Top 5 traits to look for in a real estate agent

The process of looking for a suitable real estate agent for you can be a difficult challenge. With such a diverse range of skills and personalities it can be hard to determine which agent you want. However, it is important to know that some traits are better than others, particularly when it comes to selling property as a real estate agent.

Here are the top 5 traits we have found make the perfect real estate agents.

1. Initiative

Undoubtedly, having an agent who is proactive and takes the initiative is vital in ensuring your property sells for the best price. An agent who takes the initiative will act on opportunity and follow up any leads that your property may have to ensure you are getting the best offers available. Ensuring that your pick of real estate agent will be seizing opportunities for you where possible is an important characteristic to look out for. Ask your top candidates what their plan for selling your property and how involved they are throughout the process to get an idea on how proactive they are.

2. Flexibility

Having an agent who is flexible to your demands or criteria is important, particularly with the selling of your property. With life running alongside the process of selling your property, an agent who can adapt to your lifestyle and still maintain quality performance is integral. Ensuring your agent contains the flexibility to adapt to any selling conditions as well as any changes you may want and is not overbearing in the selling process bodes for a superb real estate agent.

3. Dedication

One of the most common problems which arise for home sellers is unresponsive agents. As an advisor guiding you through the selling process, having an agent who is not determined to help you get the best price for your property can be detrimental to your property's value in the market. When selecting your agent, it is essential to check the agent is dedicated to you. This means the agent is responsive and will keep you in the loop constantly as well as takes the time and effort to explain to you any concepts which may be foreign to you. A simple test to observe how dedicated your potential agent is to you is to see whether they return your calls - a good agent will return your call within 24 hours.

4. Honesty

They say honesty is the best policy and this is certainly the case when it comes to real estate. Knowing you have an agent who will share not only the good news, but also keep you informed of any bad news is a sign of a responsible agent. An agent who provides you with all of the information available allows you as the property seller to make the most informed and well-advised decision on your property. Any withheld information within the selling process can be detrimental to the price your property sells for. When hiring a real estate agent, confirm your agent is an honest person and is aware of the importance of complete transparency in information.

5. Confidence

Confidence is a crucial element in selling anything and having a self-assured salesman is key to selling your property. With many dubious as well as skeptical buyers who may attempt to bargain and negotiate prices, having an agent who has the confidence to go head to head with these buyers is important. An agents who can exhibit their assurance to you within your first meeting will ensure you have a capable agent who has the confidence to get you the best price for your property.Using these traits to assess your potential real estate agents can easily help you filter the great agents from the mediocre ones. Ensuring your agent possess some, if not all, of these personality traits will ensure you have a capable and talented agent to sell your property. For more information, read our article covering a recent study on what make's a good real estate agent.