Top Traits To Look For In A Professional Realtor
by Arnab Dey Real Estate 16 April 2025
How do you know you’ve found the right realtor? Or how can you be so sure about a Professional Realtor?
It’s a question people often don’t ask until they’re already halfway through a transaction, and by then, it might be too late.
A great realtor isn’t just someone with a license and a nice headshot. This is someone you’re trusting to help you make one of the biggest decisions in your life, whether you’re buying or selling.
That means the bar should be high. You’re not just looking for someone who knows the paperwork. You’re looking for someone who knows people, pressure, and property inside and out.
Let’s find out!
They Listen More Than They Talk
Plenty of agents will launch into a pitch the moment they meet you. The best ones don’t.
A professional realtor in Houston starts by listening. They ask questions, sure—but more importantly, they listen to the answers.
They want to understand your goals, your concerns, your timeline, and your preferences. They aren’t trying to steer you toward something that benefits them. They’re focused on what you want.
You’ll notice this quickly in a conversation. If someone’s just waiting for their turn to speak or throwing out buzzwords, that’s a red flag.
But if they’re giving you space to explain, asking follow-ups, and showing genuine attention to the details you share, that person takes the job seriously.
They’re Obsessed With The Local Market
Every agent claims to “know the market,” but that can mean many different things. The most valuable realtors are obsessed with what’s happening locally.
They know the neighborhoods inside and out. Not just the average sale price, but what types of homes are selling fastest? What buyers are looking for.
How the schools, parks, traffic, and future developments impact home value. They don’t just know the stats—they know what those numbers mean.
If you’re working with someone who can tell you the average days on market for your zip code and also explain why that number has changed over the past six months, you’re in good hands.
They Communicate Clearly And Often
No one likes being left in the dark, especially during something as high-stakes as buying or selling property.
Great realtors set expectations early. They tell you how and when they’ll be in touch. And then they stick to it.
You don’t have to chase them down for updates. You don’t have to guess what comes next. You never feel like you’re waiting around without a clue.
Clear communication isn’t just about frequency, either. It’s about making complex things easy to understand. If they can explain a contract or market trend in plain language—without jargon or attitude—that’s someone who respects your time and your decisions.
They Stay Calm Under Pressure
Real estate can get messy. Deals fall through. Inspections bring surprises. Emotions run high. And that’s exactly when the right realtor proves their value.
The best agents keep a cool head when things don’t go to plan. They don’t panic. They don’t pass the stress onto you. Instead, they focus on solutions.
They’ve seen enough transactions to know that problems aren’t unusual—they’re expected. But because they’ve prepared for the bumps, they can guide you through them with confidence.
You want someone who doesn’t just react, but responds thoughtfully. Someone who knows how to negotiate, how to troubleshoot, and how to keep everyone focused on the goal.
They’re Honest—Even When It’s Not What You Want To Hear
This one’s big.
Some realtors will tell you what they think you want to hear. A professional tells you the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable.
That might mean advising you to price your home lower than you hoped. Or telling you to wait before making an offer. Or explaining that your dream home has serious issues you overlooked during the showing.
This kind of honesty is rare. But it’s also one of the most valuable traits a realtor can have.
It means they’re not just trying to close the deal. They’re trying to do what’s right for you, even if it means more work or a longer timeline on their end.
The Five Traits To Watch For
Let’s recap the essentials. These are the five key traits you should always look for in a professional realtor:
- Strong listener – Prioritizes your needs, not just their agenda
- Local expert – Knows the neighborhood beyond the surface stats
- Communicator – Keeps you informed and explains things clearly
- Calm under pressure – Handles problems with experience and poise
- Truth-teller – Gives honest advice, even when it’s hard to hear
If the person you’re considering checks all five boxes, that’s a solid sign you’re working with someone who takes the role seriously—and is likely to protect your interests every step of the way.
Personality Fit Still Matters
Even with all the professional traits in place, don’t underestimate personal fit.
This is someone you’ll be speaking with often, potentially over weeks or months. If they rub you the wrong way from the start, or you just don’t feel comfortable asking questions, it’s okay to walk away—even if they seem great on paper.
Trust your gut. The right realtor should be someone you feel at ease with. You don’t need to become best friends, but there should be a natural rhythm to your conversations.
You should feel heard. You should feel respected. You should feel confident that they’ve got your back.
Questions Are Your Best Tool
If you’re unsure how to spot these traits immediately, ask better questions. Don’t just ask how long they’ve been in real estate.
Instead, try asking the following:
- How many transactions have they done in your area?
- What happens if a deal falls through?
- How do they communicate with you during the process?
Watch how they answer. Do they speak with clarity? Do they back up their answers with examples? Do they seem thoughtful or just rehearsed?
You can learn a lot from someone’s answers—not just what they say but how they say it.
Don’t Settle!
You don’t owe the first realtor you meet your trust. Or your listing. Or your time. Interview more than one. Compare how they talk to you, how much they know, and how they make you feel.
A professional realtor brings more than knowledge—they bring judgment, strategy, and commitment. And when you find the right one, everything about the process feels a little less overwhelming.
It’s worth waiting for the right fit. The right person doesn’t just help you move homes; they help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
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