- Successful agents will offer a free consultation to ensure the client is a good fit
- You need to live and breathe the market around you
- Having a support team of people who have expert knowledge in a specific area ensures all problems can be solved
As real estate agents, we understand that selling or buying a home — especially in cities like San Francisco — is a big endeavor.
There is a lot at stake for the clients. This is why it’s important for clients to work with an experienced real estate agent who knows the local market inside and out.
A client already knows that they need to find a homebuyer or a seller, but what about finding the right real estate agent who fits their particular needs?
Here are five qualities will make a positive impression on clients for future success:
Offer an initial consultation for free
An initial consultation is an important part of the homebuying or selling process, since you will be working with the client from start to finish, and you will be the person helping the client find a place to call home!
An experienced real estate agent knows that an initial consultation is just as important to the agent as it is to the client, and will therefore offer this service free of charge.
A wealth of local industry knowledge
It may be hard to believe, but not all real estate agents are familiar with their local real estate market. Whether clients are buying or selling, they’ll want to work with an agent who lives in the area. Knowing your local market gives potential clients access to someone who is truly “in the know.”
It’s even better when the real estate agent has worked in the area for several years!
Being an experienced, local agent also means that you understand the particular ins and outs of the local real estate market. You will have experienced the market during times of economic boom, decline and stability— and will know how to act accordingly. This expertise will save clients time and money and will help them achieve the best return on their investments.
Efficient project management
A qualified real estate agent is organized, transparent and responsive. He or she will make time for clients and will never make clients feel like they are not a priority. A successful real estate agent will have good references, an excellent track record and a reputation to be proud of.
Having efficient project management skills means keeping track of appointments, securing open houses, arranging meetings and showings, and offering any additional real estate services clients may require.
Expert negotiation skills
Whether a client is buying or selling, expert negotiation skills are required to ensure that the process goes smoothly and that everyone is satisfied. No one wants to find the home of their dreams, or find the perfect buyer, only to lose it all due to negotiation errors.
A good real estate agent will have testimonials from past clients stating that the negotiation process went well. They will have references and excellent communication skills.
Clients want to work with an agent who will get them the best deal possible without making anyone feel like they’ve been cheated. With a good real estate agent, everybody wins.
Real estate support network
If you’re a real estate agent who works with a team of other agents, you’ve hit the jackpot. Real estate teams, like SFhotlist and Keller Williams San Francisco, have agents who specialize in all aspects of real estate. So if clients ever have a need that is unique to their situation, there will be someone on the team who can help.
What has been successful for you? What about technology or marketing or using social media for real estate success?
Danielle Lazier, Senior Broker-Associate, Keller Williams San Francisco, is a top 10 San Francisco real estate agent. She is founder of SFhotlist.com, San Francisco’s first real estate blog.
