The real estate market has evolved significantly over the years, and so should the characteristics that define a top-notch Property Practitioner (AKA Estate Agent).
Forget the clichés that have long clouded the industry; the new age of real estate is marked by Property Practitioners who prioritise client satisfaction, relationships, transparent dealings, and hyper-personalised service.
Below are ten qualities you should seek in your next Property Practitioner, qualities that set the industry's future leaders and standard setters apart from the old guard.
1. Client-Centric Approach
Client-centric means the Property Practitioner prioritises your needs and requirements above everything else. Whether it's the location you desire, the type of property you want, or your budget, a professional Property Practitioner should strive to meet your particular needs. It's not about closing the sale; it's about closing the right sale and the right home for you.
2. Substantive Consultation
A Property Practitioner's role is not merely transactional; it is advisory. You need a Property Practitioner who offers valuable, well-researched advice. Whether buying, selling, or renting, the best Property Practitioners can expertly guide you through the process, arming you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.
3. Honesty and Transparency
Full disclosure is essential in any business transaction, and this is particularly true in real estate. Whether defects in the property, area sales statistics, comparative market analyses, or market trends, a trustworthy Property Practitioner will lay all the cards on the table, even if it risks losing a sale.
4. Service-Obsessed
Commissions will come when service is outstanding. Rather than focusing solely on financial gains, a remarkable Property Practitioner understands that providing excellent service will naturally lead to profitability in the long run. This service-oriented approach keeps clients returning and referring others and ensures the client's best interests are always primary.
5. Patient and Understanding
Buying or selling a property is a significant and potentially life-changing decision that requires time and thought. Professional Property Practitioners must be willing to spend time understanding your unique circumstances, needs, and aspirations.
Whether it's waiting for the right buyer or helping you find your ideal home, a good Property Practitioner will be patient, understanding and considerate of your timeline.
6. Soft-Sell Approach
Pressure has no place in significant life decisions, and real estate is no exception. Exceptional Property Practitioners realise that strong relationships are the foundation for success. They invest in these relationships and use a consultative approach to help you reach a decision rather than pushing for a quick sale.
7. Tailored Solutions
Every client is different, and real estate has no one-size-fits-all solutions. An exceptional Property Practitioner will thoroughly analyse needs and offer personalised strategies to help you achieve your real estate goals.
8. Full Transparency
Lack of transparency can result in mistrust and failed deals. New-age Property Practitioners believe in sharing all information that could influence your decision. They will provide up-to-date comparable sales data, background information on potential buyers or sellers, and other metrics to aid your decision-making process.
9. My Client's Success = My Success
The accurate measure of a Property Practitioner's success is client satisfaction. Top Property Practitioners relish the joy of clients who find their dream home or sell their property at a great price with as little hassle as possible. Each satisfied client is a mark of personal and professional achievement for them. Buyer, seller, landlord or tenant success is their primary goal.
10. Specialised Knowledge
The complexities of the real estate market require specialised knowledge. Whether it's a deep understanding of commercial real estate, expertise in residential properties, or a knack for real estate investment, a knowledgeable Property Practitioner will be equipped to offer expert advice tailored to your specific needs.
Why You Need a Property Practitioner Like This.
Choosing the correct Property Practitioner can be a game-changer. The above qualities set exceptional professionals apart and dramatically impact your experience and success in real estate transactions. The future of professional real estate belongs to those who adapt, evolve, and prioritise their clients, and you need to find a Property Practitioner who embodies these modern virtues.
And please remember, always check to ensure you are dealing with a Property Practitioner who is registered with the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority (PPRA) and has a valid and current fidelity fund certificate (FFC). Ask for a copy of their personal FFC and their company's. If they can't provide you with one - alarm bells should be ringing - loudly.