Real estate is a wealth-generating industry. Almost every multi-millionaire in the country will say that a good portion of their fortune has been made in the real estate industry. Many will say that having a real estate license was instrumental to their financial success. They will also tell you that it takes much more than a license alone to succeed in real estate.
To achieve and maintain success in real estate requires knowing what the customer needs and how to get it for them. A real estate license can get you in the door, but the agent who gets the business will be the one with all the other attributes that the customer wants. Keep reading to learn what clients want from their agent in terms of skills, qualities, and traits.
A strong knowledge base
Real estate customers want the agent that they choose to be knowledgeable. The most successful real estate agent will be the one whose name is synonymous with expert real estate advice. You will be expected to have the answers to all questions, directly and indirectly, related to a real estate purchase—from how are the schools in the area to how many foreclosures were in the neighborhood in the last year.
No matter the question, you should have the answer or know where to get it. When you are the person with the most knowledge of the real estate market, you will be the one that customers come looking for to meet their real estate needs.
A good reputation
Trustworthiness is among the most important considerations for today’s customers. There is a lot of skepticism in real estate since the housing crisis, and customers want someone who they can believe in. A real estate agent with a reputation of honesty and integrity will remain successful in any market climate. Repeat and referral business will be the cornerstone of your financial success.
A solid understanding of what clients want
Understanding your real estate clients and their needs will go a long way toward building your reputation in the community. Even the savviest of customers will need the guidance of a real estate professional, whether they know it or not. A skilled real estate agent will be able to guide customers through the transaction with the least amount of stress and anxiety as possible.
It’s important to remember that the purchase (or sale) of a home can be one of the most trying times in a person’s life. Although it is a process that a successful agent goes through almost daily, you must remember that this is not the case for your customer. Holding the client’s hand falls under the job description of a successful agent.
Once you have your real estate license, you are a business owner, and the business brand is you. The careful marketing of yourself as a brand is essential to your career in real estate. Knowing what clients want and providing the services and traits that they’re looking for in a real estate professional is what will make you a success.
