What skills to look for in a good real estate agent

In addition to the baseline services they provide, a great real estate agent has skills that set them apart from an average one. They use their expertise to ensure that every client has the best financial and emotional outcome from their home sale.

Open communication

A great agent knows the importance of good communication with their clients. That means they clearly set expectations, field questions whenever you have them, take calls when you need their help, provide feedback on everything from pricing to home improvements, and give suggestions to help you get the most money from your sale.  Statistics show that 81 percent of sellers say responsiveness is extremely or very important.

In addition to their communication with you, a listing agent also needs to be skilled at communicating with the buyer’s agent. They should communicate your wants and needs, and avoid making false promises to move the deal forward. They should be as responsive to the buyer’s agent as they are to you.

Professional reputation

The best real estate agents operate a retention- and referral-based business, which means that most of their clients are repeat buyers and sellers or people referred by friends and family members. According to the Zillow Group Report, 28 percent of sellers learn about their agent from a friend, relative, neighbor or colleague, and 23 percent have worked with the agent before in some capacity.

A great agent will also have valuable recommendations for real estate attorneys, stagers, contractors and other vendors who can help you get your home ready to sell.

Local market knowledge

A good agent will know what sells in your area and will know how to highlight your home’s best features to get top dollar.

Professional photography: Good agents include the services of a professional photographer in their commission fee, and sellers recognize the value in this offering. Sellers ranked having photos taken as the third-most valued service agents offer.

Social media marketing: Today’s top agents have a strong social media presence and are eager to post your listing on sites like Facebook and Instagram. Seventy-one percent of sellers said social media marketing was an important thing for their agent to handle