What the Florida Real Estate Girl is All About
Knowledgable
Like any real professional, your real estate agent should be knowledgable about their field and able to answer your questions or deal with any situation that arises. Make sure your real estate agent is licensed, obviously, but also up-to-date on the market and current real estate trends. They should also be an expert in the local landscape and real estate climate of the area you're interested in.
Experienced
Knowledge is necessary (see #4), but experience is worth its weight in gold. Like most professions, there's a learning curve in real estate. More experience translates into better results for you—and the confidence of knowing you're in good hands.
Honest
This seems obvious but it's still worth mentioning. You want an agent who represents your best interests as a client and who is a trustworthy professional. This is your future you're putting in their hands. Dealing with an honest real agent is mandatory, and as the saying goes: integrity is everything.
Personable
Your real estate agent is not only working with you but with others, along with a myriad of business professionals throughout the real estate process of buying and/or selling. You want to have someone who is personable and can skillfully deal with others, while also exhibiting excellent communication skills. You don't want any kind of barrier to exist that impedes or complicates the process. If you sense a personality conflict, it's best to follow your gut and choose someone more compatible to work with.
Proactive
The real estate market and business are very competitive. You want a proactive real estate agent who is actively pursuing your best interests. You want a go-getter with the ability to problem solve along the way, because there are always unknowns that arise in the process. You want a realtor who is ahead of the game and willing to be proactive as opposed to reactive to situations.
Reliable
There is nothing more frustrating than a person who says they're going to do something but then does not follow through. You need a realtor who is reliable. You should be able to count on them to meet their obligations in a timely manner, consistently do what they say they're going to do, and be accountable for the services they say they're going to provide. Anything less makes them unreliable and not a person you want to do business with in this field or any other.
Professional
All real estate professionals may not be as professional as they claim to be. Be selective. You can tell a lot from a short conversation with a potential agent. Visit their website (most agents have one these days) and see what their presence conveys both online and in person. There is no room for unprofessionalism in a field that requires the utmost in high standards.
Reputable
Referrals are huge in the world of real estate. You want to choose someone who has good standing in the real estate community and with their clients. Word of mouth carries a lot of weight and shouldn't be overlooked. It wouldn't hurt to Google your agent's name and see what comes up. If there are complaints or dissatisfaction, you should be informed in advance and before making your final decision when choosing your agent.
