#Trending Real Estate Reports Presents: 7 Traits Of A Highly Sucessful Real Estate Agent

In the competitive world of real estate, there's only so much of the pie to go around. To be successful you have to acquire certain traits that will help get you to that level of success you wish to be on. In order to make that process easy for our fellow agents in the real estate industry, I have compiled a list of 7 traits of a highly successful real estate agent.

1. Proactive Communication With Clients: Basically this means you need to be on top of all your phone calls, emails, voice mails, texts, tweets, Facebook alerts, Instagram notifications, or any other form of communication that a client may feel the need to contact you through. You need to be ready to answer any and all questions or concerns your client may have, and you should be able to do this in record breaking speed (also be able to break your own record on the regular). 

2. Be A Proficient Marketer: In order to be successful at selling real estate, you need to be a pro at marketing your listings.   This means doing more then the traditional marketing of your listing on MLS. You should invest in high quality camera equipment and a skilled videographer to help market your listings to their fullest potential. Below is an example of an HD real estate video listing done by Westcott Properties. 

Click here to view other HD real estate video examples 

Make sure you also utilize the newest social media marketing techniques. If you don't know how to use these tools, learn. You want as many people as possible to know your name and see that you have a new listing. 

It does not even matter if they are a potential buyer themselves, it may just be that your old roommate from college sisters boyfriends brothers girlfriend is, and heard about your listing because of your social media marketing strategy. 

3. Great Networking Skills: Successful agents have huge networks of contacts that they can leverage to find buyers, sellers, investors, partners, etc. In order to build these networks you must be able to meet as many people as possible. Introduce yourself to everyone and tell anyone who will listen what you do and how you can help them. Make sure you get all their contact information and connect with them right away. Every month compile a news letter to send to all your contacts reminding them of who you are, what you do, and can do for them. You want to do this so that when the time comes to buy or sell a home, everyone you meet will remember you regardless of how brief your interaction was. 

4. Know Your Area: Become a walking encyclopedia of information regarding every area you do business in or want to do business in. You want to know the streets and neighborhoods intimately. Its also a good idea to know what has been sold and what is currently on the market to be sold. You want your clients to feel like they are in the hands of not just a professional, but an expert professional! 

Click here to view homes for sale in your Providence, RI area

5. Work With A Good Agency: Help yourself by working for a real estate company that provides you with the tools to be successful.  Westcott Properties is one of the few agencies that have access to utilize powerful resources such as HBM's Home Scouting Report software.  HBM is a quality marketing tool that keeps you up to date on currently listed properties and sold properties in neighborhoods of interest. 

Click here to view our current listings

6. Have A Mentor: Watch, learn, and listen to someone who has been in the business for a while and has continued success. Become inspired through their knowledge and experiences. Enjoy the business that you're in and reap the rewards of that enjoyment.  

7. Never Feel Like You Know Enough: Continuing education is the extra boost that will help you stay on top of your competition. There is always room for improvement in everything you do. Even if you are successful at what you are doing, it never hurts to take a class or watch a webinar to learn something new, or brush up on what you already know. Knowledge is power!

#Trending Real Estate Reports: Renting Vs. Buying A Home

Are you considering the pros and cons of renting vs. buying a home? Well let me help you out! Click the link below to calculate what's the cheapest decision for you!

Whether you choose to rent or buy, contact Westcott Properties for all your buying, selling, and renting needs!

#Trending Real Estate Reports: Are You Financially Ready To Buy A New Home?

Are you financially ready to buy a new home? Click the "Take The Quiz" button below and take the 20 question quiz, brought to you by Howstuffworks.com to find out!

For any and all questions regarding your buying and selling needs contact Westcott Properties

#Trending Real Estate Reports: 5 Helpful Tips For The First Time Home Buyer

In the world of real estate, knowledge is key to a successful experience when buying a home. #Trending Real Estate Reports Presents: 5 helpful tips for the first time home buyer

1.LOCATION IS EVERYTHING!  It’s important to come into the process of looking for a home with a game plan, such as doing research on the areas that you want to live in. How close or how far are those areas from your work? If you have kids, check out the local public schools. If you're the outdoors type, contact the local Parks and Recreation Department, and get a list of the best spots for outdoor fun. Drive around the neighborhoods and check out the neighbors. Do you want a social younger generation living next door, or do you prefer a quieter older crowd? Check out this location day and night and walk the streets to really get a feel for your surroundings. This could potentially be your neighborhood, and you want to be sure it’s a place that you want to call home.

2. MAKE A BUDGET! You never want to underestimate the costs of owning a home. What’s your price range? Is your price range reasonable for the location that you picked out? You never want to spend more then your able to, just so you can be in a certain neighborhood or location. Figure in every expense, such as mortgage payments, utilities, insurance, maintenance/upkeep, and TAXES. You can always contact the local Tax Assessor's office in your area to help with figuring out how much you'll be paying. Don't forget to consider the age of the homes you are interested in viewing. Make a mental note on how well the previous owners or current sellers have kept up the properties. There's a difference between, "needs a little work" and "turn key ready." You don't want to fall in love with your dream house and have together your perfect budget, then find out you will need to spend much more on a new roof or plumbing system.

3. FIND A GOOD REAL ESTATE AGENT! A buyer’s agent is going to be the advocate you need during the process of buying a home. You want to do your research to find a qualified agent. One way you can start this process is by asking friends or family members if they can recommend an agent to you. Word of mouth is a powerful tool. If your friend or family member is willing to vouch for the agents expertise, then more then likely the agent will also be able to help you! Another way is to go online and do a search in the area that you’re looking to buy in. You want to have an experienced agent who is not only knowledgeable about the area, but who has experience closing properties in the area. Interview the prospective agent before agreeing to utilize their services. You want to make sure the agent is going to give you the service and attention you are looking to have, and that the agent will have your best interest at heart. (Which should always be most important).

4. CHECK OUT MULTIPLE LISTINGS! Even if you fall in love with the first house you see, you want to be able to have something to compare it to. It's important to make a list of your must haves when viewing properties, so that the agent will not waste any of your time showing you homes that do not fit your needs. Keep in mind that buying a home is a big commitment, and you have every right to see as many properties as needed before you make your decision. You will know when it is the right one! Utilizes services like the multiple listing service on our website to help you get started in the Rhode Island Area.

5. SAY YES TO INSPECTIONS! The potential seller is not under oath. The words, "do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth so help you god", mean nothing to them! Don't let that fresh new paint smell fool you. It is always a wise decision to agree to a full inspection of the property that you are interested in buying. A professional inspector knows what to look for, and will notice more important details then the average person. Don't be afraid to add a few extra dollars to your budget, so that you can spend a little extra on your inspector. In the end, he or she will be saving you much more then your initial investment, and it will be well worth it!

If You Have Any Questions, Feel Free To Check Out Our Website For All Of Your Home Buying (Or Home Selling) Needs!