RE/MAX’s Top 10 Traits Of Highly Successful Real Estate Agents

The Nigerian Real Estate market is very complex and challenging.  With many people operating within and outside the framework of  the law from accredited appraisers and  to part time hustlers, bankers, facility managers, mortgage brokers, omo oniles, estate agents, your uncle Ojo and everything in between .  You can see that with so much going on in the industry, it's a wonder how prospective buyers and sellers can navigate without running into some scam or the other. That's why it is essential to engage the services of a professional estate agent in any real estate transaction.

The hallmark of a good real estate agent is similar in nature to a movie director, coordinating the different players to make a successful transaction a reality. At every stage of the transaction, the agent can play many roles from acting as a salesperson, a buyer’s advocate, an financial analyst, a business manager, a confidante, a negotiator, a consultant, and a marketer, just to name a few. 

In the course of our 40 years of operating in real estate markets the globe we've  identified a few characteristics, habits and  traits that all successful real estate professionals share.

Here are our top 10 Traits Of  Highly Successful Real Estate Agents. 

10. Problem solver mindset. A successful agent enjoys coming up with creative solutions to intractable problems or issues. The ability to bring a unique perspective to a deal is an invaluable skill that catapult an agent from obscurity to superstardom in a short amount of time. Many clients value such a skill and can refer business just by simply remembering how you helped solve a problem.

9. Entrepreneurial mindset. The desire to control your own professional & personal destiny and live life on your terms is a trait shared by the best real estate professionals. The most successful agents in Nigeria exhibit a high degree of self-motivation, discipline, drive, and decision making.

8. Integrity.  An agent's personal & professional reputation is crucial to experiencing long-term success in the real estate business. Honesty is always the best policy when dealing with clients.

7. Tenacity. To become a top producing real estate agent requires a strong work ethic. You must be willing to invest the time, energy and effort needed to pursue every potential lead, follow up with requests and aggressively work to increase your portfolio & market your portfolio. It’s not just about putting in a lot of time—it’s about working smart and efficiently, and doing whatever it takes to close the deal.

6. Passion for the industry, houses, and architecture. Having a sincere interest in houses and building can give you an advantage over other brokers and salespersons. If your knowledge and interest level are apparent in conversations, your clients will see that you care about the industry and will trust to provide a fair opinion when advising them.

5. Amiable personality. An excellent estate agent doesn’t just sell properties—they sell themselves. It’s important to show your true character. Also, you have to be a good listener and care about your clients well being.People will respond to you if you exhibit these traits.

4. Attention to detail. Having a detail-oriented mindset is a necessary ingredient for success in this business.  You must always be attentive to the unique needs of your clients. Also, you must be organized, meticulous, and pay attention to both the spoken and unspoken needs of your customers. Trust me, you will close many deals because of this habit alone.

3. Specific understand the local housing market. A top producing estate agent understands his community’s housing market and makes appropriate use of that knowledge to adjust the pricing & marketing strategy of each property in his portfolio. This breadth of knowledge enables a high performer to distinguish himself/herself from the competition.

2. Networker/Super connector. The most successful estate agents have a vast network of contacts within the market they serve. By routinely going out of your way to build connections and establish relationships you will go far in your professional and personal life.  Your friendship with other estate agents and brokers, potential buyers and sellers, community leaders, artisans, professionals and all the other players in your locality form the basis of people you will serve in your business. By providing exceptional service to your contacts, you'll find your business and life will be richer and obtain greater meaning and fulfilment.

1. Life-Long Learner.  An excellent agent must be a life-long learner and stay up-to-date with their products, local market, prospects and latest topics in the real estate industry. By continuing your education and professional development beyond your  tertiary education, you'll find that the doors of opportunity will open for you and with that will come to the expansion of your business and income.

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