The real estate business sees different people playing different roles. These include mortgage brokers, bankers, home inspectors, contractors, appraisers, property managers, and several others. That’s not even counting the seller and potential buyers, for any property listed. The various contributions they make are too numerous to list, but are all very important. One thing that remains constant: it is the Real Estate Broker who ties it all together. That’s right, he or she calls all of these different people out where needed, to get the client’s needs met. They facilitate communication between all of the people involved, and keep track of the progress. So the question begs asking: what are the qualities of a top Real Estate Broker?
Many people can become a Realtor of one sort or another and start a real estate career. Only a rare select few rise to the top. One of the qualities they require from Day 1? The ability to wear several “hats” at once. At various stages in the process, a great Broker alternates between consultant, buyer’s advocate, salesperson, analyst, and negotiator… to name a few. Naturally, not everyone is born with the ability to juggle all these tasks at once. Some skills are instinctual, some are taught, and some we copy from other successful people. Similar to other fields, however, certain characteristics keep coming back when top Real Estate Brokers are studied.
PASSION
It’s extremely difficult to make it in this business without a genuine heartfelt passion. Many long hours, hard work, persistence, and a commitment to long-term goals lead the list. You don’t accept so many rejections and keep working that darn hard, without passion. Enough said.
ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT
This isn’t just about becoming wealthy, it’s the intangibles: self-starter, endless motivation, strong drive, free thinker, patience, and good instincts. Staying open to new ideas -because you’re not convinced you know everything- allows for learning. Being cooperative with other Brokers around town allows for joint efforts down the line. Putting their motivation to grow the business ahead of their ego.
Being your own boss is a lot easier than it sounds, but it’s not for everyone. Only those with the desire to control their own professional destiny. To be successful in real estate requires large amounts of “guts” and a risk-taker attitude. Lastly, being persistent and tenacious, without being annoying to the other side. These are the qualities of a top Real Estate Broker.
GREAT COMMUNICATOR
This not only means the ability to speak freely, sound educated, or knowing how to pick up a phone or compose an email. This also refers to passing along important details to the right people, and leaving out unnecessary stuff to others. It’s a regular flow of info via phone, text, e-mail, or whatever medium the client prefers; while expressing yourself effectively on each. Saying more while using less words is also among the qualities of a top Real Estate Broker.
BE POLISHED
Punctual, well-dressed, well-groomed, using proper language skills, chewing with your mouth closed, and always maintaining class and sophistication. Most of this category is superficial, indeed, but the exterior is what makes the first impression. This also includes not taking 7 other phone calls or texts while meeting your new client for coffee. Remain confident but never arrogant.
PART-TIME PSYCHOLOGIST
There’s so much emotion involved in Real Estate transactions -especially residential- that removing the human element is almost impossible. This means that reading people, both in what they do and do not say, is crucial. Interpreting your customer’s non-verbal signals and behaviours allows you to better understand their needs.
There is so much they will not tell you outwardly, but from the small cues you need to get a feel for:
A client’s time frame. Are they in a hurry?
The real motivation to buy or sell, which affects their decisions.
Are they more price-sensitive than willing to admit?
Who’s the opinion leader in a married couple?
How much information becomes too much?
Knowing when to use humour to lighten the mood.
LARGE NETWORK
Another of the qualities of a top Real Estate Broker. They start with a small network of people (family, friends, etc.) but have the ability to grow it very quickly. This is done in many ways, and the most important are.pinetree hill condo