Qualities that Define an Outstanding Estate Agent
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An estate agent's day-to-day demands are diverse. That's why those with a wider range of skills and qualities are able to respond to market changes and maximise opportunities with resilience and smarts. Whether you're an aspiring agent or a seasoned property professional, these are some of the top traits to cultivate for your success:
Communication skills
Communication is an essential skill to achieve your best in any industry. As an estate agent, you're engaging with people every day - sellers, buyers, colleagues and other industry professionals - so being able to interact with them effectively is key to getting the job done smoothly.
Remember that more than half of communication is the art of listening! Hearing what worries your sellers, understanding what buyers are looking for and receiving advice and insights from others in the industry will bring you leaps and bounds closer to your goals.
Effective communication also enhances your negotiation skills, which is a powerful tool to have in your belt.
A hunger for market knowledge
An experienced agent will know that property transactions aren't as simple as selling a pretty house and handing over the key. Having a spirit that's hungry to learn is a major advantage, as you need to stay abreast of property trends and the constant changes in financing and property regulations.
Estate agents also build a reputation as experts in their region when they invest their energy in developing their area- and niche-specific knowledge.
An affinity for building relationships
Although what you know is important in the real estate industry, it's also about who you know. Estate agents are in the people game, and the more people you're connected with, the better.
The quality of your connections also matters. When you've earned the trust of sellers, buyers, industry leaders and professionals, you place yourself in the best possible position to collaborate on future sales and partnership opportunities.
Technical savvy
Your buyers might still sign on the dotted line, but technology has digitised most of the onerous processes that used to bog estate agents down. Being confident with tech and nurturing proficiency with real estate software minimises the time wasted on admin and empowers you to achieve more in less time.
By remaining up to date on tech trends relevant to the South African real estate industry and digital audience behaviours, you could also benefit from targeted digital marketing strategies on social media and online listing sites.
All-round ethics
For too long, estate agents have had a reputation for being over-ambitious and cutting corners. We're setting the record straight by saying that we believe the best estate agents are those who approach their work with a sense of purpose, determination to do the right thing and compassion for their clients, colleagues and industry partners.
Having a strong moral compass and acting with integrity ensures unfailingly good service, positive outcomes and a reputation as a trustworthy agent.
Passion for property
As the old adage says: "Choose a job that you love, and you will never work a day in your life."
Passion creates energy! People who love property, architecture and helping others re-imagine their lives in a new home will experience the joy and business success of being a real estate agent.
At Chas Everitt, it's not about the 9 to 5. It's about the people. We're only truly happy when our agents and our clients are thriving. That's why Chas Everitt agents enjoy access to training, events, free digital tools and mentorship opportunities. If you're an estate agent looking for a work family to call your own, we invite you to join ours.
Author: Chas Everitt