10 Essential Realtor Skills

Whether you’ve recently decided to become a Realtor or are already engaged in your career in this profession, developing skills such as communication, problem-solving, and persistence will likely aid your success. Because the real estate market frequently changes, acquiring a diverse skill set will likely help you effectively operate within it. Other abilities that may help you successfully navigate this fluid environment are time management, active listening, and an understanding of modern technology.

As of February 2025, the average annual salary for a Realtor is $125,004 [1]. Explore how strengthening the following 10 essential Realtor skills may support your career and how these skills can help you succeed.

What is the difference between a Realtor and a real estate agent?

The difference between a Realtor and a real estate agent comes down to one thing: A Realtor is a participating member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), while a real estate agent is not. For a real estate agent to become a Realtor, they need to join the NAR and follow its code of ethics as well as its standards of practice.

What type of skills do I need to be a real estate agent?

Helping customers buy and sell homes is a multifaceted role that requires a diverse skill set, including marketing expertise, the ability to network, and an aptitude for negotiation. Learn more about these essential Realtor skills and how you might use them to further your career.

1. Networking

Networking is a crucial aspect of being a successful Realtor because interacting with clients and other professionals in the industry can provide you with referrals and avenues for expanding your business. A Realtor works with others in this field, and networking can help you establish relationships with important contributors such as contractors, inspectors, loan officers, and real estate attorneys.

2. Communication

While working as a Realtor, you interact with people daily, so effective communication is essential for this profession. Although other jobs require solid communication, as a Realtor, you will typically deal with and need to adjust to the preferences of a different client for every job. For example, one client may prefer to talk on the phone, while another only likes to exchange emails or texts. Certain clients may prefer limited contact, while others may wish to speak with you regularly.

3. Negotiation

When negotiating with people buying and selling homes, you want to be assertive without being pushy. To make the best deal possible, try to find a balance between the two without compromising or giving in to the other party's demands. Your goal is to ensure that your clients avoid paying too much.

4. Problem solving

Another important skill for a Realtor is the ability to solve problems. You may face challenges, such as a house that has been on the market for years or a client whose expectations are unrealistic. You might need to deal with a troublesome inspection report or an appraisal amount lower than expected. 

5. Time management

If you’re working as a Realtor, being on time and meeting deadlines are two key aspects of the job, making strong time management skills integral to your success. Whether you use online planning tools or a notebook, ensure you manage your time well because you always want to keep your client happy by being punctual.

6. Marketing

In this profession, you need to be able to market a home effectively by taking high-quality photos, and you also want to create catchy listings, employ digital marketing strategies, and orchestrate compelling property viewings. Remember, you’re telling the story of a home to sell it, and you can use social media postings, videos, and virtual tours to accomplish this.

7. Technology

Your ability to properly use technology may help determine your success within this industry. Learn how to apply tools such as real estate databases, virtual tour software, and customer relationship management (CRM) systems to enhance your sales ability. If your client lives in another area of the country, you can take advantage of video conferencing applications to give a tour of the house. Knowing how to use technology may also increase your efficiency while keeping you on equal terms with a tech-savvy client.

8. Local knowledge

To operate productively as a Realtor, you need a thorough understanding of the local market. This means being current regarding market trends, pricing, and available inventory. To advise your clients with accurate information, you need detailed knowledge of the local market to compare price listings, comprehend how the economy affects properties, and predict shifts in the industry.

9. Active listening

When your clients speak, you want to focus on them rather than answering their questions before they finish. Giving your clients time to express their doubts while asking follow-up questions makes them more likely to trust you.

10. Patience

The selling process for a house takes time, so you need patience to handle this extensive transaction. You may have to deal with zoning, permits, and construction throughout the process. Being patient throughout the process can lead to fewer mistakes while helping you achieve the best possible outcome.

How do you stand out as a Realtor?

If you’re new to real estate or a veteran in the industry, you can implement specific strategies to help you stand out in this business. The following three tips can assist you in developing leads and forming positive relationships with clients.

• Choose a specialty: Examples include vacation homes, condos, or investment properties

• Build an online presence: Use Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn

• Respond quickly: Always respond to a current or potential client as soon as possible

Methods for enhancing Realtor skills

No matter how much experience you have as a Realtor, growing your skill set is a great way to make sure you continue to meet and exceed client expectations. From webinars and workshops, to online courses and professional certificates, you can continue to grow in your career at any stage.

Develop your Realtor skills with Coursera

Working as a Realtor can be a lucrative job, so you want to ensure you have the necessary skills, such as communication, networking, and marketing. Consider the Keller Williams Real Estate Agent Professional Certificate, which covers contract negotiation, client experience, lead generation, and more.