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What are the Skills Needed to Become a Real Estate Agent?

Writer's picture: IBREA of IndianapolisIBREA of Indianapolis

Updated: Mar 17, 2023

The real estate profession requires many hats. On any given day, you might be a councilor, a guide, a teacher, a problem solver, a leader, a student, or so many more positions.




So, what skills make a good real estate agent? Let's go over a few:

  • Communication Skills: Verbal, Nonverbal, Active Listening Skills, and Written Skills

  • Local Real Estate Knowledge

  • Time Management Skills

  • Negotiating Skills

  • Marketing Skills

  • Problem-solving

  • Flexibility


Communication Skills

In real estate, communication is at the top of the necessary skills list. There are many reasons. Real estate is a relationship business, and realationships are created through communication. From contacting old friends, making new ones through networking, or presenting yourself as an authority, communication is key.


Top real estate agents attempt to excel in the following areas:

  • Verbal communication skills. A good real estate agent speaks clearly and confidently with others, while avoiding jargon that can be confusing to a client. Verbal communication is important in face-to-face discussions and video presentations.

  • Nonverbal communication skills. This one might not be immediately considered, but it can actually be the most important: only 7% of all communication is done through verbal communication. 38% is within the tonality of the voice and the body language is 55%. A good agent displays open body language and looks clients in the eye when they are speaking.

  • Active listening skills. Great agents are sure to listen to clients and ask questions to ensure they understand what is needed.

  • Written communication skills: Much of today’s communication is written. Obviously, real estate contracts are written. But an agent must create professional emails, clear texts, design marketing collateral, social media posts and website content. Don’t miss: Turn Your Love of Social Media into a Real Estate Business.


Local Real Estate Knowledge

Knowing your local market is extremely important in real estate. You should learn as much as you can about a variety of area-specific topics:

  • Neighborhood information: Some neighborhoods have deed restrictions and/or resident benefits that could influence a clients desire to buy. Further, is the neighborhood special in some way—perhaps historic, or in the middle of a revitalization? Know everything you can.

  • Government - related information: You can provide resources about state and local property taxes, flood insurance requirements, and more.

  • Schools: Have information available about the quality of the public, private and parochial schools.

  • Public transportation options: Access to city buses, taxis, and even city provided scooters and bikes could be important in a neighborhood or town. Be sure to check out: Ways to Make Money with a Real Estate License (Without Selling a Home)


Time Management Skills

In today’s world, it is easy to lose a lot of time on things like non-productive social media, browsing shopping apps or binge streaming. For real estate, it is often best to have a plan in place to manage your time. It will make you much more efficient if you know at a specific time, you can jump right into a task, instead of wasting half the time figuring out a plan. You might enjoy: Why Do People Choose a Real Estate Career




Negotiating Skills

Many clients that are attempting to buy or sell a home are not skilled at negotiating. This is one of the many skills that they are retaining when they hire a real estate agent. It's up to you to make sure that negotiation is one of your top real estate agent skills. You should have the ability to negotiate and persuade the best deal for your client. Learn why this skill is so important when considering The Future Job Security For Real Estate Agents


Marketing Skills

An agent that has strong marketing skills can hit the ground running when they enter the field. Luckily, these can be learned. Some top areas to consider:

  • Social media marketing

  • Newsletters

  • Website design

  • Digital marketing expertise

  • Experience with signage and print media

With strong marketing skills, you will increase your chances of a fast sales. Learn more with: Low-cost (and No-cost) Ways to Grow Your Real Estate Business


Problem-solving

Some people enjoy the challenge of problem solving, the ability to correct concerns or even to use out-of-the-box thinking to get out of a seemingly unsurmountable problem. And, don’t forget the heightened sense of accomplishment it brings.


In real estate, problem solving is a very important skill to have. It is one that you will use often and one that might wind up being the most satisfying. You might like: Top New Agent Choices: Assistant vs Team vs Solo


Flexibility

Real estate is nothing if not flexible. Each day is different, each client is different and each transaction is different. Someone who wants a very strict non-changing routine may feel uncomfortable with all of this day-to-day change. However, top real estate agents report that the fact that every day is different drew them to the field.


A great agent needs to be flexible. Flexible in schedule, flexible in negotiations, flexible in the tasks of the day, and so much more. Check out: What Does a Typical Day Look Like as a Real Estate Agent?


Conclusion

Because real estate requires an agent to be so many things to so many people, it requires a lot of skills. Many can be learned or sharpened. And many just take a mindset to understand that this is what I will do to be successful. You might enjoy: How Much Do Real Estate Agents Make

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