Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned seller, buying or selling a home is a difficult and sometimes stressful process. The good news is that you’re not on your own. Indeed, with the right real estate sales agent on your side, the entire home buying process – from house hunting to contract signing – can be exciting. After all, you want to work with a professional who will advocate for you, sell your home for top dollar, or assist you in finding the ideal home at the best price. But what qualities do you look for in a real estate sales agent? A good property professional is personable, knowledgeable, trustworthy, and equipped with the necessary resources and tools.

To guide buyers and sellers on the path toward working with the right real estate sales agent, we asked Bernard Cowley, Real Estate Sales Agent from Fitzanne Estates to share his knowledge and opinions on the most important qualities to look for in a real estate sales agent.

Honesty and Integrity

“The most important qualities of a good real estate sales agent are honesty and integrity; before anything else, a client’s interests come first,” says Cowley “A real estate sales agent’s best service to a client is to ensure that the home they want is the “right” home for them. They should do so by providing clients with as much information as possible in an honest and objective manner so that they can make an informed decision.”

Knowledge and Expertise

It’s critical to find a real estate sales agent who knows and understands your market area. Local agents are more knowledgeable about the neighbourhoods’ developments and ins-and-outs. Working with a specific person is also influenced by one’s personality.

Attention to Detail

Clients expect their real estate sales agent to be well-versed in the process and to guide them through it. Any omissions, errors, or missing paperwork could jeopardize the entire transaction. Furthermore, failing to conduct thorough research for a client could cost them thousands of rands. At all times, real estate sales agents must pay close attention to detail. “Being meticulous is one of the most important characteristics of a successful real estate sales agent, whether they are just starting out or have years of experience.”

Communication Skills

“Find an agent who can communicate well and matches your energy level; someone who can communicate well or has a communication style that is similar to yours,” advises Cowley.” This is critical when there is a lot of information to share, and you’ll want to be on the same page when discussing important topics. Find someone to whom you can ask any and all questions, and who will thoroughly explain everything you need to know, even if you don’t realize you need to know it. Also, someone with a good sense of humour and who can provide emotional support is great additions to your home search.”

True real estate professionals will take the time to talk about their skills and services over the phone, virtually, or in person. Communication and listening skills are extremely important when selecting an agent, so pay close attention here.

Negotiation Skills

When looking for an agent, it’s important to find someone who knows what can be negotiated and can come up with innovative solutions to help you achieve your real estate goals. Even if the answer is likely to be “No,” they should be willing to (diplomatically) push for better terms or make requests on your behalf. Above all, you should have the sense that you are being heard (and understood) without being judged.

Dedication and Determination

Honesty, dedication, and determination are essential qualities. Those are the three core ingredients that every real estate sales agent should possess. Look for a real estate sales agent who has demonstrated a commitment to their profession. An agent with a good reputation in the industry, years of experience, and has gone above and beyond to learn more about their field.

Team Support

When a team is properly set up, it can assist a seasoned real estate salesperson in selling more homes by providing support staff, leads, accountability, and assistance when an agent is sick or on vacation.

Compassion

One of the things buyers overlook when choosing a real estate sales agent is the basic concept of “can I work with this person?” Purchasing a home can be an emotional and stressful experience. As a result, rather than just on a transactional level, buyers should feel at ease with their agent on a personal level. A good agent will inquire about the buyers’ priorities and why they are important to them, rather than just the number of bedrooms and bathrooms because they want to understand their motivation on a personal level.

“When it comes to buying and selling a home, there are always a lot of questions,” Cowley says. “It is critical to have a compassionate agent who is concerned about the client. You want someone who is looking out for the client’s best interests.”

Experience

Determine the areas of interest for buyers and look for a real estate sales agent with experience in those areas. “Because the needs of buyers and sellers change almost weekly, experience in the current market is essential. Your real estate sales agent should also be familiar with the area you’re in and how to close deals in the current market,” Cowley advises.

Take note of the number of transactions over the last two years. There is a distinction to be made between professional and sophisticated representation by a property professional and allowing someone with accreditation to assist you in the purchase or sale of real estate. When it comes to choosing a real estate sales agent, experience is crucial. The number of transactions over the last two years, in addition to the number of years of experience, should be considered. An agent carries a great deal of responsibility and pressure on his or her shoulders. A buyer or seller should hire a real estate sales agent who not only understands the importance of the transaction but also has the skills to protect their clients throughout this complex process. 

Resourcefulness

“Find a real estate sales agent with the tools, resources, and dedication to assist their clients,” Cowley concludes. “A good real estate sales agent should have quick access to information on property values, taxes, and utility costs. They should be able to provide information on municipal services, school, and church locations, and so on. A good real estate sales agent also has the ability to thoroughly explain the process, forms, and procedures. They’ll be able to estimate costs and monthly payments, as well as act as a go-between for the buyer and seller. And lastly, they’ll be able to evaluate the need for and provide a list of experts.”

Having a trustworthy and reliable team on your side makes all the difference. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. today to find out how you can reach your property goals!