Characteristics of a successful estate agent

The landscape of traditional property selling model has changed rapidly, and real estate agencies, as well as their agents, need to adapt to changes in technology and the market.

Reputable agencies will make sure their estate agents have access to continuous training as well as ongoing workshops to sharpen their skills. With a strong drive to succeed, an estate agent can be highly successful when correctly applying the following personal skills to their sales arsenal.

1. Negotiation skills

Estate agents are faced with many different situations and need to communicate correctly and professionally, to utilise negotiation skills to the best of their ability. Whether they are negotiating contracts, listing prices or dealing with demanding clients, there is bound to be a need for negotiation.

A successful estate agents are backed by a strong knowledge and understanding of the property industry, which helps guide their decision making. Negotiation is a skill that can be improved upon over time and with experience. A successful estate agent knows how important the art of negotiation is in achieving the desired outcome for their clients.

2. Industry awareness

Successful estate agents know that the industry is consistently going through different cycles and how important is it to understand each cycle, to employ the most appropriate strategy during each period. Continued learning, improvement and staying ahead of the curve is essential in sustaining the title of successful real estate agent.

3. Good organisational skills

The schedule of a property agent is very dependent on other people’s busy lives. Appointments could change at a moment’s notice, and the agent may have to reschedule a commitment. Having a well-organised calendar and being available for clients to contact will make managing a hectic schedule easier.

Successful estate agents build credibility by being attentive during the time they spend with their clients, as well as by respecting the value of their time.

4. Smart marketers

Focus on marketing tools that remarket to people who already know the brand. It takes several interactions with a brand before a potential customer will commit. Be smart with your marketing initiatives and create a relationship with potential and future customers by providing useful information and engaging with them, so that your brand remains top of mind when the need for a property expert arises.

5. Excellent customer service

Excellent customer service is the ultimate differentiator between an average agent and a successful agent. The reason for this is that people have to trust the person they are buying a property from or selling a property through. A property is often a person’s biggest financial asset thus keeping a customer well informed and being available, makes all the difference.

When a client is happy, they will not vouch for your services and recommend you to others. Even into days landscape, word-of-mouth is still the best marketing. When you remember this fundamental principle, more business will come your way.

Seeff estate agents have a strong team behind them and work with the best mentors when beginning their careers. With a proven support structure in place, Seeff is an agency where your career in real estate can flourish.