How New Real Estate Agents Can Build a Powerful Database Before Getting Licensed (And Why You Should Start Now!)
Start Strong: Why Waiting to Get Licensed Is Wasting Time
If you’re studying for your real estate license—or waiting for it to process—you might feel stuck in limbo. You’re eager to get going but wondering:
“What can I actually do now?”
“How can I set myself up for a fast start once my license arrives?”
Here’s the truth: One of the smartest things you can do before you’re officially licensed is start building your real estate database.
Your database is your future. It’s the fuel for your business, your client pipeline, and your income. And the earlier you start, the better positioned you’ll be to hit the ground running the day your license is active.
And if you’re curious about how to get a real estate license, we got you covered there.
What Exactly Is a Real Estate Database? (And Why It’s Your Lifeblood)
A real estate database is simply a list of names, contact info, and notes about people you know—or meet—who might someday buy, sell, or refer business.
Think of it as:
Your Sphere of Influence (SOI) – friends, family, acquaintances, service providers, business contacts, past colleagues, neighbors, etc.
People you’ve done business with.
Community connections or people you meet in everyday life.
Your database is your personal “farm.” The bigger and better it is, the more potential business you’ll harvest in the years ahead.
Real estate is a relationship business. People don’t always buy or sell today—but they will remember who stayed in touch, provided value, and earned their trust. That’s why starting your database now is one of the best moves you’ll ever make.
How to Start Your Database Before You’re Licensed
Still waiting for your license? Fantastic—because this is the perfect window to build your list.
Use “150 Ways to Build Your Database” to Jog Your Memory
Sometimes, new agents worry:
“But I don’t know enough people!”
Not true. You likely know hundreds of people. You’re just not thinking of them as real estate connections yet.
We pulled just a few examples from the amazing list of “150 Ways to Build Your Database.” Use these prompts to brainstorm people to add to your list:
Who cuts your hair?
Who services your car?
Who sold you your current car?
Who’s your child’s teacher, coach, or principal?
Who does your taxes?
Who’s your dentist or doctor?
Who waits on you at your favorite restaurant?
Who’s your dry cleaner?
Who do you play golf, tennis, or other sports with?
Who owns your favorite local business?
Even seemingly “non-real estate” contacts could know someone thinking of buying or selling. Remember: Everyone lives somewhere.
How to Organize Your Database in a Spreadsheet
You don’t need fancy software right away. A simple spreadsheet is a perfect start. Grab our free template here!
Here’s how to structure it for future success:
Recommended Columns:
First Name
Last Name
Mobile/Phone
Email Address
Physical Address (if known)
Relationship Type (e.g. friend, family, business contact)
Notes (interests, potential real estate needs)
How you know them (hairdresser, dentist, etc.)
Pro Tip: Keep it simple. You can always add more details later in your CRM.
Why FollowUpBoss Is Perfect for New Agents
FollowUpBoss isn’t just a list. It’s your business hub and is included with your membership at Magenta.
Benefits include:
Easy importing of spreadsheets
Simple tagging to categorize contacts (e.g. “Sphere of Influence,” “Past Client”)
Email and text communication all in one place
Dozens of email and text templates, including AI Smart Messages with AI-generated message suggestions
Automated follow-ups so no one falls through the cracks
Tracking notes and conversations
Mobile app for managing your database on the go
If you want to look professional—and stay top-of-mind with your contacts—FollowUpBoss makes it easy.
Set a Simple Weekly Goal
Starting your database sounds huge—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Set yourself a small weekly goal:
Aim to add 5–10 people to your database every week while you’re in school or waiting for your license.
By the time you’re licensed, you could have 50–100 people in your CRM who already know you’re in real estate.
Remember: Building Your Database Is Your Superpower
Too many new agents wait until they’re licensed to think about their sphere of influence. By then, they’ve lost precious time.
Instead:
Start collecting names and info now.
Use the “150 Ways to Build Your Database” list to jog your memory.
Keep everything in a simple spreadsheet.
Get ready to import it into FollowUpBoss (or any CRM) for powerful follow-up.
Your future business is built on relationships. And the best time to start those relationships is right now.
Ready to Build Your Real Estate Future?
At Magenta, we believe Success Starts Within. If you’re dreaming of a thriving real estate career, don’t wait until you’re licensed to build momentum.
Start your database today. Need guidance? We’re here to help you every step of the way—from your first spreadsheet to your first closing.
Explore all of our resources for new agents at Magenta Real Estate, including our mentorship program. Let’s build your future—together!