5 Professional Traits Every REALTOR® Should Have

LOUISIANA REALTORS • August 7, 2018
Every golf bag has a certain combination of clubs. Each one designed to achieve a certain result; crafted to be dependable in its intended situation. The traits you possess as a REALTOR® are not dissimilar. The arduous journey of any real estate transaction presents a number of obstacles, challenges, and opportunities. How you use your professional traits to respond to each of them is how you separate yourself as a REALTOR®. While a golfer has a driver, irons, wedges, and a putter in their bag, what tools should you have in yours?

Honesty and Integrity

First and foremost, and one of the key qualifications of being a REALTOR® as your bound to these principles by the REALTOR’S® Code of Ethics, is honesty and integrity. These traits along with your distinction as a REALTOR are what offer you a powerful competitive advantage. Earning the trust of your clients during one of the most significant events of their life cannot be overstated.

Communication Skills

The ins and outs of buying or selling a home can make your spin, that’s even truer for your clients. With all of the different parties and processes involved, communication is key. From clearly explaining current and next steps to potential advantages and disadvantages of certain decisions to aligning conversations between the relevant and appropriate people can and will make everything run more smoothly.

Negotiation Skills

At the end of the day, this is a business decision for everyone involved, and the bottom line needs to be considered. As a REALTOR®, you have a duty to provide your client with the best possible outcome, and that will largely come down to negotiation. Your experience and knowledge need to be able to represent your client from either side of the transaction in the best way possible. By understanding the value of what is being bought or sold, and why it holds that value, along with the ability to communicate and defend that position, you will be able to be the resource that your client deserves.

Knowledge

Knowing what to expect during each part of the home buying and selling process, as well as the particular details of what your client needs is paramount. Location, taxes, schools, commute, amenities, valuation trends, and more are what your clients expect from you. Using this knowledge to assist in making offers and recognizing inconsistencies will give you allow you to reach the best result for your client.

Responsiveness

Timeliness is essential in real estate. Offers come and go, decisions need to made, and information needs to be shared. In a client-facing role like yours, returning texts, emails, and phone calls in a timely manner is vital. It shows that you are engaged and care about your client’s needs. 
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By Louisiana REALTORS® July 6, 2026
Get ready to press pause on your daily routine and join House Call Home Inspection for an unforgettable blend of education, networking and relaxation aboard the 2026 CE Cruise to Mexico. Departing from the Port of New Orleans aboard Carnival Valor, this annual House Call Cruise sets sail October 17–22, 2026, with ports of call in Cozumel and Progreso. Attendees can enjoy engaging continuing education opportunities, exclusive group activities, and all the dining, entertainment, and onboard experiences Carnival is known for — all while cruising to exciting destinations. While the official 2026 agenda will be released closer to departure, past cruises give a great preview of what attendees can expect. Sample activities and classes from a previous cruise included multiple CE class options, themed cocktail parties, costume night, group photos, a scavenger hunt, and elegant night festivities. Previous educational offerings featured courses such as Seller Ready, New Construction, and Home Inspection, taught by industry professionals — all conveniently hosted onboard, allowing attendees to earn CE credits without sacrificing the vacation experience. Cabin options are available in interior, oceanview and balcony categories, with pricing subject to change. Space is limited, and this popular cruise fills quickly each year. Booking & Travel Information To reserve your spot or ask questions about accommodations and pricing, contact the group travel agent: Chad Fleming Cruise Planners, Independent Franchise (337) 401-2033 chad.fleming@cruiseplanners.com www.timetogeauxtravel.com Please note that this CE cruise is not hosted by or affiliated with Louisiana REALTORS®. 
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