A good real estate agent will make your buying or selling process much easier. They’ll handle meetings and contract documents, mortgage lenders, title and escrow agents, and other professionals involved in closing the deal.
Personal referrals from trusted sources are the best way to find a real estate agent.
Professionalism
While it is possible to buy or sell property without a real estate agent, working with one makes the process easier and less stressful. They are licensed professionals who connect buyers and sellers for property transactions, help negotiate legal contracts, and answer questions about local area housing market data and mortgage rates. They also work with other industry professionals, such as home inspectors and appraisers.
They are typically paid through commission, a percentage of the final sale price of a home or property. Before you decide to work with an agent, ask about their experience, workload, specialty, and commission rate. You can also interview agents at different brokerages to compare their service offerings and expertise.
Some real estate agents specialize in commercial or residential property sales, while others focus on a particular neighborhood or city. Look for an agent who is familiar with the properties in your preferred location, as they will be better able to provide you with accurate market data and information.
You may want to hire an agent who is a member of the National Association of Realtors, as this shows that they have met certain professional requirements and upheld ethical standards. In addition, look for agents who have a good track record of client satisfaction and are licensed in your state. You can also check your agent’s licensing status on your state’s real estate licensing board to see if they have any outstanding complaints.
Communication
Real estate agents are required to communicate effectively before, during and after property transactions. Effective communication strategies can improve client experiences, which may lead to more referrals. These strategies include active listening, using the FORM method, leveraging non-verbal cues, identifying preferred communication channels, embracing technology like messaging apps, being responsive, and following up with clients.
One of the most common complaints from real estate clients is poor communication with their agent. Agents who talk too much or don’t listen to their clients can turn them off. This is especially true if the agent uses jargon or abbreviations that the client doesn’t understand.
When it comes to verbal communication, the best real estate agents are able to answer questions clearly and concisely. They also know when to use open-ended questions rather than yes or no questions, which can be confusing for a potential client. They also use empathetic listening skills, which are important for building trust and understanding a client’s needs.
Written communication skills are just as important for real estate agents as verbal ones. They should be able to write emails and text messages that are clear and professional. They should avoid using jargon or abbreviations that can confuse their clients and make sure that they respond to any message in an appropriate time frame. If they aren’t able to provide a response within the promised time frame, they should let their client know.
Expertise
Real estate agents need to know a lot about real estate in order to be effective. They need to understand the local market and home values, the ins and outs of a real estate transaction, the paperwork involved, and the legal technicalities. They should also be knowledgeable about real estate laws and regulations in their area of expertise, including zoning ordinances and environmental issues that could affect a sale or purchase.
In addition to their knowledge of the local real estate market, a successful real estate agent should have strong negotiating skills. Prospective buyers and sellers are often making one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives, and their real estate agent should be able to negotiate on their behalf and come up with solutions that meet both parties’ needs.
A good real estate agent should also have the ability to network and build relationships with others in the industry. This includes mortgage brokers, attorneys who specialize in real estate, home stagers who can make a property more appealing to potential buyers, and other professionals who may be needed for a particular project.
Finally, top real estate agents are always learning and enhancing their knowledge of the industry. They attend seminars and classes about new trends in the market, and they keep up with the latest news and events.
Personality
Personality traits are important for any career, but they’re essential for real estate agents because they set the tone of their relationship with clients. They need to be personable without being overbearing or sleazy, make people feel comfortable, and have confidence in their skills. They also need to be adaptable to the unique needs of each client and their property.
For example, someone who is a highly influenced DISC personality type would be ideal because they can easily engage with people, form a bond, and listen to their clients’ wants and needs. They’re also very motivated and enthusiastic and tend to be very sociable. They also have great customer service skills and can be very persuasive without being pushy.
Another important trait is honesty. This is especially critical because buyers rely on their real estate agents for accurate information about the homes they’re looking to buy or sell. If an agent isn’t being truthful, buyers will have a hard time trusting them and can potentially lose out on a deal they would have been excited about.
A strong work ethic is also important, because real estate agents often put in long hours. They also need to be able to handle setbacks that may arise during their workday, such as a sudden change in the housing market or technology, or a difficult negotiation with a client.
