Whether you're a seasoned professional or considering a career path in real estate, it's good to know what what character traits are necessary to thrive and succeed.
Paul Stevens, CEO of Just Property, discusses what it takes to be a successful real estate agent in today's climate. If you have these ten character traits, the world of real estate could be your calling:
1. Resiliency
The ability to weather ups and downs is inherent in any industry. Life never goes exactly the way the business plan describes it, so agents have to be the kind of positive people who keep going even when there are obstacles in their path.
2. Focus
After setting a long-term vision, you need the ability to hone your focus in on the very next step needed to get closer to the ultimate goal. There are many, wonderful distractions in the world of real estate, so this skill is critical.
3. Vested for the long-term
The ideal agent is entrepreneurial, and this mindset brings many great qualities. The only negative is that many entrepreneurs by their nature are not patient. If you can combine an entrepreneurial mindset with patience, this is the field for you. Success takes lots of time and effort.
4. Emotionally intelligent
To succeed in this field, you need to be a people's person and get joy from dealing with a wide range of buyers or sellers who are taking some of the most important decisions of their lives. Solution-driven, caring people who enjoy networking will do well.
5. Sell - this goes without saying
You have to love finding solutions for your clients and helping them reach the right decisions for their needs and lifestyle. And then you need to know how to close.
6. Learn
Successful agents realise that they don't know everything and that the market is always changing. They stay up to date on new systems, technology, and industry trends, and they are open to constant innovation.
7. Self-reflection
Agents need to make time for downtime to reflect on the past and plan for the future. Always working only leads to burnout, physically and emotionally. "We encourage time out of the office and work, life balance," says Stevens.
8. Self-reliance
Ultimately, agents need to be resourceful enough to find the answers they are looking for, and they need to take responsibility for their own success.
9. Tech-savvy
"To stay ahead in today's world, we need to harness the efficiencies that tech offers, from being able to draw on data-driven insights to streamlining processes. Property has very definitely entered the digital age - if technology does not excite you, reconsider," says Stevens.
10. 100% Customer-centric
Stevens says a new breed of agent is emerging, one with a sharp eye on what today's customer needs. "We see our agents' work as a service to their community."
"If you are eager to serve your clients, to find solutions for them and guide them through the intricacies of property transactions, leveraging all the tech and other tools at your disposal, you will enjoy being in this game," says Stevens.
And if you have the above character traits, Just Property is hiring and looking for exceptional people to join them, he adds.