See also: Customer Service Skills
There are thousands of real estate agents engaged in buying and selling homes and commercial properties for their clients. However, some estate agents stand apart from the others by being great at their jobs, closing every deal with perfection, and really benefitting their clients. It is these agents who we will focus on here.
The best real estate agents are rarely shy or afraid to voice their opinions. They like to promote a property by focusing on its best aspects. They are not aggressive, but are passionate about what they do and work hard to put their clients’ interests ahead of their own.
They work equally well with sellers and buyers. Since most successful real estate agents have a proven track record and dozens of happy clients, they do not hesitate to provide testimonials of their past work.
Many people consider real estate as a career but many more do not follow through on this ambition. There is a different process for acquiring a real estate license by state and the difficulty and requirements of these processes will differ by state as well. For more information, consider this resource on how to get a real estate license which breaks down the requirements by state.
There are many traits and characteristics you need to become a successful estate agent in today’s competitive market including obtaining a real estate license, for which you will need to research your state’s requirements.
Local Knowledge
You can never become a successful estate agent if you do not know your local area. It also helps to acquire a good working knowledge of other relevant communities and neighborhoods before you deal with clients.
Local knowledge gives you an edge in terms of understanding the rules and regulations in different areas and communities, as well as knowing the likely value of a property. You should also research other locations that present good real estate opportunities for your clients.
It is important to develop a clear understanding of neighborhoods and home values in all relevant areas over time. If you are new to a town, take some time to become familiar with the place before you become a real estate agent as it takes time to develop good local knowledge, but it will help you build a successful career.
Communication Skills
The best real estate agents are good with people and know how to communicate the interests of their clients.
Good communication skills help an agent to discuss all matters before a contract is drafted. Once all details are discussed, an agent should be able to negotiate all aspects of a deal so that both parties benefit. A good agent then knows how to convince both parties to close a successful deal.
Integrity
One of the most important characteristics of a good real estate agent is honesty. This means that if you want to become an agent who is known for being the best at their job, you must have the integrity to offer evidence of this claim.
Being dishonest, unethical and immoral can tarnish a career fast, and for good.
Nobody likes to work with an agent who has a dubious reputation. Both sellers and buyers are looking for the best returns on their deals and are likely to ask for referrals before they decide to hire an agent. Reputation matters and so you should have a good client-base who can provide glowing testimonies of recent successful deals.
See our page: Trustworthiness and Conscientiousness for more about the importance of integrity.
Ethics
A hard working attitude makes an agent stand apart from the rest of the flock. Selling and buying homes is not a one-day job and it takes a lot of time and effort to get both parties to agree terms before they sign a contract.
This is why a good real estate agent never gives up and puts all their effort into buying and selling properties. Since buying or selling a house or other property is an important decision, people will not want to hire an agent who is sloppy, nor one who does not take their job seriously.
See our page: Professional Ethics for more.
Familiarity with Rules and Regulations
A real estate agent understands how rules and regulations apply to real estate in a particular region.
The agent has to be familiar with all laws relating to a property so that they do not communicate inaccurate information to clients, or mislead in any other way.
The agent guides clients through all the necessary paperwork and legal technicalities related to a sale. Since most homeowners are unaware of real estate laws when they buy or sell a house, they depend on a real estate agent to guide them through this complicated process.
Persistence
Many agents who want to make it big in the real estate industry fail in one important aspect: follow up. When you fail to take every lead you get, you are less likely to become a top performer. Following up every lead is crucial in achieving success.
Following up leads may require automation or a system that keeps track of beneficial leads. Throw away your notebooks and post-it notes and embrace new technology! These days, you can keep tabs on all relevant details with the help of apps installed on your phone. Implementing areal estate agent CRMsystem can simplify lead management and provide a centralized platform for efficient tracking and nurturing of leads.
Successful real estate agents do not wait for clients to call them. They keep a check on all appointments, meetings and showings themselves. They are also flexible and will adjust their schedule if the client requests.
Passion
Popular and successful real estate agents are those who enjoy what they do for a living.
You must have a passion to serve people by showing them the best properties within their budget. Estate agency also requires a respect for diversity so that people from all cultures and neighborhoods are accommodated, satisfied and happy.
You will never see a successful estate agent who is haggard, frustrated or bored with their job.
Good agents are enthusiastic about what they do, are presentable, and take care of their appearance. They are in this business to help their clients accomplish beneficial property investments, as well as build their own successful real estate career.
Further Reading from Skills You Need
The Skills You Need Guide to Interpersonal Skills eBooks.
Develop your interpersonal skills with our series of eBooks. Learn about and improve your communication skills, tackle conflict resolution, mediate in difficult situations, and develop your emotional intelligence.
Final Thoughts
These are just a few of the qualities and skills that a successful real estate agent must possess if they want to survive in the industry.
A good agent keeps themselves up-to-date with all changes that are happening in the rules and regulations pertaining to real estate. Anyone who is persistent, passionate and aware of the dynamics of the real estate in their local community can become a real estate agent.
A successful estate agent keeps abreast of relevant technological developments, such as online resources, websites, forums and apps, which can help them become better at serving their clients. Mental alertness, good communication and the willingness to adopt new technologies combine to make a successful real estate agent.
About the Author
Elena has been investing in real estate for more than 10 years, and writing about real estate investing for seven years. She works as a digital marketing manager at Malta Sothebys Realty.
Continue to:
Commercial Awareness
Emotional Intelligence
See also:
Real Estate Negotiation Tips You Should Know
3 Skills to Become a Successful Real Estate Agent
Mastering the Art of Real Estate: Most Important Soft Skills Applied by Realtors
As an expert with a demonstrable understanding of the real estate industry, I've been actively involved in real estate investing for over a decade, and my knowledge extends to various aspects of the field. I have a track record of successful deals and a keen understanding of the traits and skills required to excel in the competitive real estate market. My insights are based on practical experience and a commitment to staying updated on industry trends.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts discussed in the provided article on what makes a real estate agent successful:
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Local Knowledge:
- Successful real estate agents possess in-depth knowledge of their local area and relevant communities. They understand rules, regulations, and property values in different areas, giving them a competitive edge.
- Researching and familiarizing oneself with potential real estate opportunities in various locations contribute to a successful career.
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Communication Skills:
- Effective communication is a crucial skill for real estate agents. They must articulate their clients' interests and negotiate deals successfully.
- The ability to discuss all matters before drafting a contract and convincing both parties to close a deal highlights a real estate agent's proficiency in communication.
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Integrity and Reputation:
- Honesty and integrity are paramount for a successful real estate agent. Building a trustworthy reputation is essential, as clients often seek referrals before hiring an agent.
- Testimonials from a satisfied client-base serve as evidence of an agent's honesty and reliability.
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Ethics and Professionalism:
- A strong work ethic sets successful agents apart. The real estate process requires time and effort, and a dedicated agent perseveres in buying and selling properties.
- Upholding professional ethics ensures that clients are guided through legalities and paperwork accurately.
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Familiarity with Rules and Regulations:
- Real estate agents need to understand how rules and regulations apply to properties in their region. This knowledge prevents the dissemination of inaccurate information and helps guide clients through legal processes.
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Persistence:
- Following up on leads and being persistent is a key aspect of success in real estate. Implementing tools like a real estate agent CRM system streamlines lead management and enhances efficiency.
- Successful agents proactively manage appointments and showings, adapting their schedules to accommodate client requests.
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Passion:
- A passion for serving clients and showcasing properties within their budget is a common trait among successful real estate agents.
- Enthusiasm, presentability, and a genuine interest in helping clients make beneficial property investments contribute to long-term success.
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Adaptability and Technological Awareness:
- Successful agents stay abreast of technological developments, utilizing online resources, websites, forums, and apps to enhance their service.
- Mental alertness, good communication, and a willingness to adopt new technologies are crucial for thriving in the dynamic real estate industry.
In conclusion, a successful real estate agent combines local knowledge, communication skills, integrity, ethics, familiarity with regulations, persistence, passion, and adaptability to navigate the intricacies of the real estate market. Staying informed and embracing technological advancements further enhances their ability to serve clients effectively.
