A successful home sale starts with finding the right real estate agent. You and your agent will work closely together for many months, and your agent’s advice and guidance will directly impact the sale or purchase of your home. Researching and interviewing agents in your area may feel like an overwhelming task, but there are some key qualities to look for that can help you narrow down your search. Here are 10 attributes of a great real estate agent:
1. Local Knowledge
Familiarity with the local real estate market is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing an agent. Market conditions vary from place to place, and every neighborhood has unique selling points. Any real estate agent can research home values in your area, but an agent who has sold or bought homes in your neighborhood brings another level of expertise. They know what brings people to the area and what qualities help homes sell. An agent with a strong understanding of the local market can help you craft the perfect offer as a buyer or choose the right offer as a seller.
2. Connections
Networking is key in real estate. Successful real estate agents have plenty of local connections that can assist with the home buying or selling process. This could include other real estate agents, home inspectors, brokers, mortgage loan officers, and potential buyers and sellers. Buying or selling a home is a multi-step process that involves several parties, so working with a well-connected agent can make the experience much easier.
An agent with lots of industry connections is also a sign that they’re respected in the field. If other real estate professionals are happy to work with them repeatedly, you can trust that they’re skilled in their work.
3. Listening Skills
Buying or selling a home has a massive impact on your life, so it’s important for your voice to be heard throughout the process. Your real estate agent should always listen closely to your wants, needs, and concerns to understand how best to support you. When talking with a prospective agent, notice if they’re actively listening and reflecting back what you say or if they’re simply waiting for you to finish talking. A good agent will always make you feel seen and heard.
4. Attention to Detail
All real estate agents needs strong attention to detail to succeed in the industry. For selling agents, attention to detail matters when researching comparable homes in the area and setting a price for your property. Your agent should notice everything in your home that may increase or decrease its value. Buying agents also need to evaluate homes closely with their clients. The average buyer might not notice little flaws or areas of concern when viewing a home, but the agent should call attention to these details.
Attention to detail is necessary for all the paperwork involved in real estate transactions, too. Your agent should review the fine print in every contract so there are no surprises. Being organized with paperwork, scheduling, and communication prevents anything from slipping through the cracks.
5. Integrity and Transparency
You should always feel that you can trust your real estate agent. They’re guiding you through one of the biggest financial transactions of your life, and they must be transparent with you at all times to maintain a strong working relationship.
Integrity is key during every step of the process. When you first approach your agent to buy or sell a home, they should set expectations openly and honestly. A trustworthy agent will help you set a realistic listing price when selling, and they’ll only show you homes that suit your needs when buying. If an issue comes up, a good agent will inform you immediately, even if this means they risk losing the sale.
6. Reliability
Reliability is one of the most valuable qualities in a real estate agent. You should always be able to trust that your agent will honor your meeting times and follow through on tasks when expected. If your agent always reschedules showings last-minute or takes too long to send you information or paperwork, you may feel like you’re not a priority or that your agent isn’t looking out for you. A great real estate agent shows up on time, communicates with you regularly, and remembers to follow up.
7. Adaptability
The real estate market is constantly evolving, which means agents may need to change up their strategies from time to time. Successful real estate agents are always researching the current market trends and discovering ways to improve their work. The best real estate agents seek out formal education and professional development to keep their skills sharp and their knowledge up-to-date. Adapting to the changing times allows agents to support their clients in even the toughest markets.
8. Problem Solving Skills
Buying or selling a house almost never goes completely according to plan. Maybe the home inspection reveals a major problem with a property, or a buyer backs out at the last minute. When you’re faced with an unexpected challenge, your agent should be ready to spring into action. Great real estate agents keep a cool head under pressure and think of creative ways to move forward. They can analyze the situation, identify what went wrong, and find a solution that honors your wants and needs.
9. Work Ethic
Work ethic is an essential quality in any field, but it’s especially helpful for real estate agents. Real estate is a competitive field and doing the bare minimum won’t get you anywhere. Your agent should be determined to help you reach your goals and prepared to put in the time and energy necessary to succeed. Even in the face of rejection, a good agent always keeps trying.
10. Negotiation Skills
Negotiating is one of the most difficult aspects of buying or selling a home, but a good agent will walk through this process with you. Your agent should make recommendations based on the current market and the unique factors involved in your transaction to get you the best deal possible. While the sale price of the home is usually the biggest point to negotiate, a skilled agent can negotiate for other terms as well. For example, they could help you negotiate for a flexible move-in date or a home sale contingency.
Choosing the right real estate agent will make all the difference in your home buying or selling experience. Great real estate agents are honest, trustworthy professionals dedicated to sharpening their skills. If you’re planning on buying or selling a home soon, take your time when looking for an agent. When you know that you can count on your agent for anything, the process will be far more enjoyable.
