Hi Jeff!

Now this is a tough one to answer. Many of the answers below and the rational behind them are just fantastic. If I had to pick just one characteristic of a successful agent, I would say "Drive". Many of the successful agents that I have met are so driven to succeed that they go out of their way to provide a superior experience for their clients. If it genuinely comes from within, you will be successful.

Rudy
Social Media Guru at Trulia.com

Fri May 9 2008, 08:23

Jeff,

I would have to say all of these answers are fantastic answers. One other quality that makes a great REALTOR is one who acts with Professionalism. Serve your Clients/Customers, but don't forget to maintain Professionalism with your fellow agents also. Maintain good working relationships with your peers and treat everyone, Customers, Clients and Peers with the Golden Rule. Hope this helps. I wish you much Prosperity in your real estate career.

Michelle L. Corey

Thu May 8 2008, 14:52

You have to treat the client as you would want to be treated. Also, TRUSTWORTHY, ETHICAL, and have a QUICK RESPONSE time!

Thu May 8 2008, 12:22

Wow, that is an easy one! The number one characteristic of a successful real estate is the ability to practice the Golden Rule in all situations. Just treat your clients the way you would want to be treated and word of mouth will do the rest.

Thu May 8 2008, 12:04

That's almost as tough a question as what's your favorite song! But I'd have to add to the list--LISTEN. Before I became a real estate agent I cannot count the times that agents showed me 5 bedroom ultra contemporary on noisy streets, when I was looking for a 3 bedroom victorian on 3 quiet acres!!!!!

Wed May 7 2008, 19:26

Tenacity!! ( persistent in maintaining, adhering to, or seeking something valued or desired )

Wed May 7 2008, 16:00

Can we all say that we need a lot of core values and qualities to be successful as a real estate agent? We are fortunate to be in a business where we deal not only with business matters but people. We need to be great, there is no question about it!

Wed May 7 2008, 15:09

INTEGRITY

I ENVISION EVERYTHING I DO AS WINDING UP INTHE HEADLINES OF THE NEXT MORNINGS EDITION OF THE NEW YORK TIMES ,I WANT TO BE ABLE TO BE PROUD OF WHAT IS REPORTED. THATS HOW I CONDUCT MYSELF AS A REALTOR

Wed May 7 2008, 14:10

I think that a sucessful Real Estate Agent must really desire to help people. The more people you are able to help the more rewarded you will be.

Wed May 7 2008, 13:34

The number one characteristic is Trust. Without that nothing else matters.

Wed May 7 2008, 10:48

Hands down, HONESTY. With that being said I also believe in educating your clients and a high level of communication.

Wed May 7 2008, 10:15

Hard work and integrity. Treat your clients the way you would want to be treated. To repeat a famous quote: “Always do what’s right. You will gratify some people and astonish the rest.”

Wed May 7 2008, 08:25

Jimmy's answer is exactly on target! Without integrity, it doesn't matter how "successful" you are on paper. My motto is: what goes around, comes around. All the rest.... consistency, perseverance, excellent listening skills and negoitating skills, knowledge of market, are important for a well rounded agent that can provide their clients with the service they deserve.

Tue May 6 2008, 12:29

Consistency! Consistency is the number one characteristic that leads to success. Over the years I have observed many good agents fail in obtaining high levels of success because of inconsistency.

Tue May 6 2008, 12:10

The key characteristic that singles out the great agent has got to be relentless perseverance
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In everything, perseverance is key! Good answer, Elizabeth!

Mon May 5 2008, 19:02

#1 is Integrity. Other characteristics such as consistency, perserverence and putting your clients needs first are what "good" agents demonstrate all the time whether the market is up or down. The difference is that those good agents will be "successful" not only in their own mind, but in the opinion of others if they use those characteristics along with always maintaining their integrity. I know good agents that will do anything to get a deal closed. They look successful on paper, but integirty is something statistics doesn't show, but it keeps the referrals coming in.

Mon May 5 2008, 16:50

WOW what a great question!.... I think knowledge has power and clients see that immediately,

Mon May 5 2008, 14:35

From client perspective: integrity
From business perspective: the abillity to consistently generate leads in any market

Mon May 5 2008, 06:01

What do you mean by success?
I know what an agent is but what is success?
Jed you have a fellow dreamer.
Muriel Leivn
muriellevin@coldwellbanker.com

Sun May 4 2008, 22:34

G-U Krueger, Senior Vice-President of IHP Partners out of Irvine, CA and who is a highly regarded residential housing economist dating back to his CAR tenure, said that the best real estate agents emerge from tough markets. A lot of realtors today have not experienced a down market. Most of them have been used to the halcion days of multiple offers. This had led to the exodus of a significant number of agents in recent times. The key characteristic that singles out the great agent has got to be relentless perseverance -- not be eaten up alive by a tough market but to take advantage of the lull for self-promotion, education, in preparation for the return of the market which it will in due course.

Sun May 4 2008, 18:13

Jeff,
Great question and some excellent responses, I want to watch this list grow!
My answer is to operate with absolute integrity, you will stand out in the crowd. Also, create win-win situations that leave both sides feeling good about the completed transaction.
Everyone have a great day!

Charles Coachman

Sun May 4 2008, 17:58