Top 10 Traits of a Good Real Estate Agent (2024)

A good real estate agent is similar to a symphony conductor, coordinating the different players to make a successful transaction a reality. At different points in the process, the real estate agent is a salesperson, a buyer’s advocate, an analyst, a business manager, a consultant, a negotiator, and a marketer, to name a few. We have found that successful real estate professionals share a number of qualities and traits. Whether you’re new to the industry or are looking for career growth, here is our list of the top 10 traits for real estate agents – as well as resources to help you develop these attributes.

10. A Problem-Solver Mindset

Do you enjoy coming up with creative solutions to problems or issues? Many successful real estate agents know how to properly showcase a house to make it more marketable and develop creative MLS listings to attract the right buyers. Working in real estate can be challenging and unpredictable; performing under pressure and developing effective solutions is a critical skill for all real estate agents.

Do I Need to Be a Marketing Expert to Be Successful in Real Estate? >>

9. An Entrepreneurial Spirit

Having a desire to control your professional destiny and be your own boss is a trait shared by top real estate professionals. Succeeding in real estate requires a high degree of self-motivation, drive, and smart decision-making. (If you'd like some help with motivation, check out these five quotes).

8. Honesty and Integrity

Your professional reputation is crucial to a long and successful career in real estate. Many real estate agents are also members of the National Association of REALTORS®. To become a member, you must pledge to a strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. This is one way to showcase these values. Real estate professionals often handle sensitive client information, so demonstrating a high degree of integrity will not only advance your career and build your reputation, but also help you avoid legal pitfalls.

7. Hustle and Tenacity

Being a top real estate agent requires a great work ethic. You must have the tenacity to pursue every lead and the hustle to aggressively market your clients’ properties to have success. It’s not just about putting in a lot of time – it’s about working smart, putting in the right amount of time, and doing whatever is necessary to close the deal.

Door Knocking in Real Estate - Does It Work? >>

6. An Interest in Houses and Architecture

A passion for houses and architecture can give you an advantage over other brokers and salespersons. If your knowledge and interest level are apparent in conversations, your clients will see that you care about the industry you’re in. Doing work you are genuinely interested in can fuel productivity and, ultimately, help you do your job better.

Thinking about starting a real estate career? Download the Launching Your Real Estate Career eBook.

Download

5. An Engaging Personality

A good real estate agent doesn’t just sell properties – they sell themselves. It’s important to show your real personality. People will respond to you if you have a great attitude, are personable and honest, have confidence in your abilities, and are interested in helping them and others. Real estate agents must be able to empathize with clients and support them throughout the home-buying or selling process, which can be an emotional or stressful time. Building good relationships with your clients will increase your chance of getting referrals and repeat business.

Is a Career in Real Estate Right for You? >>

4. Attention to Detail

Paying close attention to the details is imperative for your real estate career. A successful real estate agent is attentive to the unique needs of their individual clients. If you are organized, follow up with leads, communicate well, and pay attention to your clients’ needs, you will close more deals.

Real Estate For Sale Signs: How to Make an Impact >>

3. An Understanding of the Local Housing Market

A top real estate agent appreciates and utilizes the nuances that make a specific community’s housing market and pricing strategy unique. Success comes from identifying and developing a focus or niche in the local real estate market that distinguishes you from the competition.

The Single Most Effective and Affordable Real Estate Marketing Strategy >>

2. Networking and Relationship Building

Successful real estate agents have a vast network of contacts within their market. This list of connections should include other real estate agents and brokers, potential buyers and sellers, and all the other players in the real estate industry, such as appraisers, home inspectors, and mortgage loan officers. You never know when a connection will pay off, which is why it’s important to continuously expand and update your network.

How to Network to Increase Your Leads in Real Estate >>

1. Adaptability and Innovation

The most important trait for a real estate agent is the ability to adapt to new market conditions and innovate when needed. Staying up-to-date on the latest topics in real estate and in the local market will allow you to service clients more effectively. Continuing education and professional development are pathways to opportunity that you can utilize to expand your business options and stay at the forefront of the real estate field.

At the end of the day, you get out of the real estate business what you put into it. There is a certain level of investment needed (time, energy, and money) to make any business venture successful. Real estate is no different. If you are passionate about real estate and have similar traits to those outlined here, you have a great shot at having a long and successful real estate career. Find online real estate classes for your state today.

To view your state's specific Steps to Licensing pages and/or your specific state Real Estate Licensing and Continuing Education Requirements page, simply select your state from the list here.

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Top 10 Traits of a Good Real Estate Agent (1)

A good real estate agent is similar to a symphony conductor, coordinating the different players to make a successful transaction a reality. At different points in the process, the real estate agent is a salesperson, a buyer’s advocate, an analyst, a business manager, a consultant, a negotiator, and a marketer, to name a few. We have found that successful real estate professionals share a number of qualities and traits. Whether you’re new to the industry or are looking for career growth, here is our list of the top 10 traits for real estate agents – as well as resources to help you develop these attributes.

10. A Problem-Solver Mindset

Do you enjoy coming up with creative solutions to problems or issues? Many successful real estate agents know how to properly showcase a house to make it more marketable and develop creative MLS listings to attract the right buyers. Working in real estate can be challenging and unpredictable; performing under pressure and developing effective solutions is a critical skill for all real estate agents.

Do I Need to Be a Marketing Expert to Be Successful in Real Estate? >>

9. An Entrepreneurial Spirit

Having a desire to control your professional destiny and be your own boss is a trait shared by top real estate professionals. Succeeding in real estate requires a high degree of self-motivation, drive, and smart decision-making. (If you'd like some help with motivation, check out these five quotes).

8. Honesty and Integrity

Your professional reputation is crucial to a long and successful career in real estate. Many real estate agents are also members of the National Association of REALTORS®. To become a member, you must pledge to a strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. This is one way to showcase these values. Real estate professionals often handle sensitive client information, so demonstrating a high degree of integrity will not only advance your career and build your reputation, but also help you avoid legal pitfalls.

7. Hustle and Tenacity

Being a top real estate agent requires a great work ethic. You must have the tenacity to pursue every lead and the hustle to aggressively market your clients’ properties to have success. It’s not just about putting in a lot of time – it’s about working smart, putting in the right amount of time, and doing whatever is necessary to close the deal.

Door Knocking in Real Estate - Does It Work? >>

6. An Interest in Houses and Architecture

A passion for houses and architecture can give you an advantage over other brokers and salespersons. If your knowledge and interest level are apparent in conversations, your clients will see that you care about the industry you’re in. Doing work you are genuinely interested in can fuel productivity and, ultimately, help you do your job better.

Thinking about starting a real estate career? Download the Launching Your Real Estate Career eBook.

Download

5. An Engaging Personality

A good real estate agent doesn’t just sell properties – they sell themselves. It’s important to show your real personality. People will respond to you if you have a great attitude, are personable and honest, have confidence in your abilities, and are interested in helping them and others. Real estate agents must be able to empathize with clients and support them throughout the home-buying or selling process, which can be an emotional or stressful time. Building good relationships with your clients will increase your chance of getting referrals and repeat business.

Is a Career in Real Estate Right for You? >>

4. Attention to Detail

Paying close attention to the details is imperative for your real estate career. A successful real estate agent is attentive to the unique needs of their individual clients. If you are organized, follow up with leads, communicate well, and pay attention to your clients’ needs, you will close more deals.

Real Estate For Sale Signs: How to Make an Impact >>

3. An Understanding of the Local Housing Market

A top real estate agent appreciates and utilizes the nuances that make a specific community’s housing market and pricing strategy unique. Success comes from identifying and developing a focus or niche in the local real estate market that distinguishes you from the competition.

The Single Most Effective and Affordable Real Estate Marketing Strategy >>

2. Networking and Relationship Building

Successful real estate agents have a vast network of contacts within their market. This list of connections should include other real estate agents and brokers, potential buyers and sellers, and all the other players in the real estate industry, such as appraisers, home inspectors, and mortgage loan officers. You never know when a connection will pay off, which is why it’s important to continuously expand and update your network.

How to Network to Increase Your Leads in Real Estate >>

1. Adaptability and Innovation

The most important trait for a real estate agent is the ability to adapt to new market conditions and innovate when needed. Staying up-to-date on the latest topics in real estate and in the local market will allow you to service clients more effectively. Continuing education and professional development are pathways to opportunity that you can utilize to expand your business options and stay at the forefront of the real estate field.

At the end of the day, you get out of the real estate business what you put into it. There is a certain level of investment needed (time, energy, and money) to make any business venture successful. Real estate is no different. If you are passionate about real estate and have similar traits to those outlined here, you have a great shot at having a long and successful real estate career. Find online real estate classes for your state today.

To view your state's specific Steps to Licensing pages and/or your specific state Real Estate Licensing and Continuing Education Requirements page, simply select your state from the list here.

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Top 10 Traits of a Good Real Estate Agent (2024)

FAQs

What personality type makes a good real estate agent? ›

A career as a real estate agent is perfect for an ENTP because they are typically go-getters, with enough drive and ambition to create results. An ENTP is also motivated to find creative solutions to challenging problems.

What makes best real estate agent? ›

Top Ten Traits of a Real Estate Agent
  • An Understanding of the Local Housing Market.
  • Attention to Detail. ...
  • An Engaging Personality. ...
  • An Interest in Houses and Architecture. ...
  • Hustle and Tenacity. ...
  • Honesty and Integrity. ...
  • An Entrepreneurial Spirit. ...
  • A Problem-Solver Mindset. ...

What is the most important skill for a real estate agent? ›

Verbal communication skills: A good real estate agent speaks clearly and confidently with others. They also avoid the overuse of slang and industry jargon. Nonverbal communication skills: They look clients in the eye, display open body language, and exhibit pleasant facial expressions.

What do you think makes a successful agent? ›

Puts the needs of the client first. An agent who is only out to earn a commission, regardless of the needs of the client, is not likely to last long in the business. Agents and brokers who listen carefully to what their clients and prospects say will be able to earn their trust, which is the hardest part of their job.

What are the four personality types in real estate? ›

There is D - Driver (Red), I - Influence (Yellow), S - Steadiness (Green), C - Conscientious (Blue). In this real estate agent training podcast, you will learn about the 4 different personality types.

What personality traits do special agents have? ›

For the special agent position, they include leadership, collaboration, organizing and planning, problem-solving/judgment, flexibility/adaptability, initiative and communication.

What are the three most important things in real estate? ›

To achieve those goals, the three most important words in real estate are not Location, Location, Location, but Price, Condition, Availability. Let's look at the first word – Price.

How to be successful as a real estate agent? ›

For greater success and effectiveness as a real estate agent, you can:
  1. Improve communication skills. ...
  2. Partner with other local agents. ...
  3. Find a publicist. ...
  4. Host open-house events. ...
  5. Pitch a realty story to a news outlet. ...
  6. Use email marketing. ...
  7. Keep in contact with past clients. ...
  8. Create social media profiles.
Dec 19, 2022

How do you describe a realtor? ›

What does a Realtor do? Realtors typically work for realtor firms or as self-employed individuals to provide clients with beneficial guidance throughout the buying, selling or renting process. They work closely with Real Estate Brokers and other real estate professionals to get advice and learn about new listings.

What is a hard skill in real estate? ›

Hard Skills Needed for Real Estate Success

Being able to calculate positive cash flow, differentiating between good deals and bad ones, and having a solid grasp on concepts such as cap rates, price-to-rent ratios, and so on are all important skills to learn.

What are professional skills for a real estate agent? ›

7 Essential soft skills and abilities for real estate agents
  • Relationship building. In the real estate market, just like any market, people want to buy from someone they can trust.
  • Communication skills. ...
  • Referral marketing. ...
  • Active listening. ...
  • Problem-solving. ...
  • Flexibility and adaptability. ...
  • Empathy.

What is critical thinking in real estate? ›

Critical thinking is the ability to take in diverse information and make sound conclusions. As a real estate agent you'll be taking in a lot of information from various sources. You'll need to exercise critical thinking when setting listing prices, negotiating deals and showing properties to clients.

How do you know if you have a good agent? ›

A good agent will keep answering your questions, even if you do not like the answer. A bad agent will just tell you what you want to hear or ignore the questions entirely.

Do introverts make good real estate agents? ›

And in real estate, someone who doesn't listen can cost you time and money. That's why introverts—who tend to be great listeners—are so wonderful to work with. They'll take the time to understand you and your needs.

What makes an agent an agent? ›

An agent, in legal terminology, is a person who has been legally empowered to act on behalf of another person or an entity. An agent may be employed to represent a client in negotiations and other dealings with third parties. The agent may be given decision-making authority.

Is real estate agent good for introverts? ›

Introverts are known for their deep listening skills, thoughtful analysis, and reflective thinking - qualities that are highly beneficial in real estate. These traits enable them to understand and meet their clients' needs effectively.

Are attractive real estate agents more successful? ›

And even though attractive agents may command higher selling prices, they do not necessarily outperform their less attractive counterparts; though their homes may sell for more, they also sell fewer properties, and the final sale totals balance out.

What is the toughest thing about being a real estate agent? ›

1. Uncertainty about real estate market. This is perhaps one of the biggest uncertainties realtors have to deal with on a daily basis. Every realtor is worried about not being able to sell their properties and how it will affect his or her commissions at the end of the month.

Do you have to be attractive to be a successful real estate agent? ›

Attractive agents don't necessarily earn more annually than less attractive agents. The houses they sell go for a higher price, but they sell fewer houses than do less attractive agents (presumably because each house is on the market for longer).

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