When it comes to the ever changing world of mortgages and real estate, someone who’s willing to put in the time is a must. Lots of work is done after hours. If calls and emails aren’t answered at an appropriate pace, the conversion rate drops and the window of opportunity closes.

When buying or selling something as important as a home, I’ve found it mandatory to choose someone who’s literally been around the block. Make sure the agent chosen knows the area. They should be familiar with other properties nearby that are for sale or have been recently sold. Experience will guide them in knowing who to market a property to. When offers come in, past experiences will also help determine how the market will respond to the listings and, ultimately, help drive the price higher. A lot can happen in an instant in real estate; knowing the market is of vast importance.

An agent must know how to communicate with people from all walks of life. My house could be bought or sold to just about anyone. If the person representing my home cannot converse properly with a first time buyer, a stubborn seller, or even other agents, many ships can be sunk. The personal skills of an agent are vital in buying, selling, and negotiating. Often times, a selling experience starts with a simple phone call. If the agent cannot get the person on the other end of the line excited about the situation, an opportunity could be lost.