It is a well-known fact that real estate is one of the most competitive industries out there. You have to compete against countless others, all of whom are trying to cut the best deal for their clients. This means that it is not enough for you to be just qualified for the job; you also need to have the right skills to be a good and successful real estate agent. But, what skills do you need? Asaf Izhak Rubin has highlighted some of the important ones that can make a big difference in your career. Let’s check them out:
- Communication skills
Since working as a real estate agent will require you to work with people, the most important skill for you is that of communication. But, experts like AsafIzhak Rubin will tell you that communication is a tad more challenging for real estate agents than other industries because every client you take on is different. Some clients prefer to communicate over email, others respond better to phone or text. You have to be an expert at handling different types of communication and respond quickly.
Likewise, the extent of communication also varies from client to client, as some prefer to do the contacting, while others prefer that you check in with them regularly. Other communication also involves reaching out to colleagues, leads as well as others for the purpose of networking.
- Reading social cues
It is not just verbal communication skills that are needed; AsafIzhak Rubin suggests that you also learn to read body language because this can give you additional information. Facial expressions and body language will let you know if a client is nervous about something, so you can ask appropriate questions for uncovering the problem. Furthermore, you also have to be attentive towards your own body language to communicate the right message.
- Negotiation skills
The best real estate agents are those who can negotiate and still maintain their integrity. Their aim is to strike the best deal in the interest of both parties involved. This can also include educating your clients about how to negotiate, which means telling them when the deal is a good one and should be accepted. Another aspect of negotiating that you should know is when to let go of a deal. You want to keep losses minimum.
- Active listening skills
Yes, active listening can be a part of communication, but AsafIzhak Rubin believes that it is important enough to be categorized separately. You have to be able to listen to your clients patiently and give them your complete attention. Give them room to express their concerns and doubts, ask follow up questions and repeat when they have stated for getting confirmation. This can help you build trust and prevents you from making any assumptions.
- Problem-solving skills
Another useful skill that AsafIzhak Rubin suggests a real estate agent should have is problem-solving. You need to be able to tackle challenges that come your way and figure out a way to find a solution. This could be anything that ranges from dealing with a client who has unrealistic expectations, or selling a house that has been sitting on the market for too long.
- Tech savviness
Those days are long gone when real estate agents could keep their contacts in a notebook and use post-its. Now, technology is the name of the game and Asaf Izhak Rubin states that every agent has to master it because it can streamline a lot of processes and also assist in converting leads. You can also use tech for hosting virtual house tours, adding appeal to your listings, sharing documents with coworkers and clients and staying organized. Even managing your accounts and real estate finance law of the business can be easier with technology.
Master these skills and you will be able to stand out in the competitive real estate industry, just the way you want.