Communication and collaboration. Communication skills are needed to work well with clients and other vendors who are involved in the transaction. Collaboration skills are necessary for team play and making sure that the client’s best interest is always being looked after by all. Real estate is a team sport and it should be played as such!
Raza Ali, Plano
The absolute number one trait I look for is social ability. I can teach almost anyone the nuts and bolts of our business. I can coach you on where to establish networks and build a client base, but in the end, I can’t make you go do it.
Another trait I look for is work ethic. If you just want to be a real estate agent to work whenever you feel like it and be your own boss, to me that is an early red flag. You have to work hard to be able to make your own hours, and then when you do, you’re working harder than ever!
John Benevides, Sugar Land
I look for professionalism, flexibility, and coachability. For anyone trying to reach a higher level of success, these qualities are absolutely necessary and non-negotiable for our brokerage. Our industry is constantly changing, so it is imperative to be flexible and coachable.
When agents have these qualities, they set themselves up for success. I listen carefully when they tell me about themselves, their job history, experience, and education. I inquire about how they handle certain situations and look for personality cues as well.
Erica Cates, Millsap
We only hire agents with law, architectural, engineering, or design degrees because those backgrounds bring a critical knowledge base to every real estate transaction. With that in mind, the top skills and qualities would be: a moral and ethical compass, stellar negotiating skills with a keen ability to problem solve, and assertiveness but with cooperation at the forefront.
Jennifer Cloud, Dallas
1. Computer skills, including some knowledge of social media and the ability to communicate effectively on the phone, in writing, and in person.
2. Honesty. They need to be comfortable in their skin and candid about their performance. I’m not looking for agents who are trying to fake it until they make it.
3. The desire to learn how to do real estate the right way.
Honesty wins every time with a brokerage. If you have to second guess what your agent is doing out there in your name, it’s just too risky. An agent who stays informed of current events, the market, and legalities will do real estate the right way and raise the bar for our industry.
Kathy Moore Cloud, Boerne
Our number one focus when hiring agents is to identify REALTORS® who care more about people than they do about profits.
We hire agents who have proven that they are charitable and have a heart for people. Once we have identified a caring individual, we want to also make sure that they are as passionate about real estate and the Code of Ethics as we are.
Alexander DiSaggio, Houston
A demonstrated history of client service, certain personality traits, and critical thinking skills.
Without a proven track record of responsive client service delivered with a sense of urgency, an agent and the overall service experience are likely to be viewed by the client as mediocre, which would reflect poorly on the firm and its other agents.
Certain personality traits seem to resonate well with clients and with associates at my firm, while many other traits would be incompatible across the board.
Critical thinking is a disappearing art and is a must for determining whether an agent can be trusted to act in a fiduciary capacity, think calmly and creatively under pressure, and keep themselves and the firm out of litigation and insurance hot water.
Chris Jones, Houston
Self-motivation, confidence, and direction/focus. Those are skills required for agents to be successful. I can teach the logistics of working through a transaction, but agents must have these skills to create a successful business.
Lorrie Kennedy, Round Rock
The most valuable traits are understanding that real estate is a business and not a hobby, commitment to the job, and a willingness to learn and be trained.
Respect and communication are critical to being a successful real estate professional. The old saying about treating others as you would want to be treated holds true in our profession. It starts with communication.
Hold true to your commitment to work and work wisely. Be open to recommendations made by your broker or brokerage. Be willing to use the resources and tools provided and learn from them. Use them to the best of your ability and your client pool will grow. If you are worried about the money and splits, then you are not committed to your professional aspirations. If you concentrate on the training and tools we give you, then the money will come.
Cher Miculka, San Antonio
Of all the skills and qualities that we look for in agents, the two that stand out are the ability to serve people and the hunger to learn.
The ability to serve people is absolutely essential for anyone who wants to be successful in real estate. Our clients are our number one priority, and we need agents who are able to put aside their own interests and meet the needs of our clients.
Willingness to learn is so valuable, as the real estate industry is constantly changing. We need agents who are open to learning new things and expanding their skillsets so they can better serve our clients.
Lily Moore, Westlake
I want to know the size of an agent’s sphere of influence. If it is not large enough to get a large amount of business, I want to see how aggressive that agent will be in finding business. I have agents take an aptitude test that helps me gauge this. Our business requires someone who does not shy away from calling people, talking with them, and following up with them.
Scott Myers, San Antonio
We are looking for agents who have integrity and tenacity. This industry has such a low barrier of entry, which means the pool of agents we brokers can hire from varies widely in quality and professionalism. Hiring those who have integrity and honesty first comes before any skill. I look at their transaction history and then I ask each agent how much volume they’ve done in the past 12 months. If they’re honest about it, then they pass. If not, then I ask follow-up questions until the truth comes out. If agents aren’t being honest, then they’re only cheating themselves.
Joseph Pytcher, Plano
I look for a humble agent who is willing to learn and ask plenty of questions. These qualities are more important than any skill an agent might bring to the table. I do not want my agents to ask me a question and then I just answer it. I want them to go another step further and ensure they have clarification of my answer and even ask me for sources of the information I provide. I do not like to guess, as this is not good for the customer, the client, the agent, and my brokerage.
Steve Ritchey, Collinsville
Before we even discuss skills, we consider character. Will they fit in our culture with core values of relationships, integrity, excellence, and grace? The first skill we look for is the ability to connect with people, build and sustain long-lasting relationships, and grow their sphere of influence. Another skill we look for is the ability to communicate and exhibit a high level of professionalism, gaining and building trust. One more would be the ability to skillfully ask questions and then listen to understand others. Those skills and attributes are critical in the agent’s service to others.
Brian Sales, Midland
The main thing we look for is just good old-fashioned common sense. It also helps that they have either bought or sold their own home. A general knowledge of the area they’ll be working in is useful. Last but not least, agents should be team players and willing to grow the business, understanding they benefit from it just as much as everyone else.
James Sawyer, Conroe
Mindset, motivation, integrity, and drive. It all starts with a great mindset daily. Agents also must have to have a drive to get things done, as you are your own boss and need to keep yourself accountable to the goals you set. They need to keep themselves motivated so they can navigate the ups and downs of the business. The most important thing for them to remember is to always do everything with integrity.
Kenneth Zarella, Houston