Lots of free marketing out there Helene.

Consistent blogging can make you the neighborhood expert and elevate you in your new town on Google.

Open houses cost nearly nothing.

and so much more...

Have you found a niche to specialize in? It could be a neighborhood, type of home or special interest group. When you have done that then pour all your effort and money into that and become the most well-known expert for that niche. You will get a following and business.

Great question Helene Schaefer !  First of all, get up close and personal with your market.  Tour & preview as many listings as you can; preferably those that would suit first time buyers. 

Secondly, target Renters who are ready to buy today!  Small classified ads will work for these folks.  Use social media to your advantage and focus on these new to the market buyers who have no attachments to any other Realtors (yet).  

Listings cost money in the beginning so get a number of closings in the bank before you even think about taking on Sellers.   Good luck to you!

Farm the area that you live in and go from there.

Blogging here on AR is a great way to show your expertise andgrab some attention on Google. Get out and meet as many people in the community as possible - events, perhaps participate on a committee, etc.

parked and reading

Bob Crane has this one.

I sent YOU a personal message and hope that helps.   Take it to heart and put it into action.   In time, YOU'll be right there with the seasoned agents if not surpassing them.   Good Luck !

Open houses, flyers in the neighborhood your interested working. Preview so you know your market.

You may want to look at joining a team with left over leads, open house opportunities, possibly even co-list opportunities. Get split % out of your head. 95% of nothing is not good versus 50% of a successful closed escrow

Being a newbie myself, I started out doing Open Houses, and getting my signs/my name out there - in the same community 5 or 6 days a week.  I chose a niche, in my case the community where I live, and Previewed all new Listings, so I felt that I knew what was available.  When I did Open Houses I also came early (like the previous day) and told neighbors who I was and that I was doing an Open House and invited them over about 30 minutes before my Open House started.  After all, they might have friends that want to move into the community, and they could be 'interviewing' you as their realtor one day.  Best of Luck Helene Schaefer.  Hang in there, and always have a smile on your face, as people will remember you and connect with you! 

That's a great question, Helene. Have you farmed your neighborhood? Start there. I might suggest going around the neighborhood with a flyer...What is your (whatever subdivision name) home worth. Make the flyer a market report on the neighborhood for the last year. Find a charitable group to volunteer with. Do you have a dog? I've started networking at a local dog park. 

Go after expired listing- go knock on their doors if you have to. No matter what, you will need to invest some money into the business. You should also work your tail off to dominate online for drilled down niches. Get to know your ideal client... who is it going to be... have the conversation online with that avatar. Blog, blog, set up your website the right way... so much you can do stand out from the rest. Katerina 

The 'net is a great equalizer.  You can do some good marketing for free there.  Other than that, get out there and meet people.  Get involved with groups and eventually your realtor status will organically come out and you can organically get clients.  I've picked up one or two that way.

Also, host open houses for agents.  Those tend to be good places to find buyers (in several markets).

Another option is give seminars/teach a class at the local adult education school/parks & rec/etc.

Let me say, I am a top producing agent in my market and still have a SOI that I keep anywhere from 200-250 people.  Bigger is not better.  I am also super thrifty when it comes to spending money.

I would advise starting a farm area and send to it consistently.  Pick 200 homes in a high turnover neighborhood and let them know you are there once a month with home value reports.

You will have to establish yourself by taking affordable actions.

Helene Schaefer You will have to start networking and get to the basics of prospecting. Beating the bushes always works.

the least expensive way is to network....costs nothing, usually, to join organizations and participate with others to help them reach their goals.... 

Buy a large bottle of "elbow grease". Then, roll up your sleeves & get to work

If you have no listings work open houses for others in your office.  Call on FSBO's and expired listings, farm an area, door knock, cold call.  And ask for the business.

farming.

Good morning Helene. I would blog like crazy and post to every possible venue available.

You already have some great suggestions here. I'll add get involved in some community neighborhood programs where you'll have repeated contact with home owners. Don't hesitate to let them know you are in the business and committed to the community.

No you don't many are second or third generation and when they retire their children take over....