Buying or selling a home is an exciting process for everyone. It can be challenging or smooth, depending on the real estate agent you have hired. An excellent real estate agent knows the market’s ins and outs with extensive knowledge of property listings. There are so many agents and brokerages to choose from, so we have narrowed down some must-have qualities for an excellent real estate agent.
ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE
The first most important quality of an excellent real estate agent is the ability to communicate effectively. An agent should establish their presence and expertise during the first conversation they have with their clients. In that conversation, they should also be able to establish authenticity and comfort. They should be a great listener. Maria Capillo, a Martino Realty Group Associate Broker with over two decades of experience, explains that effective communication is more about listening to understand. “Listening is an art, and listening to understand is an essential quality to possess in a successful real estate agent. You can get effective cues from your clients when you listen to understand,” says Maria.
Open communication also includes asking questions and understanding your client’s needs. “Ask open-ended questions to understand their needs, wants, and preferences,” says Albert Benzaken, Martino Realty Group’s Top Producer Associate Broker for almost two decades consecutively. “Each client is unique, and I prioritize my actions to meet the client’s expectations. I communicate effectively and under-promise but over-deliver.”
TECH SAVVY
Being tech-savvy is a must for real estate in the modern age. Knowing your way around a computer, internet and being able to navigate various websites is crucial. “The competition is fierce when it comes to keeping up with the modern world,” states Albert. “Being tech-savvy isn’t just knowing your way around a computer nowadays. It also includes having an impactful digital footprint,” Albert continues. We couldn’t agree with Albert more on this.
“A clean business-oriented page with a little bit of a personal touch can go a long way. I have been able to monetize through being consistent on social media,” states Maria. “Consistently share listing, yours and others. Perception is reality.” A strong digital footprint is more important than ever. Social media allows real estate agents to advertise for free. With social media, real estate agents can continue to stay engaged in their client’s lives. The competition is fierce, and in this instance, out of sight definitely means out of mind.
ABILITY TO NETWORK
Networking and growing your circle of influence is another excellent quality for a successful real estate agent. Success in real estate relies on who you know and who knows you, and that makes the ability to network a required skill. As mentioned before, Listening is essential and better listeners who are focused on quality conversations find it easier to connect with people. “People like to be around others who are pleasant, smile, and make them feel comfortable,” says Albert. “I am a friendly guy, so it comes naturally to me. This job is so rewarding. I have made some meaningful connections through this career that have become long term friendships at this point. One of my best friends was my client, and that is how we met,” explains Albert. “I am still very close to many of my clients who I met through the years.”
A successful real estate agent should take networking as making relationships. Following up after making a connection becomes especially important for a relationship to develop. “After making a connection, I continue to check on my connections/clients every few months. I like to send handwritten note cards to some for a personal touch,” says Maria. “It’s so important to focus on yourself and continue to plant seeds. Never worry about your competition,” Maria continues.
If you are a new real estate agent missing a few of these, don’t worry. Most of these can be learned by practicing and taking the time to check in with yourself. Stay tuned for more blogs on how to be successful as a real estate agent. As always, follow Martino Realty Group for more educational content.
