Table of Contents
Punctual
Much a real estate agent's duties depend on strict deadlines, which require dedication to punctuality. For example, the deadlines clients have to respond to an offer, or the results of an inspection are inflexible. If agents aren't on-task to deliver updates on the clients' behalf, they may cause issues with the sale. More generally, clients prefer agents who are willing to stick to their own schedules and arrive for meetings or showings on time. Agents who tend to lose track of time may want to use reminders or other systems to help them avoid lateness.
Honest
Clients should be able to trust that their real estate agents are delivering information as honestly as they can. Agents are helping clients to complete one of the biggest transactions in their lives, which increases the need for transparency. Generally, clients don't like feeling that they are kept in the dark or given an easy answer simply because a longer one would take more time. They prefer agents who instill the sense that they keep the clients' best interests in mind. Honesty and transparency make it easier for clients to make an informed decisions.
Connected
Like many industries, real estate is a localized field where real estate agents need to understand the local market and the major players within it. A connected agent networks regularly with a pool of relevant parties, sometimes by starting with real estate industry associations:
- Other agents
- Brokers
- Professionals in related fields, like home inspectors or appraisers
- Mortgage finance experts
- Local officials
- Previous clients
By building and maintaining connections, agents can access the latest news and trends that may affect their clients' decisions. Networking as a skill also helps agents to maintain a steady stream of potential clients.
Mindful
Skilled real estate agents understand that their clients may be at a very different place in their real estate knowledge, and they are mindful of it. Clients hire agents to represent their interests and as a means of support through a complicated, and sometimes emotional, process. They'll be more likely to work with agents who they feel are considerate of their needs and respectful of their decisions. Agents can show their mindful nature by taking client concerns seriously, investing time to understand their perspectives, and helping them make decisions that will work best for them.
Determined
Although every real estate transaction creates a certain amount of challenge, even for the most experienced real estate agents, occasional issues arise that require even more determination. Simple problems don't always have easy solutions, especially when the answer depends on two very different sets of clients. Determined agents don't let difficulty sideline them into easy transactions that pose little risk but provide little reward. Dedicated agents put in the time to figure out the best approach, even if they don't know what it might be at the outset. They may secure more and better contracts with this quality.
Engaging
Real estate agents often have to develop a rapport with clients and other professionals in the industry, and they can do this more easily with an engaging personality. Clients may not gravitate toward an agent who seems disinterested in the process and unwilling to learn more about client needs and expectations. By comparison, agents who can light up a room with courteous answers, balanced with good listening skills, may have more access to clients. An agent who creates positive energy in their professional relationships is more likely to see that positive energy returned.
Motivated
Real estate agents may not necessarily be self-employed, but much of their own success is based on their personal motivation. Agents have various tasks that they must do each day, and some of them are more interesting and productive than others. Agents who can create a to-do list and follow it have a better chance of completing work on time, which can lead to higher sales and a more reliable income. For many agents, success lies in the continual assessment of the best ways to meet the needs of current clients while setting a foundation for future work.
Enthusiastic
There are many benefits of being a real estate agent, and experienced agents know that they need to show it. Being able to help people find the home of their dreams, or get a great return on their investment as part of a home sale, can create a lot of positive feelings. Of course, not everything about being an agent is easy or delightful. However, agents should still be able to meet each day's tasks with a degree of enthusiasm. Eager agents may find it easier to address even the most complicated problems.
Resourceful
In the early years, a real estate agent's ability to use resources to solve problems may set them apart from those who cannot call upon this skill set. In some cases, it makes the difference between success and failure in a career. Agents will do better if they can:
- Think on their feet
- Look at a situation from multiple angles
- Come up with multiple answers
- Select the most appropriate solution
Some of these skills come from experience in the industry, but the willingness to get creative is something that prospective agents can do from the beginning.
Curious
New real estate agents are often curious about the field and eager to learn more, but they should keep this quality over time. Real estate agents with decades of experience know that almost nothing is guaranteed, and they can still surprise themselves or learn something new. The local market can evolve within a few years. New technologies may change the way that clients look for homes or participate in real estate transactions. Agents who want to stay ahead of the curve with their skills will be better able to meet client needs now and in the future.
Real estate agents come in a variety of styles. Although every agent will develop their own effects that they want clients, other agents, and other real estate professionals to see, the best ones tend to have most or all of these ten qualities. People who are thinking about becoming agents should consider these traits and see if they can meet the obligations of the job. Committing to developing good habits and encouraging positive aspects of an agent's personality can help them build a more successful and rewarding career.
