Whether you are a seller, buyer, or both, the thing to remember about successful real estate agents is that the better they are at their job, the better it is for you.

In essence, their success is your success.

A successful real estate agent has to wear many hats (and be comfortable wearing all of them) to get results and ensure a successful real estate transaction.

During the entire real estate transaction, the agent is a salesperson, marketer, client advocate, consultant, manager, expediter, negotiator, counselor – just to name some.

Here are the top traits of successful real estate professionals:

Knowledge is king. Being and staying up-to-date on the latest real estate topics and tools will ensure that real estate agents have the real estate competitive advantage.

Contacts and connections. Having and using a wealth of contacts in the market area that they serve helps agents take advantage of all selling and buying opportunities.

Understanding of the local market. A successful real estate agent has expert knowledge of the local housing market, specific communities, and knows how much homes will sell for and how to price them right.

Detail oriented. Paying careful attention to all details of the real estate transaction allows agents to satisfy client expectations, prevent problems, and effect timely, accurate, and trouble-free closings.

Energetic and persistent. Top producing agents have a great work ethic. They have the tenacity to pursue every lead and they ensure that properties are aggressively marketed 24/7. They work smart to get and close the deal.

Honest and trustworthy. Their professional reputation is flawless, they practice high ethical standards, and as a client advocate, their clients’ needs are their number one priority.

Entrepreneurial by nature. They are self-motivated, and take the lead in working with their clients to do the best job possible and get from “for sale” to “just sold.”

Problem solvers. Successful agents know how to properly showcase and market properties to appeal to the right buyers.

Let’s add passion to the above. Agents who are passionate about real estate have similar traits to those above. They effectively utilize the right resources to get results and will get the job done for you.

Larry Stoller is the broker-owner and Realtor with Real Estate Five of the Lowcountry. Larry@RealEstateFive.com or www.RealEstateFive.com