Bayut Academy: The importance of effective communication skills in real estate

Communication is key in our day-to-day interactions. However, its importance in the workplace cannot be overstated. Simply put, if you want to get ahead in any professional setting having effective written and verbal communication skills are important. Today, we take a closer look at the important communication skills property agents need, to be successful. We also share some important tips for real estate agents to improve communication.

Top Communication Skills for Real Estate Agents

Real estate, in particular, is a relationship based business and the way one communicates has a huge impact on its success. From the first conversation, all the way to post-handover, effective communication is key to a fruitful business deal. Below we list five key communication skills for property agents that they must excel in.

1. Verbal skills

Verbal communication skills start with a great greeting such as, “Hello this is Karim, how may I help?” Being able to converse effectively with your client is very important and is essential during every point of contact. Being able to effectively communicate verbally will help in positioning yourself as a professional and trustworthy agent and can go a long way in helping both parties reach an agreement.

2. Listening skills

Listening is not synonymous with hearing. Good listening entails valuing others opinions and suspending the natural instinct to start formulating a response before hearing the other person out. A good listener never talks over someone and will often repeat what they think they have heard in order to check for understanding.

3. Writing skills

Written communication for business needs to be brief, concise and professional. Proper salutations and spelling are non-negotiable and all written communication needs to focus on what is important. Note the drastically different impressions of the two text examples below provide:

• Dear ma’am or sir, you called for a property?
• Hello! This is Samir with XYZ property how may I help you?

Having good written communication skills helps to develop a trusting relationship, which is essential in real estate transactions.

4. Interpersonal communication skills

You know that feeling you get when you “just click” with someone; it happens when there is a great interpersonal connection. Good interpersonal communication skills allow you to find common ground, show empathy, build trust levels and formulate a personal relationship with your client within the confines of a business setting. This, in turn, helps you understand the clients’ requirements and provide them with the right services. 

5. Presentation skills

How you present yourself is also important and is often overlooked. Good presentation skills mean you present information in a way that is engaging, motivating and effective. A good presenter puts people at ease, presents the correct information concisely and in a way that drives people towards the desired outcome.

Tips for real estate agents to improve communication

So how can you improve your communication especially in a multicultural country such as the UAE? Below are a few strategies to improve communication for real estate agents. 

1. Ask questions

Want to know how to best help a client? Ask them questions. Show your clients that you are genuinely interested, by asking thoughtful questions. Meet with them face-to-face and establish the specific details of what they are looking to buy or sell. Questions such as, “What has brought you to the decision to buy property today?” or “Have you worked with other agents? What has your experience been like?” can help you understand their objectives and ensure you deliver what they need. 

2. Listen carefully

One of the most important tips for real estate agents to improve communication is to listen to the clients’ needs carefully. Good communication is not just telling, it entails listening and then responding to what is being said. It also means suspending judgments, overcoming the urge to interject. Sometimes it may entail processing meaning that is not overtly expressed. See beyond the spoken words and remember to ask questions to make sure that what you think you hear is correct. Being a good listener is also one of the important tips for real estate agents to sell a house in the UAE. 

3. Work on improving your written communication skills

Working on written communication skills are is another one of the most important tips for real estate agents to improve communication. Proper grammar rules apply to text and emails. It is essential to slow down and proofread what you have written. Your tone of voice is difficult to ascertain in written communication, so make sure your whatever you write is pleasant and professional. Another important thing to remember is that business writing is not creative writing so being concise and precise. 

4. Avoid abbreviations and jargon

Even if you have developed a personal relationship with your client, it is still important to remain professional and concise. Industry jargons and abbreviations may be confusing and often times, come across as rushed and even patronizing. So avoid any abbreviations and jargon that may confuse the client.

5. Keep the channels open and stay in touch

Poor follow-up is an often repeated complaint from clients. Another one od the essential techniques for real estate agents to improve communication is to remember to follow up. Great communicators keep in touch while never pestering or allowing too much time to go by. Respond when you say you will. If you don’t have the information you promised, call the client with an update and let him know the situation at hand. 

Real estate communication is successful when clients are happy, satisfied and feel taken care of. If you are successful in this, referrals will come. Remember always be responsive to your clients’ needs and treat each one with priority.

If you are looking to raise your communication skills as a real estate professional,  visit Bayut Academy! We offer a workshop that focuses on Communication Preferences, Multicultural Communication and Business Writing. If you are interested to join send us an email at academy@bayut.com. 

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