There’s a big difference between a mediocre real estate agent and a good real estate agent. Knowing what separates the two can make or break a real estate career. Good real estate agents get all the clients and sales.
There’s a lot of competition out there in the real estate field, so it’s crucial that you do everything possible to rise above the rest. To point you in the right direction, here’s a list of characteristics of good real estate agents:
♦ Good real estate agents are good listeners. They don’t judge the client or assume what type of property they are looking for. They listen closely to what the client has to say and show them properties based on what they discussed.
♦ Good real estate agents are educated on every aspect of real estate transactions. They know how to write contracts, show property, negotiate offers and secure a sale.
♦ Good real estate agents know how to find new clients. They work hard to drum up new clients no matter how many clients they currently have. They are always calling clients, placing ads and canvassing the area for new business.
♦ Good real estate agents have a backup profession. They know how difficult and fickle the real estate market is and, in their free time, will line up a potential career in a related profession such as termite inspection, home inspections and appraisals.
♦ During land deals, good real estate agents stay in constant contact with the surveying company so the survey is finished quickly.
♦ Good real estate agents learn how to use the internet to their advantage. They are proficient at social media and know how to drive traffic to their website.
♦ Good real estate agents only list marketable properties and tend to work with clients who are pre-qualified and prepared to buy.
♦ Good real estate agents take floor calls in their broker’s office.
♦ Good real estate agents limit the number of clients they work with at a given time in order to give each client the time and attention they need.
♦ Good real estate agents do their homework. They know the market in their geographic area inside out, including its market trends, values, schools, neighborhoods, restaurants, pros and cons, legal issues, and any hidden gems an area may have.
♦ Good real estate agents have a vast network of connections. Their list of connections includes other real estate agents and brokers, appraisers, mortgage loan officers, home inspectors as well as potential buyers and sellers.
♦ Good real estate agents are organized. Juggling multiple clients, properties and transactions is difficult but successful real estate agents find ways to keep everything in order.
♦ Good real estate agents are aggressive but polite. They know how to competitively market and sell a house and are quick to adopt new techniques and strategies.
♦ Good real estate agents are tenacious. They never falter and they never give up until they succeed.
♦ Good real estate agents are problem solvers. They don’t take no for an answer and come up with creative solutions to whatever problems or issues they may encounter.
♦ Good real estate agents are self-motivated entrepreneurs. Although they work for a broker, a good sales agent knows they are their own boss and must be self-disciplined, focused and determined to succeed.
♦ Good real estate agents are honest. The key to a long and successful career in real estate is a good reputation which can only be earned by always being honest and straightforward with your clients.
Know that you know what it takes to be a good real estate agent, get out there and get started!