Pay?  There are so many free socials at my Boards and their affiliates.   This week a local builder has a free catered social at a model home.  Plus the weekly Board meeting that always has breakfast sponsored by some Lender or Title company.

Totally dpends if it's a fundraiser type of event or what it is.  There are lots of free networking opportunities

Absolutely. I spoke to a group of newbies at our board and told them how important I thought it was to network and build working relationship with their Realtor peers.

Real estate is a people business so you need to be with people who might need your services or can recommend you to others they know. Good luck

Sure! personal contact is essential in Real Estate.

Not as important as working your sphere of influence and doing personal networking.

Your best results will come from Social events where you have a built in fan base, people who already know and like you.  

The more you get out and network and meet people, the better. Just do it!

The quality ones tend to have entrance fees. Be where the people are that you are trying to serve or build referral alliances with.

Teniqueka,

I really like Fred Griffin 's anwer.  This is a good way to get acquainted with people who may be potential clients.  A

I prefer the freebies. Just as good!

Depends on the event, there are likely more free events out there than you will have time for.

But there are some great ones like Toastmasters, Chamber, Realtors assn, that may be worth spending a few bucks.

As they say, 90% of success is showing up. Attend open houses, classed, local events, meet ups, or anything that you find interesting. 

Well it depends on which luncheons and the cost. I would look for freebies, or inexpensive one. There may be a BNI group in your area, or if they already have a Realtor, start another

I agree with Fred Griffin , attend yes but pay no. Go to the Chamber of Commerce or something like this.

The more you netwrok the better starting out.

Yes, I still hit as many as I can and I am in my 19th year

I would advise to pick the best ones to go to in order to create new relationships and obtain referrals. Be a source for others and they will call you.

Pay?  Only if it's a discount to a restaurant I really want to try or something I need to learn!  There are MORE than enough freebies out there that paying is optional.

It depends on the particular function and luncheon.

Yep, have to jump in & learn things.

I'm assuming you mean pay for a luncheon like at Women's Counci of Realtor or something right?

There are many events that you may attend that are free to attend. Be mindful of your budget and your purpose.  Know the audience of the attendees as well. 

Good question and yes, I think that when you are starting out that the more relationships you build, the more successful you will ultimately be.

Some social functions are actually networking opportunities so, in that case, it's definitely worth it.

Developing personal relationships with others in the business as well as prospective clients is time well spent.

not only newly licensed but seasoned agents must be mindful of networking....and those events are an easy way to meet many in one setting....

Teniqueka Green Networking is key in this business. Check out the many free ones first.

We are with Tammy Lankford, on this one. You will also soon discover that your time, is money!

Avoid - IMHO

Press the flesh...learn the names. make the connections...share things of value...absolutely it IS !

It is GOOD to attend social functions and luncheons. How you obtain the invite is IRRELEVANT.

What is relevant is having a trained ear and a planned introduction to the transformation your business offers.

So you must ask yourself, "What do you have to talk about at the luncheon to raise funds for the local animal shelter?" No one. Not even one. Even it the one was your mother wants or cares to know you are a real estate agent at the lucheon. What they DO want to know is about the passion in your belly for justice and social causes....and oh by the way, you may say, I'm a real estate agent which provides and exceptional venue for expression and pursuit of my passion.

Have your story, talk to no less that three people in depth, and have some fun.

It depends on you and your budget

Yes. Face to face networking is very effective.

Depends on whether your business model is one that includes lots of networking. 

yes

Depends is always a good answer.  What is the event? Where do the fees go? What is the value of the event?

Meeting face-to-face is always good but you may want to concentrate on the many free opportunities that exist to see if you find the right group(s) that best fit you.   It's not one-size-fits-all.

Anything to get you out there where people are, in my opinion. The ones I don't like are the ones where people don't get the chance to interact. I go to art gallery openings, chamber of commerce ribbon cuttings, and special events of all kinds. I'm also an organizer and board member of the renowned Carmel Art Festival and get to know everyone in the town and city government, not to mention artists and art collectors from all over the country.

Absolutely Teniqueka Green - it's how you will meet more people quicker and start to build relationships!

Free is good so attend as many free functions as you can. There are some paid functions that are worthwhile but you have to be selective as they can get expensive fast.

i believe it is the best marketing use of your time

Yes and no. Many just volunteer to host open houses looking for clients.

I went to a small town Chamber of Commerce wanting to be a member. Then I saw 7 realtors fliers there already. I did not join I ran. Lion's Club can be a good one.

Teniqueka Green It is a good idea to attend social functions according to your budget.