marketer is: "How do I convince people to trust me when I don't have a track record of successes?" This is a legitimate question, and here's the answer.
Borrow Credibility
As a beginner, you may not have personal achievements to talk about, but you can borrow credibility from other sources:
Your license from the Real Estate Authority: This isn't just a paper, but proof that you're qualified and officially licensed. Raghdan Real Estate Services platform: Being a marketer on a licensed platform gives you additional credibility. Saudi Real Estate Institute: Your courses and certificates are proof of your commitment to learning and development.
Character Testimonials
Before you have previous clients to testify for you, you can use character testimonials from people who know you. Ask your friends, colleagues, or teachers to write short words about your honesty, commitment, and seriousness. These testimonials show your human side and build trust.
Show Your Enthusiasm for Learning
Instead of trying to hide your lack of experience, turn it into an advantage. Tell the potential client: "I'm new to this field, and that means I'll work doubly hard to prove myself. I'll be available to you anytime, and I'll do everything I can to ensure your satisfaction." This honesty earns you people's respect more than claiming non-existent experience.
Start Small
Don't try to get the biggest deals from the start. Start with small properties, rentals, properties in modest neighborhoods. Every successful deal, no matter how small, adds to your record and builds your confidence and reputation.
Chapter Six: Strategies for Getting Your First Brokerage Contract
This is the biggest challenge: How do you get the first owner to agree to sign a brokerage contract with you?
Strategy 1: Start with Your Sphere of Influence
The first place to look is your sphere of influence. Does anyone in your family or friends own a property they want to sell or rent? Do they know someone in this situation? Ask directly and don't be shy.
Strategy 2: Volunteer to Help an Experienced Agent
Look for a successful real estate agent and offer to help them for free. You can help organize open houses, respond to initial inquiries, photograph properties. In return, you'll learn from their experience, and they may share some clients or refer you to opportunities they don't want.
Strategy 3: Properties Listed for a Long Time
Look for properties that have been listed for sale for a long time and haven't sold. The owner is likely frustrated and willing to try someone new. Contact them and offer a fresh vision for marketing their property.
Strategy 4: Owners Selling By Themselves
Some owners try to sell their properties themselves without a broker. These often discover that it's harder than they expected. Contact them politely and offer your services.
Strategy 5: Community Presence
Participate in neighborhood events, volunteer at community occasions, be a familiar face. When anyone thinks about real estate, they'll remember you.
Chapter Seven: Daily Habits for Success
Success in real estate marketing doesn't come from random effort, but from regular daily habits.
The 10 Before 10 Rule
This is a golden rule followed by the most successful real estate agents in the world: Contact 10 people before 10 AM every day. These people may be from your sphere of influence, potential clients, or even new people you've met. Contact can be a phone call, WhatsApp message, or even a comment on a social media post.
Learn the Market Daily
Dedicate 30 minutes daily to studying the market. Follow property prices in your area. Read real estate news. Learn about new projects. The more knowledge you have, the more confidence you and your clients will have in you.
Continuously Develop Your Skills
Don't stop learning. Take additional courses, read books about sales and negotiation, listen to real estate podcasts, follow successful people in the field and learn from them.
Document Everything
Keep a record of every contact, every potential client, every opportunity. Use a simple Excel sheet or free CRM app. This documentation will help you follow up and not forget any opportunity.
Chapter Eight: Inspiring Success Stories
To know that success is possible, here are real stories of people who started from zero and achieved brilliant success:
Barbara Corcoran's Story
Barbara Corcoran, one of America's most famous real estate personalities, was born into a poor family and struggled academically throughout her life. She started her real estate career with just a $1,000 loan. Today, she owns a real estate empire and appears on the famous Shark Tank show. Her secret to success: determination and never giving up despite all difficulties.
Hal Sousa's Story
Hal Sousa immigrated from Brazil to America at age 19 without knowing a single English word. He worked in modest jobs: cleaner, dishwasher, waiter. He saved money in a shoebox until he bought his first property at age 23. Today he is one of the most successful real estate agents in his area. His secret to success: saving, patience, and hard work.
Firas Al Msaddi's Story
Firas Al Msaddi arrived in Dubai from Syria in 2006 without money, without experience, without connections, and with very weak English. He started as a commission-only real estate agent with no base salary. Within 12 months, he rose from agent to sales manager then general manager of his own team. Today he owns one of Dubai's most successful real estate companies. His secret to success: self-belief and facing challenges with courage.
What Do These Stories Tell Us?
These stories prove that success has nothing to do with starting circumstances. It doesn't matter if you're poor or rich, educated or not, have connections or alone. What matters is: your belief in yourself, your willingness to work hard, your patience for results, and your ability to learn from failure.
Chapter Nine: Fatal Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others' mistakes so you don't fall into them:
Mistake One: Early Surrender
Many marketers give up after a few weeks because they haven't achieved results. Remember: the first months are a building period, not harvest time.
Mistake Two: Waiting for Clients
Clients won't come to you; you have to go to them. The successful marketer actively seeks opportunities and doesn't wait for them.
Mistake Three: Neglecting Follow-up
Studies say you need to contact a potential client at least 6 times before they respond. Most marketers give up after one or two attempts.
Mistake Four: Not Specializing
Trying to market all types of properties in all neighborhoods scatters your efforts. Choose a specialization (specific neighborhood, specific property type, specific client category) and become the expert in it.
Mistake Five: Neglecting Relationships After the Deal
After completing a successful deal, don't forget the client. Stay in touch with them. This happy client will refer you to their friends and family and may need your services again in the future.
Chapter Ten: Action Plan - First 90 Days
Here's a practical plan for your first three months:
Weeks 1-2: Foundation
Complete all licensing and registration procedures. Create your social media accounts professionally. Write your sphere of influence list (goal: 100 names). Send your new profession announcement message to everyone.
Weeks 3-4: Building Knowledge
Study the market in your area deeply (prices, neighborhoods, trends). Start posting valuable content on social media (at least 3 posts weekly). Contact experienced agents and offer them help. Start applying the 10 before 10 rule.
Month 2: Expansion
Increase your social media activity (daily post). Attend community and real estate events. Actively search for your first brokerage contract. Follow up regularly with all potential clients.
Month 3: Focus
Review what worked and what didn't and adjust your strategy. Focus on activities that gave the best results. Continue learning and developing. Celebrate every small success and use it as fuel to continue.
Conclusion: Your Journey Starts Now
We've reached the end of this guide, but your journey starts now. Always remember: every expert was once a beginner. Every successful real estate agent went through what you're going through now of doubts and challenges. The difference between those who succeeded and those who gave up is simply: persistence.
You now have the knowledge, tools, and strategies. You have a license from the Real Estate Authority that qualifies you to work. You have the Raghdan Real Estate Services platform supporting you. All you need now is to start.
Don't wait for the perfect moment because it will never come. Don't wait until you feel completely ready because that feeling comes with practice, not before it. Start today with one small step. Send a message to a friend telling them about your new profession. Post your first content on your account. Call a relative asking if they know anyone who needs real estate services.
At Raghdan Real Estate Services, we believe in you and your ability to succeed. We're here to support you every step of your journey. Because every successful real estate marketer starts with a first step, and your first step starts now!
We wish you success in your real estate career. Remember: the road is long, but every step brings you closer to your goal. And when you achieve your first success, come back and share your story with us to inspire others as the success stories inspired you!