We all love to romanticize the homes we sell—sunlight pouring into the kitchen at 4 PM, the breeze slipping through French doors on a quiet morning, the way a buyer’s whole posture shifts when they step onto the balcony and see the view. It’s the moment they stop seeing a listing and start seeing their life there. But first, they have to believe in the person guiding them there. The truth is, real estate
isn’t only about houses—it’s about people too.

Before you can sell a home, you have to sell yourself. In this business, you don’t do just that once. You do it constantly—with your clients and peers, and with every introduction, showing, and handshake. Behind every referral is a relationship. Behind every listing, a reputation. That’s what conferences are for.

Recently, I had the honor of speaking at two standout events: Compass’ Top Producer Summit in Carmel, CA, and Inman Luxury Connect in San Diego, CA. I met hundreds of colleagues between the two, each with their own story, niche, and brilliance. Some were familiar faces, others I met for the first time—but by the end, I’d built real connections. These weren’t simply surface-level exchanges but the start of lasting professional friendships I plan to carry with me well beyond the conference.

Of course, you hear from industry leaders shaping the future of real estate at conferences, but you also get a chance to step out of your market bubble and into the kind of candid conversations that make you better. You hear what’s working in Aspen, or what flopped in Los Angeles. You meet the agent who reminds you why you started, and the one who shows you where you could go next. You get
perspective and clarity, and often get an unexpected spark.

And when you need help, that network can make all the difference. Maybe your client is relocating across the country. Maybe you’re chasing an off-market opportunity, or maybe you simply need someone to sit beside you and say, “I’ve been there.” In luxury real estate, those are the moments that build trust—and lead to referrals, collaborations, and deals that don’t happen behind a screen. Real estate can feel like a solo sport, but no one gets to the top alone. Top producers especially didn’t get there alone—they had agents, mentors, and allies helping them climb. Events are where you find those people who remind you that while you may work for yourself, you’re never truly by yourself.

We hear it all the time: “Who you know can be equally as important as what you know.” It’s true. One strong connection can lead you to your next deal or breakthrough. Agents prioritizing strategic networking tap into referrals, partnerships, and insights others miss. You’re not simply building a database; you’re building credibility. In luxury real estate, people aren’t solely buying your listings—they’re buying your presence, your name, and your trust too.

Real estate moves fast—but relationships move it forward. So shake the hand, show up early, and stay late. The agents who win big don’t just work the market—they work the room.

Until next time,
Dee Dee Guggenheim Howes

Sources:
https://www.bidhom.com/blog/discovering-the-benefits-of-real-estate-conferences-and-events/
https://equitymultiple.com/blog/the-power-of-networking-building-connections-in-real-estate