Characteristics Of The Most Successful Real Estate Agents

For those starting in our great real estate business it’s natural to ponder the best way to go about becoming successful. A well-known shortcut between starting a new career and achieving success is to model what others before you have done.

Observing the most successful people and implementing the best of their strategies is going to ensure your success more quickly than trying to reinvent the wheel altogether.  This is especially true in a simple business like real estate sales. It’s important to recognize that I said “simple” not “easy”. Our real estate sales business is a simple one as long as you do the things daily that are required to succeed. Again, this is a simple process but one that is not always easy.

I wrote down a few characteristics of the most successful real estate agents. As you embark on the journey of obtaining your real estate license I would encourage you to be cognizant of how you are implementing the following:

THE BEST AGENTS UNDERSTAND THEIR LOCAL MARKET

There is an old saying in real estate that “All real estate is local”. To the newer agent this might not make sense but let me explain. Essentially this means that the real estate salesperson that has the most intimate market knowledge and is most deeply connected to the neighborhoods they serve will generally win.

Great real estate salespeople tend to be known in the community. They may sponsor the local little league, help out with local garage sales or door knock frequently. They send direct mail postcards every month or post frequently in local Facebook groups or on nextdoor.com. Whether this connection is established through physical marketing or digital makes little difference.

Net-net: The best real estate agents are known in their local marketplace.

THEY UNDERSTAND THEIR CLIENTS' NEEDS

This one might sound a little too broad to be helpful. You might read the above sentence of “understanding your clients’ needs” and think - “Great but what does this actually mean?”

When representing a buyer, for example the best agents have their client requirements nailed down. If the client requests a property with a bedroom and full bathroom downstairs, don’t bother to show them homes that do not. If they are deeply against having a pool, make sure you check this on the MLS and verify with the listing agent before emailing it to them.

Getting to know your client and being able to anticipate their needs will go a long way to helping you become a successful real estate agent.

THEY HAVE A SYSTEM PERFECTED

Do you have a particular time of the day when you're checking emails? Spending time with clients? Marketing your business? Having a schedule for your routine and daily activities will help keep you organized and be sure that nothing falls through the cracks.

THEY KEEP THEIR SALES PIPELINE FULL

It's one of the things you hear with any real estate sales business. Always be selling. If marketing and prospecting for new clients is a part of your every day routine, you'll never have to worry about a seasonal slow down or slump, because you know that the marketing system you have in place will have the next client through the door soon.

Also, if your Facebook ads aren’t doing as well as they normally do A/B test the ads to ensure that you are staying on top of social media trends.

Don’t ignore door knocking and telephone prospecting either. These activities might not be the most relished by the real estate professional but they are sure to give you more control over your pipeline. Hit a slump? Talk to more people.

DEVELOP RELATIONSHIPS AND MAKE CONNECTIONS WITHIN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

Successful real estate agents take the time to build a large network of people in the market that they serve. They don’t limit themselves to creating a database of only past, current, and potential clients. Great real estate agents should also make contacts with other experts within their industry, including appraisers and mortgage loan originators. You’ll have a ready list of vendors to refer your clients to and potentially be on the receiving end of referrals when the time comes.

You should also consider building a network of other brokers and agents in outside areas. Remember, it is customary for one broker to pay another broker a referral fee for a client upon closing. (Not among service providers though, that would be. RESPA violation)

THEY USE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS AND THE INTERNET TO THEIR ADVANTAGE

The impact that social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube have on business are undeniable. Formerly, these platforms were looked at as only a way to connect with friends and family or share photos but they have made their way into the fabric of our society.

According to Statista, 91% of U.S. businesses will use social media for marketing purposes. Some of the largest companies in the world are using social media as a way to connect with their customers and potential customers. Why would the individual real estate agent be any different?

As a real estate agent, if you aren't using social media, you are missing out on a huge opportunity.

At a minimum, each agent should have a Facebook page to reach their potential audience. If you have the budget, a highly-targeted Facebook ad can provide additional reach to new potential clients you may not be able to find through your more traditional marketing mechanisms.

THEY ARE PARTICULAR ABOUT THE DETAILS

When it comes to selling real estate, the smallest details can make the biggest difference. Things like staging a home or how to position a property in certain markets can be the difference between a good and a great real estate agent.

Also the intricate details of the purchase contract or the listing agreement are critical to ensure that your client’s interests are protected.

THEY ARE AWARE OF SPEED TO LEAD

A saying that I live by in business is that “Time kills all deals”. The best agents know that the sooner they can get back to a lead the more likely they are to convert that lead to a contract.

This is especially true regarding Internet leads. Whether you are selling residential or commercial real estate, the best agents know that the sooner they respond to an inquiry the more likely deals are to close. I can’t emphasize this enough - in this day and age speed is probably the most important aspect of sales. The faster you move the more likely you are to win.

I’m always looking to bring you value. If I can be of service to you please let me know on Instagram or Facebook. Of course if you are looking to get enrolled in real estate license school, reach out here.

Feel free to also call the office at 888 768 5285.

Many of our students have gone on to be very successful real estate agents! Click on the link to read success stories from past ADHI School Students!

Love,

Kartik