Thread: Traits of a good agent

What are the traits of a good agent?

The ability to communicate well is probably number one. You need an agent who will keep either buyer or seller informed of all issues.
Look for a FULL TIME agent, not someone who is "IN REAL ESTATE" as a second or supplemental job. It takes a lot of time and effort to keep up with current inventory, rules and regs, the best loan programs available.
Experience is always a plus and goes without saying. However, sometimes the "oldies" are not tech savvy. I am an "oldie", but also keep up with all new technology, being e-certified and internet proficient. I am still not afraid to say "I DON'T KNOW THE ANSWER TO THAT QUESTION, BUT I KNOW HOW TO FIND THE ANSWER FOR YOU".
Look for a REALTOR....someone who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS. All agents are not REALTORS.
Visit the website for NAR. It has a lot of information on that subject.
Have a successfull and happy 2010.

In this market you may want to consider an agent with outside income.

Another steady job or an employed spouse can provide staying power until the market improves.

Also contacts from a second job may provide good leads.

Ethics and honesty for your principal and other agents. Period.

If you have already think not to work for somebody because the commission will not be high enough, you're bad...
If you have already think to try selling your listing instead of working with others because of a potential higher commission, you're a bad one again...
etc...
etc...
etc...

The most important trait of an agent is Honesty. If they are telling you that right now you have to move quick and this is the best deal you are going to get... they are lying ang you should get someone else.

They have to have desire. Sales takes a lot of work to really be successful. If somebody is lacking the desire to be the best, then they will fizzle out and fade away. So many people get chewed up and spit out in the real estate sales game.

For me I think the most important trait of an agent is integrity. Doing the right thing all of the time is very professional.

I've dealt with quite a few agents since looking for a home but only one really fought for me in getting things done (even though we didn't get all that was originally offered) and didn't lose her temper with me due to my lack of knowledge of real estate. Out of ten agents (I just called the number that was on the sign of the house we were interested in), all but three were women and they were the best in communicating, listening, and humility.

In this market you may want to consider an agent with outside income.
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-good real estate agent needs to be a "people person" because they interact with many people in a transaction, not just their client.
-excellent negotiator.
-accessible to their client
-hard worker