The Top 5 Critical Skills Needed in a Real Estate Agent
In a Changing Real Estate Industry
Over the past 10 years, so much has changed in the real estate industry. There are numerous who you choose to work with you on this major asset in your wealth portfolio is extremely important. Here are top five skills to look for in an agent NOW to ensure the success of your real estate transaction
1. Knowledge of Local Area and Current Housing Trends
Real estate has become a hyperlocal business. Your neighborhood, or even your street, can show trends that can differ from regional and national trends. Realtors® must keep a deep working knowledge of their local area and nearby comparable communities to provide an accurate market value of your house. Knowing proximity to commuting routes, public transportation, parks, grocery stores, commerce, schools, and other local amenities that enrich lives and make routine activities more convenient, adds to the value of the home.
2. Trained in Home Staging
First impressions of a home are made in seconds. Effective staging creates a positive first impression. It can also create an emotional connection with the home that is essential to triggering a buyer’s decision to purchase. Research confirms that staging helps a home sell faster and for a higher price. As an Accredited Staging Professional®, I have experienced this phenomenon time after time with our listings. I’ve also had buyers who selected a staged home over an un-staged home, even when the staged home was more expensive. Seek an agent with professional staging credentials who understands the science behind staging. Just as professional staging triggers the emotional connection required to purchase the house, haphazard staging will have the opposite effect.
3. Be Tech Savvy
Most of the information we receive comes from the device in the palm of our hands. Buyers and sellers of all ages rely on technology and social media to look at homes, analyze data, compare values, and search for neighborhood amenities. Agents must stay current with technology and real estate platforms that are constantly advancing. They must also be able to adapt their communication styles to multiple types of tech platforms, for example, text vs. email.
Having a web presence and the ability to adapt to new technology is essential to serving real estate clients. In addition to providing valuable information to clients, today’s applications allow agents to manage transactions seamlessly, store data required for compliance reviews, and create a convenient paperless environment.
4. Understanding Fair Housing Rules
To understand the importance and values of the equality regulations we have today, Realtors® must understand the history of discrimination in housing and lending. As representatives of home buyers and sellers in their communities, providing equitable, ethical service is paramount. The National Association of REALTORS® has developed a Fair Housing Program to provide resources and guidance to Realtors® designed to ensure equal professional services for all people. To learn more, visit www.nar.realtor/fair-housing.
5. Continuing Education
Speaking of staying up to date, Realtors® must be educated in what’s new and happening in the industry. This includes mortgage rates, real estate rules and regulations, contract changes and more. The agent guides clients through all the necessary paperwork and technicalities related to a sale. Understandably, most homeowners are unaware of real estate regulations, contract terms and processes and depend on the real estate agent to guide them. The best in their field are always learning.
The real estate industry is continuously evolving and changing. Finding a real estate agent who actively works to improve their knowledge and skills so you can be sure you have a professional guide acting as your fiduciary to protect your valuable real estate asset.
The Magnificent Manors Team of KW Metro Center has the experience and resources to help you reach your real estate goals. If you’re considering buying, selling, or investing in Northern Virginia or Washington DC, we’re available to serve you. Contact me to join the many clients whose expectations were surpassed by the dedication and professionalism of The Magnificent Manors Team of KW Metro Center.
[email protected] | 703-798-1803 | www.magnificentmanors.com
MARYBETH G. FRASER, MBA, & Realtor®, is the CEO and Team Leader of The Magnificent Manors Team of KW Metro Center. She is a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist® and Accredited Staging Professional® Licensed in VA & DC.
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