Growing a Handyman Business Through Realtor Partnerships

If you're an affordable handyman trying to get your business off the ground (or to finally stop relying on those one-off, last-minute “can-you-fix-my-doorbell” calls), here’s a golden opportunity you might be sleeping on: partnering with realtors.

Yep—those sharp-dressed real estate agents showing homes all over town? They're not just selling property. They're unlocking repeat business for handymen who know how to hustle, show up on time, and fix things right the first go-round.

Let’s dig into why teaming up with agents is one of the smartest moves you can make—and how to do it right.

Why Realtors and Handymen Make a Power Duo

Ever try selling a house with a broken faucet, squeaky doors, or chipped paint around the baseboards? Realtors hate that stuff. So do buyers. These little issues don’t seem like much, but they can seriously affect how fast a home sells—and even the price tag.

That’s where you come in.

You're not just fixing things. You're helping agents:

• Close faster
• Avoid deal breakers during inspections
• Keep sellers and buyers happy

And you know what that gets you? Consistent referrals. The kind that fill your schedule and stop the feast-or-famine cycle most handymen face.

1. Make Yourself Known in Realtor Circles

Before anything else—realtors need to know you exist.

You don’t need fancy business cards or a polished website (though they help). What you do need is a way to connect with local agents. Try this:

• Attend open houses—casually, no hard selling. Just chat.
• Show up at real estate networking events (bring coffee, agents love coffee).
• Drop off a one-pager about your services to local broker offices.

A lot of successful home remodeling contractors start with this exact approach and expand from there. It’s about getting in front of the right people, not marketing to the whole city.

2. Be the “Go-To” Fixer Before and After Sales

Here’s where the real gold is: houses need fixing at two key moments—before they go on the market, and after they’re sold.
Before Listing

Sellers often want to spruce things up fast, and they don’t want to spend a fortune. That’s your cue. You offer quick turnarounds on:

• Patching drywall
• Painting touch-ups
• Minor plumbing or electrical
• Fixing squeaky hinges, stuck windows—you name it

Being an affordable handyman gives you an edge here. Agents don’t want to refer someone who’ll quote $3,000 to fix a laundry room door.
After Sale

Buyers move in and suddenly realize they want new shelves, better lighting, a mounted TV... or just someone to fix what the home inspector flagged. If a realtor already trusts you, guess who they’ll recommend?

3. Offer Realtor-Only Pricing or Packages

Want to really stand out? Create “Realtor Packages.” It’s not about discounting your services into oblivion—it’s about bundling.

For example:

• Pre-listing punch list package ($199 flat rate)
• Post-sale handyman day – 3 hours of you fixing odds and ends for a new homeowner
• Preferred partner status – agents get you faster, clients get a small bonus (like a free TV mount)

Not only does this make you memorable, but it also makes you easy to refer. Realtors love anything that simplifies their client relationships.

4. Communicate Like a Pro (Seriously, This Matters)

You could be the most skilled handyman in town, but if you ghost messages, don’t show up, or act shady with pricing... you're toast.

Realtors need someone they can count on—someone who:

• Answers the phone (or texts back within a reasonable time)
• Shows up when they say they will
• Doesn’t surprise clients with weird upcharges

Want a real-world tip? Realtors are constantly texting and emailing while juggling 30 things at once. If you can communicate clearly, professionally, and quickly, they’ll love you.

5. Deliver Work That Makes Realtors Look Good

This one’s simple: make them look like a rockstar.

If a realtor refers you to their client, and you:

• Arrive early
• Fix everything faster than expected
• Leave the home cleaner than you found it

...they just became a hero in their client’s eyes. You bet they’ll refer you again.

On the flip side? If you mess up or ghost the job—it reflects badly on them. And that’s a surefire way to never get a second chance.

6. Go Beyond Handyman Work (When It Makes Sense)

Let’s say you’re already tackling drywall and fixtures. Want to grow the business more? Consider teaming up with licensed home remodeling contractors and expanding your offerings.

That way, when a realtor has a client who wants to knock out a wall, build a walk-in closet, or renovate a kitchen—you’re the one bringing the crew. It’s called scaling smart.

Of course, only do this if you’re ready. The last thing you want is to overpromise and underdeliver.

7. Ask for Reviews and Referrals—But Keep It Chill

Once you’ve nailed a few jobs for agents, don’t be shy about asking for a testimonial or review. But keep it human. No desperate, “Can you please leave me a 5-star rating?” messages.

Instead, try something like:

“Hey [Agent Name], I really appreciated the referral on that last job. If you ever get a moment, a short review or mention in your newsletter would mean a lot.”

They might surprise you and mention you in front of their whole office.

Final Thought: It's Not Just About Tools—It’s About Trust

At the end of the day, building a handyman business with realtor partnerships isn’t about being the cheapest or the fastest. It’s about trust.

Show up. Do great work. Communicate clearly. Make them look good. That’s the formula.

And remember—you’re not just fixing houses. You’re building relationships that can keep your schedule full year-round.

So grab your toolbox, tighten up your pitch, and start knocking (literally) on the doors of opportunity.