• Are You flexible?  Can you adapt to changes quickly?  You'll need to in this industry.  Working with buyers and sellers...anything can happen.  You need to be able to handle a variety of changes on a day-to-day basis.  Real estate sales do not always go smoothly and practitioners must routinely deal with set-backs and disappointments, as well as success. 
• Are you comfortable with English language comprehension and proficiency?    Real estate practioners play a fundamental role in ensuring that documents are correctly prepared and properly reflect the wishes of the parties.  You'll need to be comfortable with and be able to understand, draft and explain real estate agreements, listings and other forms common to the profession.
• How are your Math Skills?  Basic math fundamental skills are required.  Multiplication, division, fractions, and factors are used when measuring structures and land, as well as appraising property and arranging mortgage financing.
• Are you Organized? Do you have the ability to organize your personal affairs as well as conduct business activity in a logical and efficient manner?  These qualities are needed in obtaining listings, showing properties, handling offers and conducting negotiations. 
• Are you comfortable with research?  Do you know how to locate, read and understand legal documents?  Are you familiar with basic document structures?  You will need this skill when researching materials concerning property ownership.
• Do you have good problem solving skills?   An ability to address difficulties and arrive at plausible, practical solutions given conflicting interest of parties involved.  This attribute is especially useful in listing and selling activies.  Often the success or failure of a real estate transaction will hinge on this skill.
• Are you comfortable with new technologies?  An understanding of computer hardware and software is  necessary.  Computers are commonplace in internal brokerage operations, property searches and marketing.  Your long-term success is directly tied to technological competencies.
• Negotiating ability - is an important factor in any real estate transaction.  Sales people are routinely called upon to negotiate on behalf of the buyer and/or seller to arrive at mutually agreeable terms.
• Interview Techniques - a basic understanding of questioning methods.  Real estate success often depends on asking the right question at the right time.  This skill is most valued in situations involving buyers and the determination of their purchasing needs. It is becoming more important in dealing with sellers who may be on the brink of foreclosure or might only be able to sell with lender participation - a short sale.
• Rapport -is the hallmark of the successful sales person.  Individuals must establish a trust level with buyers, sellers and other real estate agents.  Rapport involves respect, good communication and listening skills.

A lot of these skills can be taught to a new licensee - the math required, researching, technology and interviewing and negotiating skills and techniques.  What cannot be taught are the ethics and morals involved.  Real estate agents are held to a higher degree of honesty in the handling of their business.....do it right, or don't do it.  We swear to hold up the high standards of the Realtors Code of Ethics in dealing with the public and each other.

Real Estate is a People Business, involving one of the biggest, the most emotional and the most expensive decisions buyers and sellers will make.  Liking people, wanting to help people, having patience and energy are good stepping stones for a successful real estate career. 

Real Estate agents need to be available when their clients need them....at night, on weekends and/or holidays.  The mind set here is:  Entrepreneur, not employee or sales person.   Learn the product (know the market).  Take time to become familiar with concerns potential buyers might have:  crime statistics, school information, health care, neighborhood amenities. 

Real Estate offices are different.  Some are franchises, some are multi-offices, and they go from 1 agent to hundreds.  The best advice for choosing an office?  Go where you can get the best training.  Commission splits and advertising should not be WHAT you make your decision on.  If you have the right training, everything else should fall into place for you.  Interview agents at Open Houses and talk to the Broker for the office.  But make your decision on WHERE YOU GET THE TRAINING!!!

Managing Broker of Rockford D&N Office Licensed since 1978 Prelicensing Instructor since 1983 CE instructor GRI Illinois Broker If you're interested in a career at the top Rockford area office, please give me a call at 815.381.1143

Ginger Westin 815-381-1134 gingerw@dickersonnieman.com