Residential real estate is an emotional experience for most buyers and sellers, for them it is usually the largest financial transaction they will ever be in involved in. And, in their eyes, you’re responsible, whether you are or not and whether you want to be or not.

Do you have the right attitude toward responsibility for the job?

Personality

Success in real estate relies largely on being compatible with a wide range of personalities.

• Are you emotionally level most of the time?

• Are you mentally level most of the time?

• Are you physically in good condition?

• Are you aggressive in a non-threatening way?

• Do you feel that you have to be in control at all times?

• Are you a problem solver?

Stress

You need to remain calm and in control of your emotions at all times, if you become angry or upset your clients will feed off you and a problem will only get worse.

• How have you reacted to crises and stress in your life?

• How are your diplomatic skills?

• Are you prepared to work evenings and weekends?

• Are you prepared to drop whatever you’re doing and respond to a client’s needs?

• Are you a realistic goal-setter?

• Do you take constructive criticism well?

• Are you unafraid to ask questions?

• Are you a self-starter?

• Are you self-disciplined?

If you can answer most of these questions positively, you may be well suited for a career in real estate.

Published: November 18, 2004

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Mark McCloud is the owner of McCloud Seminars, a sales and sales management training and consulting company. He has over thirty years of sales experience and over ten years in management. He holds the professional designations of ABR, BA, CREI, CRRS, GRI, MMDP and has been voted the Outstanding Professionalism award by his peers. He holds memberships in the Realtors National Marketing Institute and the Real Estate Buyers Agent Council. He is available for training, consulting and public speaking. He can be reached at: 360/281-2086 and mccloudseminars@comcast.net.