They say that great minds think alike, and that’s just as true for real estate agents as it is for other successful people. While there are lots of good realtors out there working the market every day, the best of the best have a few traits in common that really make them stand out from the crowd. If you’re buying or selling a house this season, don’t just settle for “adequate.” Shoot for the stars by seeking out the people who possess these three key traits:
1) A passion for showing. Your don’t want a real estate agent who sees a home showing as just another duty, just a part of the job. They should genuinely enjoy the work they’re doing in order to be good at it – and this essential interest in homes is what separates a great agent from one who’s just OK. So when you’re selling a house, look for an agent who treats every potential buyer as if they’re going to make an offer. If your agent takes pride in the work, it will show.
2) A genuine interest in their clients. A good real estate agent will have a vested interest in all of their clients. They’ll have that elusive social “something” that makes them friendly, approachable and interested in talking with you. Selling a house can be a long and complicated process, and your agent should always be there to reassure you when things are looking slow. If they won’t make time to meet with you, then it’s time to find someone else.
3) Tech-savvy marketing skills. In today’s market, you can’t rely on newspaper listings alone to find a buyer. Look for a real estate agent with experience in marketing homes on the Internet. Ask them if they’ve done any work with popular sites like Trulia and Craigslist. The more advertising outlets you take advantage of, the faster you’ll find a buyer.
A good real estate agent isn’t just concerned about commissions – he or she is concerned about you. So when you’re selling a house, don’t forget to do your most important homework. Find an agent who understands today’s market and takes genuine pride in their work. If you have a good relationship with your realtor, you’ll see a much larger return on your house.