This post was last updated April 24, 2023.
When working with clients, real estate agents have to appear well-versed on most of the sought-after features and closely inspected spaces — like bathrooms and kitchens, for example.
Buyers and sellers will appreciate you as an agent if you know your alcove tubs from your walk-in tubs. Even better if you know a thing or two about bathtub materials and their perks and drawbacks.
So, if you want to dive in and learn everything you can, and be able to effortlessly (and expertly) answer questions clients throw your way, here is a primer on the amenities and features they care about most — plus other helpful tips on safety and home interiors.
Bathrooms
Freestanding, walk-in, whirlpool: What agents should know about bathtubs
As an agent, you can intelligently field questions about bathtubs and their variations if you have a few facts at your fingertips. Here are a handful of things you need to know about different types of bathtubs and their maintenance.
10 plumbing issues agents should know about (and their solutions)
Plumbing issues can cause so many headaches for buyers, sellers and their agents. If you’re a real estate pro, knowing a few simple tips and having an understanding of these problems can help put your and your clients’ minds at ease.
The 6 types of bathrooms all real estate agents should know
To be sure that everyone is using the same terms and speaking the same language, let’s dig a little deeper into what qualifies these six types of bathrooms.
Bedroom
What real estate agents should know about closets
Armoires, walk-ins, built-ins and storage systems — there are a myriad of ways we store our belongings. Here’s what sets them apart and how their design and purpose have evolved over the years.
Kitchen
6 kitchen layouts every agent should know
An agent who’s able to visualize the potential of a kitchen can help buyers in improving and upgrading existing spaces. To do that, you have to know these basic kitchen layouts.
Laundry room
What agents should know about washing machines
Laundry machines come in many sizes and models. Each of them has its pros and cons — as well as space and installation requirements. Here are a few essential things real estate agents should know about washing machines.
Dryers and dryer vents: What agents should know
One of the most common household appliances, the clothes dryer, can also be one of the most problematic for homebuyers. That’s why it’s important for agents to be fluent in the pros and cons of common household appliances when discussing housing options with clients.
What agents need to know about luxury laundry rooms
A well-designed, organized and cheerful laundry room or “clothing care center,” no matter where it’s located in a home, is definitely a fantastic selling point. Here are a few features agents should learn about.
Exterior
What agents should know about home solar power systems
As a real estate agent, it is beneficial to discuss different types of solar panels and systems with your buyers in order to refer them to the right solar installation professional.
What real estate agents need to know about artificial turf
Synthetic grass is a quick and easy, maintenance-free method to enhance a yard, terrace or rooftop. Agents who are well-educated about its perks can help their clients level up their curb appeal.
Interior
What real estate agents need to know about slab foundations
Most houses in the U.S. are built on foundations below grade, but agents should be educated on all types of foundations, including slabs, to be able to answer any buyer questions. Let’s break down what a slab foundation is and why it can be a smart choice.
What agents need to know about double-pane windows
Having the ability and the vocabulary to discuss different types of windows and knowing about their energy-efficient capabilities is beneficial for real estate agents who are selling both new construction and renovated properties. Here’s what to know.
What agents need to know about rigid foam insulation
Insulation, when installed properly, can significantly cut down energy costs, reduce noise, keep pests out, waterproof structures and minimize air filtration. Educate yourself on all the options so you can help your clients in their decision-making process.
What real estate agents need to know about soundproofing
Nobody likes unwanted, distracting noise, and every property can benefit from soundproofing to some degree, particularly in multifamily dwellings. Here’s what you need to know about soundproofing options so you can better serve your clients.
What agents need to know about electric fireplaces
Fireplaces are a highly sought-after feature — one that can really boost the value of a home. So, as an agent, being well-versed on their function today as well as installation details will make you look confident to your clients.
What agents need to know about energy-efficient lightbulbs
The right lighting can not only make a house feel like a home, it can also help homeowners improve their productivity and achieve major energy savings. Here’s what agents need to know about the various kinds of energy-efficient bulbs out there.
Finishes
What real estate agents should know about engineered wood floors
Availability and ease of installation make this type of flooring an excellent option for upgrading tired, worn or damaged floors in houses. Agents who’re well-informed about engineered wood floors and its perks will have a clear advantage with buyers.
What real estate agents need to know about laminate flooring
As a real estate agent, it counts to be well-versed on flooring options. Whether they’re selling or buying a home, your clients will appreciate your know-how and expertise in helping them problem-solve flooring issues.
What real estate agents should know about laminate countertops
Real estate agents who understand the availability of different laminates and their many use cases bring an advantage to their clients when discussing renovation options.
Pet amenities
What real estate agents need to know about dog spas
At-home pet spas and showers are now a unique (and sought-after) selling point of newer and remodeled properties. Knowing and understanding these trends can help agents stand out to potential clients.
Elevators and lifts
What real estate agents need to know about stair lifts
If your buyers have mobility issues, or even reservations about having stairs, here’s what you need to know to suggest stair lifts as an alternative means of traveling safely between levels.
What real estate agents need to know about installing an elevator
The independence that a small residential elevator brings to a homeowner, as well as the value it adds to the price of the house, makes it a worthwhile investment. However, it does come with many requirements, upkeep and expenses. Here are a few.
What you should know about elevator safety
Structure, accidents, safety tips — here’s everything agents need to know about elevators.
Pests
What real estate agents should know about bedbugs
Bedbugs have been around for a long time and will continue to be a menace to homeowners. A well-informed agent can address the pros and cons of different remediation techniques to help assure buyers and sellers that they can sleep soundly again at night.
What agents need to know about getting rid of household pests
Agents who are well-versed in the unpleasant — but very necessary — topic of pest and animal control can reassure both buyers and sellers and present them with helpful solutions. Plus, having that knowledge is also a quick way to gain their trust.
Safety
Be prepared: What agents need to know about fire safety at home
House fires can escalate in the blink of an eye, but with proper precautions and planning, they are preventable. Here’s how agents can help clients be prepared for the worst.
Hot tips for fire safety in apartment buildings
What should a resident in an apartment building do if they are inside their home and smell smoke or suspect a fire in the building? Here are a few precautions to follow — some obvious, some not so apparent.
Gerard Splendore is a licensed associate real estate broker with Warburg Realty in New York. Connect with him on LinkedIn.
