7 Traits All Successful Real Estate Agents Have in Common

By K.K. Rothermich

My husband likes to share this quote with me from time to time…”can’t means you don’t want to.”  He says his daddy used to say that to him all the time. Guess what? He learned not to say it. I still try to sneak it in when it suits me, though. This is directly related to real estate because the first question you should be asking yourself is, do I have what it takes to be a real estate agent? In a previous article I outlined the steps it takes to licensure and achieving success, but maybe you should ask yourself first…do I really have the right personality traits to be a successful real estate agent? Let’s find out. Here are the 7 traits all successful real estate agents have in common.

1.   I am a Problem Solver.

When people tell you about a problem they are having, do you immediately jump in and start giving them ideas of how to solve their issue? Do you offer suggestions, question them and get to the heart of the matter so that you can help to solve this problem? If so, you just might be a perfect candidate to be a real estate agent. Every day in an agent’s life problems arise with listings, contracts, closings, inspections, mortgage companies, other agents, sellers, buyers, and so on. Do solving these problems give you a sense of accomplishment? If so, you definitely have the makings of being a fabulous agent!

2.  I Have an “I Can Do This Attitude”.

Henry Ford said, “Some people believe they can. Other people believe they cannot. Both are correct.” When I heard this, I didn’t quite understand it. Teachers as well as my parents have been telling me this since I was a little girl. Every time I would whine and say…”I can’t do this. It’s too hard.” I would hear this quote, and not understand, but now it is quite clear to me. If I think I can do something, then it will get done. Period. End of discussion. Is this you? If you hear yourself saying, “I’m not very good at….”, or “I can’t call people I don’t know...”, or “I can’t because I don’t know how...,” then you might re-think this real estate agent-thing or better yet -- turn your attitude into an "I can do this" attitude. I adhere to the old adage: Where there’s a will; there’s a way! See item #1 again. 

3.  I Love People.

This may sound like a strange one or it could be self-evident. In any case, you will be around a lot of unique individuals, and you simply must enjoy getting to know each and every one. You have to embrace our differences and have fun learning who they are. We are all different in so many ways, and discovering those differences and embracing them will make you a great agent. I like to say if we were all the same, we’d all be driving yellow Toyotas. I do not want to drive a yellow Toyota, but you might. Getting to know each and every one of your clients is fun and makes you more empathetic over time.

4.  I am Detailed.

Is this you -- I thoroughly read for understanding, and I listen carefully for understanding. Are people always telling you to slow down? Or, are you the one always lagging behind because you are re-reading for in-depth understanding? If you are the latter, then real estate is for you. You must be able to read through a detailed contract for understanding or listen to a conversation in order to synthesize and understand all that the other party has to convey. This is a very important skill. Misunderstanding could cause your client to lose the opportunity for a new home, or income from a sale and so many other issues. If you don’t feel great at this skill, it is something that can be acquired and there is lots of training available.

5.  I am a Planner.

Deadlines. We feel pressure when faced with a deadline, but if you are a planner this is where you shine. You love looking over the whole process and outlining a timeline of events that must take place in order to close your clients on time. I admit it. I am a huge planner. I usually plan too far in advance and have to make changes because I’ve done it too early. That’s ok; I’d rather have it done and done correctly on time or ahead of time than to be late and cause a domino effect of problems for other people. As an agent, certain things must be done in a certain time frame or your clients will not be able to “close” on time. This is vital. You must get inspections, appraisals, renegotiations, and so much more done by a specific time. There are dates placed into a contract for a reason. They must be followed. You must also get your clients to respond and get necessary documents to the mortgage company in a certain timeframe as well. If you’re a great planner, this part of the process is fun, comfortable, and easily accomplished. If you’re not, again, you can acquire this skill fairly easily with training.

6.  I love real estate!

I love looking at houses, condos, land, and other properties. I find delight in seeing brand new homes come on the market and never miss the homes tours every fall and spring. I love looking at historical homes and seeing their potential and wonder who the people were that lived there. I wonder what the history is of the families that grew up in that home. I love looking across a vast open area and seeing the potential for the land, and wonder which pioneers graced this land as they traveled through. Yep. Did you just get chills reading all of that? Then you have the real estate fever.

7.  I’m OK with some risk at the price of controlling my own schedule.

Feast or famine. The real estate business, especially home sales are cyclical. I won’t bore you with exact times here, except to say that usually spring and summer are very busy, and you will bring home a nice chunk of change, but can be brutal on your bank account during the winter. Are you able to control your finances in such a way that you can make it through those brutal months without a paycheck? Many agents I know enjoy the thrill of it. They take the challenge and rise to it. It can certainly make your heart beat a little faster during the real estate famine times, but it can also make you jump for joy at some of the fabulous take home paychecks when you just closed on a house.

Do YOU have these 7 Traits All Successful Real Estate Agents Have in Common? Whatever your personality many of these can be trained, but having some natural inclination towards these 7 traits all successful real estate agents have in common will help you in the long run. We are growing. We are looking for agents, new and experienced. Is this you? Call me today! We want to hear from you. 816-866-1332.

K. K. Rothermich is a 20-year real estate veteran with experience in listing and selling homes, farm, and commercial residential development land. She wants to talk with you about all your real estate questions, comments, and needs. You can reach her for a free consultation at [email protected]. Visit her website at karenrothermich.exprealty.com. karenrothermich.exprealty.careers