QA real estate agent is a person who has been entrusted by a home owner or a property seeker with the sale or rental of a property and acts as a middleman between a home owner and a home seeker. He arranges real estate transactions; links buyers and sellers; and advances the interests of the side he represents during negotiations.
It is an agent’s responsibility to understand the needs of both parties in order to facilitate a successful and efficient transaction. As part of his expertise, he is adept at handling difficult situations through negotiation and obtaining the best outcome for his client.
Some agents specialise in the sale of commercial as well as residential real estate. They can either work for the seller, advising them on how to price their property and determining how the property will be advertised; or work for the buyer, helping them to make a good offer and negotiating counter-offers to help the buyer obtain good value for their money.
The growth of the industry has resulted in an increase in the number of real estate agents. Becoming a real estate agent in Ghana, currently, requires no clearly defined field of study or educational background but requires licensing under the Real Estate Agency Act, 2020 (Act 1047). It is, additionally, essential to have strong interpersonal skills, some level of literacy and a good understanding of the local real estate market. A good agent is one who possesses the following distinctive skills:
1. Effective Communication Skills
It is a no-brainer that having a good command of your written and, more essentially in real estate, verbal skills has the power to influence. One quality of a good real estate agent is strong verbal and written communication skills. Excellent communication abilities show that the agent can market and create efficient tactics to convert potential clients into prospective buyers. To understand their clients’ needs, good agents are also skilled listeners.
Additionally, a good real estate agent is one who can convey up-to-date information between seller and buyer and vice versa. This helps to reduce the stress associated with the process of selling or purchasing a property and promotes transparency.
2. A Wealth of Experience and Understanding of the Real Estate Market
A good real estate agent is up-to-date with the latest developments in the industry and has built relationships with other brilliant agents he can consult for market information.
Good agents know the market conditions in areas of the city and so can help you price your home accurately. They have access to comprehensive data and analytics that enable them to analyse market trends and make informed pricing recommendations. Additionally, experienced agents have a deep understanding of buyer preferences and can provide valuable insights into how to advertise and present properties to attract potential buyers.
3. Integrity
Thirdly, a good estate agent is an open and truthful individual who provides honest and succinct feedback. They don’t make up stories about leads and the state of the market to raise the hopes of property seekers and property owners, but they are, generally, up front about this information.
Clients expect transparency and honesty from their real estate agent. A trustworthy agent builds credibility and a reputation through consistent integrity in all dealings. This includes providing realistic property valuations, disclosing any known issues with a property, and offering unbiased advice.
By being honest, the agent ensures that buyers and sellers have a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the market. This transparency allows them [buyers and sellers] to make informed decisions and adjust their strategies accordingly, ultimately increasing their chances of a successful sale.
4. Strong Negotiation Skills
One of the most crucial skills for any real estate agent is negotiation. Whether working with a buyer or seller, the agent must be able to advocate for their client’s best interests while maintaining a level of good diplomacy. Effective negotiation can often make the difference between a deal falling through or closing successfully. A great agent knows when to push, when to hold back, and when to compromise in order to secure the best deal for their clients. Strong negotiation skills ensure that both parties feel satisfied with the outcome, fostering trust and long-term relationships.
5. Tech-Savvy and Adaptability
The real estate industry has become increasingly tech-driven. A great agent stays up-to-date with the latest tools and platforms, including virtual tours, and digital marketing strategies. Additionally, being adaptable to new technologies and working with diverse communication platforms (social media, email, messaging apps, property listing websites) allows agents to better serve their clients and reach a wider audience. An agent who is comfortable with technology can leverage these tools to enhance their services and streamline processes, benefiting both buyers and sellers.
6. Time Management and Organisation
Real estate agents often juggle multiple clients, properties, and tasks simultaneously. Good time management and organisational skills are essential for maintaining a smooth workflow. An agent must prioritise tasks efficiently, keep track of deadlines, and be responsive to client needs. Effective time management allows agents to deliver on commitments, avoid delays, and ensure that both buyers and sellers stay informed throughout the transaction process.
A good real estate agent always puts the client’s needs first. They understand that every client is unique, with specific goals, preferences, and concerns. By building strong relationships, offering personalised advice, and being available to answer questions or provide guidance, an agent can create a positive experience for clients. This customer-first approach helps to build loyalty, encourage referrals, and establish a lasting career in the competitive real estate market.
By mastering these qualities, a real estate agent can position themselves as a trusted professional in the field, capable of guiding clients through the complexities of buying or selling property.
