In order to become a profitable real estate agent in South Carolina or elsewhere, you must do a lot more than list houses on the market or schedule showings for buyers. In addition to the clerical aspects of the business, it’s also important to focus on generating leads and being an active member of your community. There are many ways to serve your community.

Community service can definitely help you get your name out there with regard to establishing a business presence in the area. However, it’s also personally rewarding and satisfying to know that you’re doing whatever you can to help your fellow townspeople, which, in turn, can have a positive effect on your business.

Create a partnership with a local charity business

It can be stressful for homeowners to deal with a surplus clothing or furniture that they don’t plan on taking with them when they’re selling their house. As a real estate agent, you can help your clients and serve your community at the same time. Consider partnering with a local charity organization that accepts donations of clothing or furniture.

If the company is willing to pick up donations, your clients will have more time to focus on other aspects of their moving journey. At the same time, you are working with a local business as an active member of your community to help them acquire donations.

Serve your community by helping students launch a microbusiness

Another way to serve your community as a real estate agent is to connect with high school or college students in your area. Many of them may be looking for a way to earn extra cash to help with tuition or to gain experience as a business owner. Consider hiring students to provide snack trays and beverages for open houses.

Allow students to shadow you in your daily rounds at work

You can also provide a valuable community service by inviting students to shadow you at work. There are no doubt teenagers in your community who might be a good fit for the real estate sales industry. By allowing them to tag along as you carry out the normal duties of your work day, you give them an inside look at a day in the life of a real estate agent.

A great way to find students who wish to shadow you is to attend career days or job fairs at your local high schools and colleges.

Always be active in your community

The more involved you are in your community, the likelier it is that you can generate leads and increase visibility for your real estate business. It also shows your neighbors and fellow business acquaintances that you care about the community and are willing to give some free time up to help others and to make it a better place to live.