Finding an agent you trust and who you enjoy working with can take a little work. If you’ve bought or sold real estate in the past, you will know that not all agents are created equally. It’s important that you work with an agent you trust, who will work tirelessly to help with your real estate needs. In our latest post, we will outline some of the best qualities of a top agent!
A real estate agent should serve as more than just a seller of property. They should be a trusted ally, confidant, counselor, and advocate for their clients. To be considered a top agent, certain personality traits are necessary as well as savvy business skills. In the following list, we highlight some of the key traits that make a top real estate agent in the Bay Area.
Qualities of a Top Real Estate Agent | What to Look for in the Bay Area
Honest
It’s essential to work with an agent who is transparent and truthful with you at all times. This means that they will provide you with honest feedback, even if it’s not what you want to hear. A good agent will keep you informed of their marketing efforts, provide regular updates, and manage your expectations throughout the selling process. By being transparent, they can help you make informed decisions and achieve your goals.
Problem Solver
Your real estate agent should possess the ability to handle unforeseen situations with agility and diplomacy. They should be willing to take on any challenge and resolve any issue before it becomes more significant. They must be proactive and always ready to tackle any problem that may arise during the process of selling your property.
Engaging
A successful real estate agent should possess excellent interpersonal skills and know how to attract potential buyers to a property. They should have the ability to engage in meaningful conversations with prospective buyers and make them feel comfortable. It’s crucial for an agent to be genuine and not come across as robotic or disingenuous, which can make buyers feel uneasy. A great agent should be able to build rapport with buyers by showing interest in their needs and preferences. They should have a natural personality that shines through and exudes warmth and approachability, making the entire buying or selling process a pleasant experience.
Attention to Detail
As you are paying your agent, you should expect them to cover all aspects of selling your home. They should take care of even the smallest details that you may not have considered. This may include things like moving your car out of the driveway for photos, removing personal items like your kid’s diploma during a showing, and hiding the trash cans when potential buyers come to view the property. These little things may seem trivial, but they can have a significant impact on a buyer’s perception of your home.
Motivated
An excellent and passionate real estate agent will not only be driven by the financial rewards associated with their job, but they will also have an immense enthusiasm for the industry itself. They will be highly motivated individuals who genuinely love helping people buy and sell homes and derive satisfaction from being very good at what they do.
Knowledgeable
We strongly advocate continuous learning and development, and this applies to top real estate agents as well. A good agent should always stay updated and knowledgeable about the current trends and changes in the real estate industry, especially in your local market. It’s crucial to look for an agent who is certified in various areas or regularly attends seminars and events to expand their knowledge and skills. Having an agent who is well-informed and competent is a valuable asset that can increase your chances of selling your home successfully.
Proactive
A top real estate agent should not only be proactive but also motivate and guide their clients throughout the selling process. They should anticipate the needs of the seller and offer advice on what needs to be done to ensure a successful sale. Unlike mediocre agents, top agents do not just wait for buyers to appear, but instead, they take the initiative and go the extra mile to make the sale happen.
Be Well Connected
When it comes to real estate, having a knowledgeable and well-connected agent is invaluable. Look for an agent that has extensive contacts in the area, as they will be able to easily spread the word about your house to potential buyers. In addition, you should also look for an agent that can provide great recommendations for cleaning, staging and repair work; this will help ensure your house is looking its best and will likely increase its sale price significantly.
They Listen
It’s frustrating to have a conversation with someone who talks over you and doesn’t listen to what you have to say. When it comes to selling your home, a good agent should listen to your needs, goals, and expectations.
After all, it’s your property, and your voice should be heard. But at the same time, you hired a professional for their expertise and experience, and it’s important to consider their opinion when making decisions about your home.
A top real estate agent will strike a balance between listening to your needs and offering their professional advice and recommendations to help you achieve your goals.
They Have References
Not just selected references, ones they have handpicked. But rather ask them about their most recent 10 or so clients. What would they have to say about the experience? A top agent will have no problem providing references from their most recent clients!