I feel zero need to socialize with local Realtors.  I do not understand how this networking within your own field came to be.  They'll not list with me nor refer their clients to me, nor I with them.

I agree with Michael Jacobs that acting in a civil manner is a part of doing business and I would much rather network with other professions or Realtors from out of area, say in ActiveRain?

I would rather network with people from Active Rain Debbie. I do not spend that much time with local agents except a hi here and there.

Oh very important.  We always share each others listing info just in case we have the perfect customer.

Depends on how you define "network".  I don't need to be friends or party with other agents but acting professionally and civilly goes a long way -- it's a party of doing business.   

Very as you received many referrals from these agents.

Debbie Reynolds well, it is important - very important. This helps in our transactions - both ways. For our buyers and for our listings, too.

I love networking locally as well as on line. Both have benefits.

In my immediate area, not so much... but I'm always happy to run across local colleagues. You never know what juicy stuff you might find out about! (Besides, I'm in a market with over 6,000 agents--impossible to really network with so many.)

Debbie Reynolds I think it is very important. I belonged to a commercial networking where our goal was to develop relationships and promote our listings. A group of agent's, lenders, etc. we know we could trust and get a deal done.

Very – Cultivating positive relationships with the best realtors in the field has allowed me to better serve my clients. Transactions are better when agents work together to obtain the best results for their clients. Dave Greenberg

Very important. to have a network of peers you can communicate with makes many areas of our business much smoother.

We feel it is extremely imortant to network with other agents in our area. We are all trying to accomplish the same goal in helping people. Having connections and relationships is key.

Networking with other agents in my area is an absolute must.

It is still a relationship business.

Very important to stay in touch with other professionals in your industry. One day you can help them out and expect the same in return.

I feel that it is very important, although we may be in competition so to speak it is important to know others in the business. Collaboration, sharing of ideas, insights and knowledge is always beneficial to success.

There are around 900 Realtors in the Fort Wayne area.  The old 80/20 rule is more like 90/10 in the real estate industry here.  I think that it's important to know that 10 percent because we are a part of that 10 percent, and we often work with other top agents.  We don't have to be best friends or anything, but going to 3-4 Realtor functions a year isn't a bad idea.  

We spend time with other agents but I wouldn't call it networking. The goal of our meeting isn't to refer business to each other but rather to learn from each other.

I don't interact with other Agents unless it deems necessary, but sometimes my Agents may have a referral to someone else...rarely..

Normally, I just meet up with them on Brokers Opens. Outside of that, it is up to the buyers what they want to buy, not what kind of relationship I have with LA's and only show those with whom a do have a good relationship. I do "partner" with some other brokers in certain instances, and when I do that, I make sure in advance that we can work together and I can trust them. But to pal around with them? No. Not for any reason, just have never felt the need to "network" with them like that. We are in competition, after all.

Depends what kind of real estate sales you do. If you only do residential there is no need. In commercial and especially business sales meaning a business not the land or building it is how most deals get done. You really need a big network.

Debbie,

We maintained professional standards with all the agents in our community. Some were wonderful to work with, and upon closing a deal we would meet for a celebratory toast and chat.  Others were no fun, so beyond closing and shaking hands,, that became the extent of our relationship.  A

Other than to learn a thing or two? Not much. In fact, knowing more about  your local competitors could bring more personality issues than not.

Not important at all except maintaining good relationships to get the job done. I connect with agents in our office as a terrific source for background and current information on the market and other news. We have a rare group of very experienced, quality agents.

I think it's very important, I have built some great friendships and it does help me get offers accepted as well.

i would recommend building realtor friendships in other near by cities for referral based business 

Not very.  Professionalism is lacking in our industry, I try to build relationships but hard to do when agents dont return calls, etc.

I do so wish a cadre of local agents had sufficient trust in one another to have real discussion about the state of our businesses and free to master-mind best solutions and plans.

It does not exist for MANY reasons, many of which have nothing to do with competition.

As a consequence, most agent networking occurs within the frame work of lender, vendor, MLS, franchise and title company efforts.

Networking and maintaining excellent relationships with fellow Realtors in my area is crucial to doing good business!