5 Qualities Every Great Real Estate Agent Must Have

Not-so-fun fact: when you reach out to a real estate agent, the average response time in the United States is 44 hours. That’s almost two days of being left in limbo when you could otherwise be getting two days closer to finding your dream home. As you begin to reach out to real estate professionals who catch your eye, pay close attention to response time: it’ll say a lot about the agent’s ability to respond quickly throughout the process. In a market as competitive and fast-paced as the current one, it’s crucial that your real estate agent be proactive and responsive every step of the way.

Of course, every agent has to start somewhere – and we’re not knocking those who are early into their careers. When it comes to experience, it’s important that you evaluate both your agent and their brokerage company as a whole. Experience denotes several qualities that will be instrumental throughout your buying or selling process: it means your agent is well-equipped to negotiate on your behalf, to use their practical knowledge to find you the best homes in the best areas, and to make sure you’re set up for financial success. Another bonus is that experienced agents and brokerages generally come with a large professional network (including inspectors, loan officers, and title companies) who can help your transaction move as quickly as possible.

Real estate agents are required by law to protect the best interests of their clients along every step of the way. That being said, one of the most important things you can do as you evaluate different real estate agents is to look for above-and-beyond honesty. Search for agents who offer you realistic advice and recommendations, prioritizing your financial circumstances and non-negotiable needs in order to set you up for long-term growth. Though an unconditional Yes Man agent may be tempting to work with, chances are they don’t have your best interests at heart.

Passion is one of those qualities every great real estate agent must have, and it should be evident from your very first conversation. A passionate agent will be enthusiastic about getting to know you and your family, your needs, and your goals for the future; they’ll dive into looking for your perfect home and will stop at nothing to make sure you find them. Passionate real estate agents are quick to follow up with you, responsive throughout the entire process, and tireless in their drive to find the home of your dreams.

Of all the qualities every real estate agent must have, this is the one we can’t stress enough: your real estate agent needs to have extensive market knowledge. This means they must be able to speak to current real estate trends, the projected growth of your area and how this relates to every neighborhood you’re considering, the realistic expectations you should have for homes within your budget, and countless other pieces of information that will help make your journey to homeownership successful. As you search for a great agent, don’t be afraid to ask extensive questions – and don’t commit to one until you’re satisfied with the answer.

Ultimately, choosing a real estate agent is one of the most important things you can do as you gear up to buy or sell your home: your agent is your guide, resource, and biggest advocate throughout the entire process – it’s only reasonable to make sure they’re up to par. To learn more about the qualities you should look for in a real estate agent and get expert tips on navigating your real estate journey, schedule a free consultation with us.