“We used to call it cultivating.”
That thought came to me recently, and it stuck.
In the earlier years of real estate, a successful agent wasn’t just good at closing deals—they were good at building trust. They understood the full cycle of relationship management: planting, farming, cultivating, harvesting, and reseeding. But today, especially among younger agents, that art is being lost.
Not all, of course. But many.
Let’s take a closer look.
The Traditional Real Estate Relationship Cycle
Here’s how we were taught to think of client relationships back in the day:
- Planting – Making that first contact. A smile, a knock on the door, a phone call, a social media introduction. You plant a seed of awareness.
- Farming – Staying visible. Sending updates, providing value, showing up. Letting people know you’re here consistently.
- Cultivating – Nurturing the relationship. Listening, learning, remembering birthdays, showing up when it matters. This is the difference between a contact and a client.
- Harvesting – Earning trust to close a deal—not by pushing, but by being there when they’re ready.
- Re-seeding – Staying in touch after the transaction. Turning one happy client into referrals, testimonials, and repeat business.
It’s slow. It’s intentional. It’s relational.
It works.
But What’s Happening Now?
In today’s landscape, many agents are great at the “planting” stage, thanks to:
- Targeted social media ads
- Cold DMs and WhatsApp blasts
- Viral video content
- Lead generation software
They can get noticed. No problem.
But the moment a client asks a question… crickets.
No follow-up. No engagement. No long-term thinking.
Many newer agents view leads as data, not people. Once a lead goes cold or isn’t “hot” enough, they’re discarded and replaced. It’s almost like fishing with dynamite—fast, loud, and short-lived.
Why This Hurts Their Future
In real estate, relationship is your currency.
A client who trusts you will:
- Refer you to friends and family
- Call you back when they want to buy again
- Forgive small mistakes (because they know your heart)
- Become your advocate
If agents treat clients like transactions, they might close a few deals… but they’ll never build a business. They’ll always be chasing the next “hot lead,” living from one campaign to the next.
How Do We Bring Cultivation Back?
Especially for newer agents, here’s what needs to be rekindled:
- Follow-Up Is Everything
“Not now” isn’t “no forever.”
Track your leads. Send value. Reconnect later. Even a simple “just checking in” goes a long way.
- Clients Remember the Little Things
If they mention their kid’s exam, send a good luck message.
If they say they love Thai food, share your favourite spot.
This isn’t just fluff—it’s connection.
- Be Present After the Deal
A home purchase is huge. Celebrate with them. Visit. Drop off a small housewarming gift. Be part of their new chapter.
- Give Without Expecting
Share useful content. Post market insights. Answer questions openly—even when there’s no deal on the table.
You’re planting seeds that may grow later.
- Remember: You’re Building a Legacy, Not Just a Month-End Report
The agent who understands the power of relationships will still be around decades from now. Not just with income—but with influence. With impact. With a name people trust.
My Thoughts
Timothy here—and if I can be real for a moment, this message is for the next generation of agents.
If you’re just starting out, please hear this:
This business is people first, property second.
Yes, tech helps.
Yes, social media works.
Yes, automation has its place.
But don’t let the fast tools make you forget the slow work of trust.
Because long after your campaigns end, and your leads run dry—
It’s your relationships that will carry you.
Let’s not lose the art of cultivation.
Let’s bring it back.