Questions from a new Real Estate agent in the Seattle, Washington area.

I recently was questioned from a new Real Estate agent and thought she had some good questions that I answered......

1. What are the communication skills and personal qualities a person needs to be a successful Real Estate Agent?

Answer- I believe communication is very important. You must be able to communicate and make sure your client understands everything about the transaction. Personal qualities are different for every client, but I think one needs to be enjoyable (because you will spend a lot of time with them), business smart (getting them the best deal), and a problem solver (problems always arise in Real Estate).

2. Should one be a clear and concise speaker?

Answer- It helps to very clear and concise. Too much confusion will not help the client.

3. Many people are more apt to purchase things from people they feel are trust worthy, In your experience, what have you done for clients to prove to them that you are trust worthy?

Answer- Most of my clients come from referrals, which are normally the most trustworthy. For clients I am meeting the first time, I must just thoroughly explain the buying process and slowly build trust with them. Over time, they will learn to trust me.

4. They say that you only have one chance to make a first impression, do you think that appearance matters in the sale of Real Estate?
a. Do you think people will buy from someone who is knowledgeable, or someone who looks aesthetically appealing?

Answer- Most people prefer both, but I believe the most important part is knowledge, because in the end, the client wants the best deal and just because you are attractive, does not mean you will benefit their financial move.

5. What do you do to keep yourself knowledgeable about the industry and its ever changing rules and ways of doing things? what would you recommend for a new agent to do when first starting out in order to be more knowledgeable and familiar with the Real Estate industry?

Answer- Washington state requires continuing education for agents, which is one way. The others are to challenge yourself daily to learn and absorb as much info as possible. Having a successful mentor would be the fastest way to learn the industry.

6. In your experience do you prefer to keep business at the office and your home life at home? or do you find it appropriate to mix the the two? Where is an appropriate level of professionalism?

Answer- Real Estate and home life are hard to separate. I use a home office because you need to have access to all of your files all of the time. Most of my work is done at home and a good Real Estate agent is available at all times of the day!

7. How do you get and keep your name out there? How do you do your marketing? When you first began in the Real Estate industry, how did you market yourself, and how did you differentiate your self from other agents?

As mentioned, most of my business comes from referrals. I also do a lot of Internet advertising on websites such as Craig's List and blogging on sites like Active Rain. I don't think differentiating is the key. I believe sticking with it, thoroughly helping clients and being aggressive will get the job done.

8. In your experience are there any "tricks-of-the-trade"? any special extras that you do at a showing or open houses that make the client more comfortable, and feel more compelled to purchase the property? i.e. someone said that baking pies in the open house makes the clients feel more relaxed and feel more "at home".
also Staging a house, seems to make the property more "home-ie" and helps the homes to sell quicker and for a higher price sometimes.

Answer- The most important part of an Open House is appeal. Making sure the home is ready to show. One little tip... I always enjoy baking cookies because of the smell and people enjoy eating them. The problem is that I end up eating too many! Staging is very important. Many people cannot visualize well, so you must stage the home properly for the type of home you are selling.

Please let me know if you need any more help.

Sincerely,
Jason Schweiger

Real Estate Professional ~ Real Estate and Mortgage loans.
253-315-5580 (cell)
253-270-2667 (fax)
http://activerain.com/blogs/mynorthwestagent(Blog)
http://www.mynwagent.com/ (Website)
Helping buyers & sellers in the entire Puget Sound region achieve their goals!