10 Critical Skills for all Real Estate Agents

As a real estate agent, there are a number of things that you’re required to do as part of your job. While you probably do a great job managing all of these tasks, there are 10 critical skills that can help set you apart from your competitors. Do you know what they are? In today’s post, we’ll take a look at what clients value in a real estate agent so that you can continue to improve in the level and quality of service that you offer your clients.

At Continuing Education for Licensing, Inc. (CELI), we offer the required courses you need to obtain your real estate license for the first time and the continuing education courses you need to renew your license. Contact us today to get the information you need to get or maintain your real estate license and establish a successful career.

1. Expert Communication Skills

How good are your communication skills? You may think you have expert communication skills, but it’s important to consider a few things to better understand which areas may need improvement. Your clients will likely have different preferences when it comes to how they want their information, including texts, phone calls, and emails. Your ability to communicate well in each of these areas will go a long way towards ensuring that your clients are satisfied.

Additionally, make sure that you provide your clients with the information they need each time you communicate — don’t leave them wondering what they need to do or when they should take the next step. Be proactive with your communication, and make sure they feel confident about what comes next.

2. Local Knowledge

Your success as a real estate agent is based, in large part, on your grasp of the area. If you do not have a great handle on the communities, neighborhoods, and schools in the area where you are working, then your business will probably struggle to thrive. Give yourself the boost you need to succeed in real estate by researching the rules and regulations in different communities, the details that set various neighborhoods apart, and the factors that make particular schools attractive choices. The more insight and information that you can share with prospective buyers, the more they will trust you and be more likely to recommend you.

3. Integrity

Integrity is choosing to do what is right even when no one is watching. Do you want to be known for being the best real estate agent in your area? You need to have evidence to support this claim, which means that it is imperative to avoid doing anything that would be dishonest, unethical, or immoral. If your actions support your what you say, then you will begin to build a reputation as a person with integrity. Not only will this benefit you in the short term, but also in the long term as your reputation grows. Building a solid reputation takes time, but the dividends are far-reaching.

4. Negotiation

While negotiation is a valuable skill to possess, it is also an art form that you should practice. Negotiation is the ability to pursue a variety of solutions in order to achieve a desired result. As a real estate agent, your goal is to obtain what is best for your client. The important thing to remember, however, is that there are usually several ways to reach your goal. If you approach negotiations without considering what the other party wants, then you will probably not get very far. By focusing on solutions that will benefit both parties, you will be much more likely to conclude a real estate transaction that satisfies your clients.

5. Patience

Patience is a vital skill for you to have as a real estate agent. Most deals take time to close, which means that you need to be able and willing to wait to receive the optimum results. Rushing things can result in mistakes, damaged relationships, and failed deals. Another area where patience will benefit you is in dealing with your clients. Some clients will know exactly what they want and pursue their goal with a laser-like focus. Other clients may change their minds multiple times before making a decision.

6. Tactfulness

You may not be a diplomat, but the ability to communicate with tactfulness is a critical skill in the field of real estate. Often, emotions can run high when it comes to buying and selling property, which makes it essential to handle difficult situations with tact. Your ability to do this could mean the difference in maintaining professional relationships that will lead to future business transactions.

7. Persistence

Persistence is a key component to success. It’s important to follow up with every lead you get, as you never know which ones will be beneficial. In fact, one of the main determiners of success in the field of real estate is your ability to be persistent. Don’t wait for clients to call you! While there may be times when someone reaches out to you as a result of a recommendation, more often you will need to be proactive in finding clients. There is no magic tool for finding clients — it boils down to the skill of persistence.

8. Considerateness

On that note, it’s vitally important to remember to be considerate. Sometimes, in the pursuit of finding more clients, it can be easy to forget that you are dealing with people, not machines. The ability to balance the skills of persistence and consideration can be the key to your success as a real estate agent. There are many simple ways to show your consideration of others, including remembering birthdays or special milestones, mailing coupons for local businesses, and sending housewarming gifts.

9. Responsiveness

When your clients have questions or are looking for information, it’s important to respond in a timely manner. They will probably understand if you are unable to get back to them immediately, but it’s a good practice to return all communication within 24 hours. Your ability to provide the information they need in a timely manner will go a long way toward making them feel comfortable and secure working with you.

10. Adaptability

It’s important to make plans, but sometimes life can get in the way and thwart even the best plans. When this happens, it’s important that you adapt. Whether you need to reschedule a meeting, arrange to pick up a client, or postpone a showing, your adaptability can be the difference between closing a deal or losing an offer.

At CELI, we know that a key part of your success as a REALTOR® is your real estate license. Whether you are looking for continuing education classes, real estate licensing exams, or more, we can help. Contact us to learn about our online options, and get started today!