There are over 100,000 real estate professionals in Canada, all of whom have gone through the training, taken the courses, passed the exams, and are qualified to buy and sell property all over the country. Your success as a Realtor depends on what you do to stand out from the crowd. What qualities, attributes, strengths, and characteristics do you have that set you apart from the competition? Becoming a top real estate agent doesn’t happen by accident. If your goal is to be a leader in the industry, you’ve got to have these key traits:
As a Realtor, you are bound to run into unexpected problems and surprises. Contracts will fall through, buyers and sellers will change their minds, and the local market will change on a dime. Your job is to navigate these problems swiftly, always keeping the client’s best interest in mind. Creative problem-solving comes in handy when you need to write an MLS description about a house that needs a little love, or you need to stage a home in a way that showcases its strengths while downplaying its flaws. Top Realtors solve problems before their clients even know the problem existed.
One of the raw to becoming a Realtor is the flexibility and freedom that comes with being your own boss. As a Realtor, you work as hard and as much as you want. Your success depends on how hard you’re willing to work and how innovative you’re willing to be. The most successful real estate professionals have an entrepreneurial mindset; they don’t sit around waiting for a superior to tell them how to do their job, how to network with people, or how to close the deal. They are proactive and self-motivated and have a strong desire to control the trajectory of their career.
While being a top Realtor does involve freedom and flexibility in your career, it also requires discipline and hustle. Since you typically don’t have anybody telling you what to do or when to do it, it’s up to you to have the self-discipline to get the job done. This means working extra hours if required and choosing to put in the time necessary to build your personal brand and expand your network.
Real estate is about people first and property second. Top Realtors know their local market, but they also know how to relate to people. They are good listeners, and they put the needs of their clients first. Top Realtors know that success is about building relationships, and are eager to network, serve their community, and meet new people whenever they can.
Buying and selling real estate is a very detail-oriented process. It requires careful planning, strategic problem solving, and the ability to think on your feet. It also means being able to anticipate the next step in the process and pay attention to detail. Other ways Realtors can demonstrate that they have an eye for detail include:
Having a professional quality website
Dressing for success- all the time
Having an organized, clean, and modern workspace
Using software and apps that helps them stay organized
Going the extra mile to make open houses stand out
Implementing a combination of traditional and creative marketing techniques
Buyers and sellers want a Realtor who can see the big picture, but who can also break the entire process down into manageable steps without missing any crucial details.
Some people have a natural appreciation and eye for architecture and design. They are passionate about the way buildings and structures serve as the backdrop for a client’s life. These people make the best Realtors because they aren’t just in it for the sale, they are authentically interested in the intricacies of the real estate market. They are enthusiastic about exploring new neighborhoods, discovering new properties, and the process of matching their client with the perfect home.
One thing all top Realtors have in common is that they are strong communicators. They listen more than they speak, they don’t interrupt, and they understand the importance of clear and direct communication. Most top Realtors give their clients a variety of different ways to contact them (call, email, text, walk-in) and also spread their marketing efforts over a variety of social media platforms. This expands their reach and makes it easier for prospective clients to reach them.
Part of leading this industry is getting back to people promptly, doing what you say you’re going to do and working with integrity.
Time is of the essence in most real estate transactions, and top Realtors are experts when it comes to managing this time well. The job often requires quick decision making, and the ability to know when to wait and when to take action. Top Realtors have learned to delegate specific tasks to people they trust to save time. This requires letting go of some of the control but can help maximize time and get more accomplished.
If you’re scared of rejection, real estate may not be for you. Realtors have to get out there, make bold moves, ask for what they want, and be confident with negotiations. They have to make the phone calls, not sit around and wait for the phone to ring. Top Realtors aren’t afraid to make extravagant (but realistic) goals and work extra hard to reach them. Sometimes, great Realtors make people uncomfortable because they’re not afraid to go after what they want. They see their goal and pursue it relentlessly.
Top Realtors know that image is everything. They understand the power of their personal brand and pay close attention to the details that set them apart from their competition. They are strategic in the way they present themselves to their clients and their community. They invest in their company by investing in professional website design and are active within their local community. They take the time to create a brand that showcases their strengths while still focusing on their clients. When they aren’t sure how to create a personal brand that stands out, they work with professional real estate marketing companies that can point them in the right direction.
Self-analysis and careful reflection are critical when developing yourself as a real estate professional. It’s important to look carefully at yourself as a person, as a member of the community, and as a professional to identify your strengths and weaknesses. If you’re going to lead this industry, you have to consistently work towards better communication, organization, time management, discipline, hustle, and establishing your personal brand.
If you’re ready to set yourself apart from the competition, contact RealtyBloc today. We can help you make a name for yourself in this competitive industry through innovative branding strategies, professionally designed websites, and other marketing services. Call us today!
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