Top 10 Qualities of Successful Real Estate Agents

If you’re on the path to a new career in real estate, or you know you’re ready to get started, we have some tips on being the very best agent out there. Becoming a successful real estate agent doesn’t automatically happen right after getting your license; it takes hard work, commitment, and dedication. An excellent real estate professional is someone who is personable, knowledgeable, trustworthy, and has the resources and tools to get the job done. There are specific skills that make it easier to succeed in real estate, but a few important traits are essential to launch a successful career and stand apart from the sea of others. Many different things contribute to real estate success, and you’ll likely need to cultivate certain skills to truly excel in this booming industry.

Below, we’ll list ten important qualities prospective real estate professionals need to have to make it as Florida’s next top real estate agent.

1. Honesty and Integrity

An agent’s reputation is crucial to a long and successful career in the industry. As tempting as it can be to sugarcoat things and tell clients what they want to hear, real estate agents must be completely honest with their clients about all aspects of the market. Remember, a client’s best interest always comes before any agent’s personal gain. The best thing an agent can do for their clients is to ensure that the home they want is the perfect home for them. Agents do this by honestly and objectively providing their clients with as much information as possible. The bottom line: Honesty and integrity establish trust with clients and ensure they can make a fully informed decision.

2. Self-Motivation

Having a desire to control your professional destiny and be your own boss is a trait shared by flourishing real estate agents. You must be determined to succeed; every client and every transaction is vital for your success. If you’re motivated and driven to win, you’ll do well in the real estate industry.

3. Knowledge and Expertise

You must know the ins and outs of the locale and have expert market knowledge. Always aim to impress your clients with little details you know about the neighborhood they’re interested in.

4. The Ability to Negotiate

It should be no surprise that negotiation skills are one of the most crucial qualities of a top Florida real estate agent. A great agent will go into every negotiation well-prepared and with a relaxed demeanor, examine all angles, and stay calm under pressure. Top agents are highly persuasive, negotiating for the best interests of their clients every step of the real estate process.

As a real estate sales associate, you’ll likely need to negotiate at least three things during every transaction:

The listing price
The selling price
Your commission

As soon as you start on the path to your career in real estate, you must teach yourself the art of negotiation. While you’re enrolled in real estate classes, it can be helpful to practice negotiating with your peers, instructors, and even the managing broker.

5. Detail-Oriented

Real estate agents must be highly attentive to details, from comparing property prices to making suggestions for home improvements and reviewing the fine print in contracts. Great agents listen carefully to their clients, take care of staging homes for a showing, and are creative with their MLS listings, providing compelling and detailed descriptions of the homes they’re selling.

6. Communicative and Responsive

The real estate market is highly time-sensitive, so strong communication skills are necessary. From your clients to the service providers that assist with inspections and home repairs, excellent communication skills will help you thrive in this industry. As a real estate professional, it’s essential to be prompt with your responses and use your client’s preferred method of communication, whether it’s by phone, email, or text.

Here are a few tips on building or improving your communication skills:

Ask questions. Asking your clients questions will help you learn about their wants and needs. It will also give you clarity and help draw them out of their shell.
Remember that body language matters. This is important for face-to-face meetings and video conferencing. Make sure that you appear accessible; avoid crossing your arms and maintain eye contact when having a conversation.
Be a good listener. People want to know that they are being heard! Always make sure your clients are getting 100% of your attention during meetings, and ask for clarification to avoid misunderstandings.
Write things down. Take notes while meeting with your clients, and consider sending a follow-up email to ensure that you understand what was being said during the conversation.

7. The Ability to Solve Problems

Every client comes to you with a problem: they need help buying a property, renting a property, or selling a property. As a real estate professional, your job is to solve that problem. Every problem will come with different variations. For example, your clients may need to sell or buy by a specific date. Or your client may experience hiccups with their financing. Whatever the issue, you’ll need to feel comfortable constantly solving problems, sometimes in ways that aren’t the most obvious or conventional. Keep in mind that as time goes on and you gain hands-on experience, you’ll be able to solve problems faster and easier.

8. Tech Savviness

Today’s real estate market is not only about face-to-face communication. Being able to harness the power of the Internet and social media to market your properties and connect with clients is essential. Also, being comfortable with meeting with clients virtually is imperative, especially in Florida, where an increasing number of foreign investors are purchasing properties remotely.

9. The Ability to Network

The ability to network isn’t optional; it’s a required skill that can be learned and harnessed. Real estate is often about who you know and who knows you. Without connections, it’s impossible to have a successful real estate career. It’s essential to cultivate relationships with fellow real estate professionals and former clients.

Here are a few tips on how to brush up on your networking skills:

Regularly attend networking events. Always aim to show up early (or at least on time) and put in the effort to make possible connections.
Be pleasant and personable. People always like to be around those who are friendly and smiling.
Be enthusiastic. Let your passion for real estate shine through!
Follow up with new connections. After making a new connection, always follow up within the next few days. A quick email or text can go a long way when forging a new professional relationship.

10. Adaptable

The real estate industry is fast-paced and ever-changing, so agents must be able to take things in stride. Real estate work often requires long hours – early mornings, late evenings, and weekends. Remember, every day and every transaction might not go exactly as you have it planned. Top real estate agents can roll with the punches and do it with a smile.

Aspiring agents, welcome home. Our mission at the Signature School of Real Estate is to help you achieve your dream real estate career!