A real estate agent is much more than just a salesperson — they guide their clients through one of the most important transactions of their life. And while Hollywood has shown the glamorous sides of being a real estate agent, it’s a tough job with a lot of responsibility.
That’s why real estate agents have a unique set of skills and personality traits that help them succeed in the industry. Here are some of the most common personality traits in real estate agents, and how they can be helpful throughout their careers.
Sociable and Outgoing
Are you comfortable going up to a stranger at a coffee shop? Do you enjoy mingling at parties? Being sociable and outgoing is the key to getting new business as a real estate agent. Real estate agents, like other salespeople, should be able to build connections and sell themselves to people they meet daily.
You have to leave a good impression on clients, earning their trust and building connections so they feel confident that you can help them in a major life purchase. While you don’t necessarily have to be an extrovert to succeed as an agent, you should feel comfortable meeting and talking to new people in a variety of settings.
Honest
Whenever you’re selling something or working with a salesperson, there can be a natural level of distrust between parties. However, Realtors work under a code of ethics and should always strive to be honest and transparent in their business.
Whether disclosing information about a property they're selling or guiding their clients through the buying process, being honest and building trust is key to succeeding as a realtor. Showing you have integrity and are ethical and honest is a fundamental quality to have in any profession - but especially in real estate.
Your reputation will quickly plummet if clients and other agents feel there’s any dishonesty in your work.
Disciplined
As a real estate agent, you are your own boss. You decide what hours you work, set your own goals, and pave your own path. That's why real estate agents have to be disciplined in their work ethic. This is especially true when you’re just starting out in your career and building your network.
Once you’ve completed all of your training and education, agents should expect that it will take time to find clients to work with — and you will have to work hard to find business! Sometimes that requires countless phone calls and sending dozens of emails without a lead.
But, despite the hard work needed to get there, the freedom of being a real estate agent is appealing to many who are capable of staying disciplined without much direction.
Clear and Direct
Real estate is a complicated industry — there are legal terms, multiple steps in the transaction, and lots of back-and-forth communication. That’s why real estate agents need to be clear and direct. In today’s age, clients expect to be frequently updated on their home buying or selling process from their agent regularly.
With clear and direct communication to clients, you’ll provide better service and they’ll be more likely to refer business to you — a key step in growing your business early on as an agent! Whether you’re explaining the terms of a contract to first-time homebuyers or working to negotiate with another real estate agent, real estate agents should be excellent communicators who can clearly articulate in any situation.
Proactive
Most real estate agents are go-getters, ready to take their business to the next level through hard work and proactivity. As an agent, you must proactively grow your business through networking, marketing, and stellar customer service.
New clients or listings won’t just come to you without taking the first step. Being proactive also means remaining professional and in control of the situation at all times. A real estate agent must be able to keep a positive attitude and address any challenges that arise with a can-do attitude to solve them.
Tactful
While being honest as a real estate agent is always important, you should also be prepared to handle any situation tactfully. Buying or selling a home is a highly emotional process, and as an agent, you should be able to be mindful of all the complexities at play.
In times where being brutally honest can hurt someone's feelings or be disrespectful, you must exhibit tact to manage the situation skillfully. For example, if a client tells you they think their house is worth $1 million, but you know, based on your expertise, it’s really only worth $900,000.
In this situation, you’ll need to tactfully explain your reasoning and walk them through your thought process.
How Many New Real Estate Agents Fail Every Year?
Real estate can be a cutthroat and challenging industry for new agents to enter. They might think being an agent is filled with glitz and glamor as portrayed on TV, but in reality, it involves unique skills to navigate each transaction and client with finesse.
That’s why, according to some statistics, nearly 87% of real estate agents fail in the first five years. With only 13% succeeding after five years, it’s essential to consider what personality traits you have and if they’re aligned with becoming a real estate agent.
While this number may seem staggering, the reality is that the barrier to becoming a real estate agent is generally low, with the possibility of high earnings, driving many people to seek a real estate license without examining if they’re a good fit for the job.
If you struggle early on in your career as an agent, find a mentor or someone who can give you advice. With guidance, you can understand your areas of opportunity to improve.
Final Thoughts on Personality Traits of Real Estate Agents
As with any career, you can succeed as a real estate agent with hard work and perseverance. Maybe you’re not the most extroverted. Or maybe you’re working to become more disciplined in your daily life.
The key is understanding your weaknesses and how they impact your work in the real estate industry. With the right knowledge and positive attitude, you’ll be poised to use your personality traits to your advantage!
