Knowing use a computer is necessary for today's real estate agent.
Being a great real estate agent can mean different things to different people. To some people, a great real estate agent is one who makes the most money, regardless of the methods used to succeed. To others, a great real estate agent is one who honors his fiduciary duties and puts the needs of his clients before his own needs. Perhaps, a great real estate agent is actually the one who is able to make a great deal of money and still honor his fiduciary duties to his clients.
Knowledge of Real Estate Laws
If you want to be a great real estate agent, keep informed of current real estate laws. Yet this does not mean you should ever give your clients legal advice. Unless a real estate agent is also an attorney, she should not dispense legal advice. If you want to succeed, and intend to specialize, take additional real estate classes to help you learn as much as possible about your specialty. For example, if your specialty is land sales, take additional real estate classes and earn certifications and designations that pertain to land sales.
Knowledge of the Community
A great real estate agent knows his community and is familiar with the environment in which he works. Learn the history of the community where you practice real estate. Get familiar with its political environment, social scene and get involved. Successful agents participate in their community and contribute.
Knowledge of the Client
Listen to your client and get to the heart of what she wants, not what you want for her. A successful agent is one who understands her client's needs. Respond to your client's questions in a timely matter. A common complaint by real estate clients is that the agent never called or failed to respond to inquiries. Answer your emails and phone calls immediately, not next week. Develop a professional relationship with your clients, and keep in touch after the transaction. This doesn't mean you need to be your client's buddy. Keeping in touch might involve a monthly real estate newsletter or holiday greeting. When you establish a professional relationship, a satisfied client will bring you referrals and her future business.
Knowledge of New Trends
Keeping in touch with trends might mean learning about the newest real estate technology to assist the real estate professional, such as smart phones, tablet computers and effectively use social sites like Facebook and Twitter. Keeping in touch with trends also means local real estate trends, such as what local buyers are looking for in your area, or what upcoming community event might influence real estate sales.
Knowledge of Farming
A successful real estate agent is always looking for his next client. This involves knowledge of farming methods, such as sending out letters, setting up websites or writing a real estate blog. What attracts clients for one agent may not work for another. A great agent is one who utilizes his strengths to find clients. For example, an agent who writes well and consistently might be successful at attracting new clients by writing a real estate blog, whereas an agent who is a poor writer might find blogging a poor farming choice.
