Finding an agent you trust and who you enjoy working with can take a little work. If you’ve bought or sold real estate in the past, you will know that not all agents are created equally. It’s important that you work with an agent you trust, who will work tirelessly to help with your real estate needs. In our latest post, we will outline some of the best qualities of a top agent!
Your agent should fill many roles, ally, confidant, counselor, and advocate just to name a few. There are several personality traits top agents will have in common and other sharp business-savvy skills they should possess. Below, we list some of our favorite traits of a Top Real Estate Agent in the Bay Area!
Qualities of a Top Real Estate Agent | What to Look for in the Bay Area
Honest
This is a no-brainer, but you will need to know your agent is being honest with you at all times. This means sometimes telling you things you might want to hear. They should be upfront with you about what they are doing to sell your home and what to expect throughout the entire process.
Problem Solver
Your agent should be someone who is quick on their feet. Someone who can handle a last-minute snafu with tact and grace. They will do whatever it takes to get the job done, tacking any problem head-on before it escalates into something bigger.
Engaging
Your agent should know how to draw people in. How to make them want to know more about a property. They should have excellent conversational skills and not make you feel as if there is an alternate motive. Thier personality should shine through, and not appear robotic or to always say the right thing. People want to feel comfortable, and working with someone who makes them feel at ease is a terrific start.
Attention to Detail
You are paying your agent for a reason. They should have all bases covered. They should tend to things you may not have even thought of. Moving your car out of the driveway for photos, taking down your kid’s diploma during a showing, hiding the trash cans when people view the home… these are all small things, but they have big subconscious effects on your potential buyers.
Motivated
A great agent will love what they do. Some people love real estate and they genuinely love the process of helping people buy and sell homes. They are motivated beyond money, and instead simply LOVE being good at what they do.
Knowledgeable
Never stop learning is our motto and we believe the same to be true for top agents. They should be abreast of everything going on the real estate world, especially in your local market.
Look for an agent who is certified in many areas or who is often found at seminars and events. An agent in your corner who really knows their stuff is one of the best assets you have in successfully selling your home.
Proactive
They should always be one step ahead of you. They should also gently push you if things need to get done. They know what it takes to sell, and they should work with you to make those things happen.
Some agents will put in little effort and hope for a buyer to come along. This isn’t the strategy of a top agent!
Be Well Connected
You know the people that seem to know everyone in town? This should be your real estate agent. The more people they know, the more likely they are to be able to spread the word about your house.
They will also be able to offer great recommendations for cleaning, staging and repair work.
They Listen
We all know those people who talk over you. The ones who you have a conversation with, but you know they haven’t heard a word you said.
Each situation is different and a good agent will listen to your needs, goals, and expectations from the sale. It is your house and your voice should not go unheard.
However, you are hiring a professional for a reason, and you should always factor in their opinion when making a decision about your house.
They Have References
Not just selected references, ones they have handpicked. But rather ask them about their most recent 10 or so clients. What would they have to say about the experience? A top agent will have no problem providing references from their most recent clients!
