Let’s face it: Building a career in the real estate sector is not an easy task. You require a special set of skills, determination, a can-do-attitude and perseverance to become a highly successful property agent. Agents have to deal with the clients’ growing demands and also make a constant effort to increase their customer base. This job isn’t meant for the faint-hearted and push-overs. In order to be the best in real estate business, agents need to adopt certain behaviors and habits to be at the top of their game. Inspired by Stephen Covey’s international bestselling book, ‘Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,’ here is our list: 7 habits of successful real estate agents.
7 Habits of successful real estate agents
- Great communicator
- Information-seeker
- Keeps himself organized
- Keeps a strong online presence
- Values relationship over commission
- Masters the art of negotiation
- Knows how to be consistent
Effective communicator
Just like in the world of sports, where training is an integral part of an athlete’s career, property agents need to possess a knack for communication above all other skills. If you are able to take on these activities with confidence, then you can easily become a top real estate agent:
- Make cold calls
- Email marketing
- Regular social media posts
- Follow up with your client
- Update your contact list
Just as high performing athletes rely on regular training sessions, real estate agents need to build consistent success habits in their routine in order to become top performers. Ask your client the right questions about the type of property they want and other requirements; whether they have worked with another agent previously and if they were satisfied with their services or not.
It is also important that you know how your buyers prefer to be contacted regarding property updates. Some people would expect a phone call, providing complete details about the housing project, while some would be happy with a text message. To each their own!
Information seeker
You can’t become a successful real estate agent if you do not have knowledge about the local neighbourhoods in the city. Develop a habit of keeping yourself abreast with the latest happenings in the property business. You should know about any price fluctuations and changing real estate trends. Keep yourself current with the market conditions and industry developments.
It is always good to have information about locations which present a promising real estate opportunity for your clients. You should also first familiarize yourself with different real estate projects before introducing it to your client. That way, you can handle all queries efficiently. Having a know-how about the most prominent localities in the city gives you an edge in understanding the specific rules of different areas and communities and also helps you determine the value of a property. Building a repertoire of information about the industry is one of the many secrets of successful real estate agents.
Keeps himself organized
Staying ahead of the game is what property agents should aim for. Keeping yourself organized is one of the most important habits of successful real estate agents. But what should be done to stay organized. Set a routine. Wake up early in the morning and flex your muscles. It helps to keep you motivated and perform optimally.
If there is a meeting with your client or you want to show around a house up for sale, make sure you reach before the buyer. This speaks volumes about your commitment and dedication to work. Keep a notepad and pen with you at all times. This way you can jot down any note-worthy point during your conversation with the client. Have your contact list updated and check your listings on registered real estate websites daily.
Values relationship over deals
What do top real estate agents do? They first cultivate a good rapport. Why? Because there is no sales without building a cordial business relationship. Don’t let yourself fall in the list of bad real estate agents. Ask questions and be an active listener. This would help you prioritize clients’ demands. Do they want a quick sale or are they looking for a high price for their property? Set your goals based on what your client wants from you.
Among habits of successful real estate agents is to put clients first. Do not cancel meetings at the eleventh hour. Make sure you value your client’s time. Don’t let your commission sabotage the relationship between you and your client. Represent your client when closing the deal.
Amps up his online presence
Organize yourself digitally. For successful real estate agents, there can’t be enough hours in a day. Make a comprehensive contact list on Google drive. Correspond through emails. Be active on social media. Write blog posts about real estate trends. Get yourself registered with top real estate websites. Being tech-savvy will help you become a successful property agent. If you do not have an organized system in the digital world, you will fall behind and lose track of your clients.
If you are dealing with rentals, then post your house online. Check out the things you need to consider before listing a rental property online. Give specific details about the number of bedrooms and take shots from every angle of the house to give your client a virtual tour. Make use of a Customer Relationship Management – CRM software for realtors. It is easier to keep a track of all your listings: what is the current status, details of the property, commission rates, property’s asking price and much more.
Masters the art of negotiation
How to be a successful real estate agent? The answer is quite simple! Practice negotiation skills. As a good property agent, you must know how to negotiate a deal. Go for a win-win transaction. Consider this situation: A well-furnished house is up for sale in the affluent neighbourhood of Clifton. Let’s assume, it is priced at PKR 1 crore and 50 lakh. Based on industry trends and a recent slump in the property market, you think it is overpriced and the house should be sold at PKR 1 crore and 20 lakh.
When you mention this to the seller, he thinks the price is too low. Now, this is where your negotiation skills are put to test. You offer a win-win arrangement to both buyer and seller. Asking their points of view separately, you conveniently sell the house at PKR 1 crore and 40 lakh. Both the participants in the contract walk home satisfied.
Knows how to be consistent
Top real-estate agent performers are consistent in their efforts. Skipping industry events, showing little-to-no online presence, updating website sporadically will make you fall behind. It will send a message across your community that you are not competent, enthusiastic and dedicated enough to pursue your career as a real estate agent.
If you have a website to manage, then be prompt in updating it regularly. People, even if not actively commenting on social media posts, are keeping a check on what is happening on your page. If it is displaying the same old information, then it is most likely that you would be losing on clients rather than winning them over.
These were the most effective habits of successful real estate agents. Remember, if you are buying or selling property, then you need to first find the best real estate agents who can do the job efficiently. Also check out, Zameen’s extensive network of credible real estate companies and make a successful property deal. For more updates, check out the top real estate blog in Pakistan.
