Competition in the real estate industry is not merely limited to the developers and brokers. It is equally competitive and demanding to be a real estate agent. And when you are competing against hundreds of agents in the market, you need to have an X-factor to stand out and be successful. 

So how does one become a star real estate agent? Let’s take a look.

Know your local neighborhood by heart.

Good real estate agents have intimate knowledge of not just the property they are selling but also the town where it is located. A client can ask a question about a street and they would know which properties are on the market, if any property was sold recently and the general status of the community. Some may even know a few local anecdotes or stories that may not be publicly available.

Details about the property can easily be found online but top agents know more than what’s on the surface, and that’s their advantage. So be sure to do your due diligence and research your area well. It also pays to get to know the locals and immerse yourself in the community. 

Keep up with new technology.

Successful real estate agents are tech-savvy. These are the smartphone and tablet users who use apps and tools to help them manage work better. They use technology to organize their contacts, access their documents and update their network on current listings, price drops and more.

Apart from that, they are usually abreast on the latest changes in the industry via the Internet. Staying on top of trends and maximizing technology is what separates the good from the best. 

Be responsive. 

We know real estate agents live a pretty busy life. But what sets successful agents from the ordinary one is their level of responsiveness. Great agents respond to emails, sms and inquiries as quickly as they can. They answer all questions and are willing to go the extra mile to make a client feel comfortable. 

Staying in touch with your clients is a great way to win their trust and loyalty. It makes the customer feel special and that you genuinely care for them. Be patient with your clients and answer their inquiries as quickly as you can. In addition, be sure to match your client’s communication style and adjust according to their needs.

Be patient and explain the process.

Buying a house is a major decision for homeowners. Some of them may be first-time homeowners and are most likely have hundreds of questions. Successful real estate agents are those who take the time to explain everything to their clients. The idea is to provide the clients all the information they need to make a sound decision. 

Not only do you gain their trust, you also get to establish yourself as an expert in your industry. The likelihood of them referring you to their friends is higher when you have established the relationship and that you are reliable.

Use different lead generation techniques.

There is no one sure way to gain leads. Great agents understand that. This is why they utilize all available avenues to market their business and establish their brands. They experiment and choose which strategy works best. However, they do not rely on one alone but rather focus on multiple lead generation techniques.

Use the power of social media and the Internet to promote your listings, connect and engage with your target market. At the same time, do not discount traditional marketing as this strategy would yield a different set of leads. 

Cultivate your network.

Successful real estate agents often have massive network of clients and partners who provide the same quality of service as they do. They know the best contractors, developers, insurance providers and lenders in the business. Top agents are happy to refer to their network any clients who are in need of a service and in return, they get the same.

As you gain more experience in the industry, your contact list would grow. The challenge is staying connected. One simple way to do so is to host monthly meet-ups, open houses and even webinars/seminars. Nurture your network.

Keep on learning.

The real estate industry is an ever-changing and growing industry. This means what is good now may not be effective in the future. Top real estate agents know that to stay competitive, they need to adapt and keep up with the changing times whether through acquiring new skills or utilizing new technology. 

Never stop learning and keep on improving yourself to match the growing demands in the industry. Attend seminars, get certifications and gain real-life knowledge through first-hand experience and interactions with other industry leaders.