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I am an introvert. Am I suitable to be a property agent?
This is a question I commonly receive from aspiring real estate agents.
The real estate industry seems to be built for extroverts. After all, when we think of property agents, we often imagine charismatic and outgoing individuals who charm potential buyers effortlessly.
While extroversion can be an asset in the real estate industry, introverts bring to the table their valuable qualities.
Introverts possess a unique set of strengths that can make them exceptional in this field.
In my years of experience in this industry, I have seen many introverts becoming top realtors in their real estate agencies.
Are you also an introvert considering a career in the real estate industry?
Are you worried that your quiet and reflective nature might hinder your success as a property agent?
In this article, let me share with you how introversion can be a sword in the real estate industry!
Why Introverts Can Be Good Property Agent
Introversion is not synonymous with shyness or social anxiety. Introverts are often energised by solitary activities and gain strength from introspection.
That is actually, in my opinion, the best edge that introverts have.
It is important to know your strengths as an introvert. When you know what you are good at naturally and leverage on these skills, you will be able to excel in the real estate industry.
So what are strengths of an introvert that can make you a good property agent?
(1) Introverts Are Great Listeners
Introverts are known for the ability to listen attentively, making clients feel heard and understood. This skill allows you to gather essential information and tailor your approach accordingly.
It is important to know that as a real estate agent, you don't have to speak all the time. Listen keenly and focus on what your client is saying.
Take in all the information, including the verbal and non verbal cues.
Thereafter, process and integrate it to make a valuable suggestion based on what you think is best for the clients.
The point is not to make a point for the sake of making it. Contribute in a way that is insightful and useful to the clients. This is a skill many introverts will not find hard to master.
Also, I want to share that it is perfectly normal to feel nervous before meeting a client, especially if this is the first time you are meeting them.
As a mentor to real estate agents, my teammates often share with me how nervous they are when meeting clients.
This nervousness can stem from meeting clients whom they are meeting for the first time, or clients with a different real estate needs from what they normally specialised in.
Anxiety also set in when meeting a client who is perceived to be on a different level from themselves.
So what is my advise to them?
Be prepared. Be sincere.
It is good to have a preliminary idea of what the client's real estate need is before meeting them. This allow you to do some research and run through the solutions with your mentor before the meeting.
And during the meeting, be sincere. Try to break the ice by finding common ground. Listen empathically and share with them what you know. For things that you are unsure, let them know you will check and come back to them.
I always like to share an experience I had with a client I met many years ago. He is a Shanghainese and the CEO of a listed company. I was very nervous before meeting him. And as usual, I told myself to be sincere.
And during the meeting, I listen to him and share how I think I can help him with his real estate needs.
More importantly, I managed to break the ice by sharing my previous work experience in the regional Chinese entertainment scene with him. He was interested in what I was doing and we had very interesting conversations on that.
And of cos, I managed to get the exclusive and successfully sold his property!
Being sincere is my way of overcoming anxieties!
(2) Excellent Attention To Detail
Introverts tend to have a keen eye for detail.
This is extremely important in our line as we are handling one of the most valuable assets in a person's life!
As a realtor, clients rely on our advice when it comes to buying and selling of properties.
Some of the knowledge we need to have include knowing how to do financial calculations, planning cashflow and moving in/out timeline, documentations and property inspection etc.
It is so important to be meticulous and pay attention to even the finest details. And this is something an introvert is normally good in!
(3) Introverts Are Adaptable
Through my observation, I find that many introverted realtors are very adaptable. They often can adapt to different social situations and work well with others.
One of the reasons why they are adaptable is because they are strong observer and a deep thinker. These allow them to analyse the situation from multiple viewpoints quickly based on their observations.
As such, they are able to understand the dynamics at play in different situations and adapt to it quickly.
This ability to adapt is certainly important due to the fast nature of our property industry!
(4) Introverts Are Independent
Are you an introvert who is also very independent?
Introvert is independent due to many reasons.
One of them is the need and comfort for solitude, You rely on your own thoughts and introspection, finding fulfilment in your own company. Solitude provides you with opportunities for self-reflection and personal growth.
Introverts prioritise meaningful connections over superficial socialising, fostering independence in your relationships.
Also, when it comes to decision-making, introverts make decisions based on your own judgment and values, rather than being swayed by external opinions.
All these traits contribute to your self-reliance and overall independence.
And these qualities are great for a career in real estate!
While we are in a people business, we are also in a business where we need to be very independent!
(5) Introverts Build Deep Relationships
Although introverts prefer solitude, you often develop deep and meaningful relationships.
Your inclination for quality over quantity enables you to form strong bonds with individuals you connect with on a deeper level.
Introverts are often good listeners and observers. Therefore it is easy for you to cultivate empathy and understanding in your interactions with others.
Real estate agent career is primarily about people and relationship. The ability to build deep relationships certainly make introverts a great real estate agent!
The strengths that introverts possess show why introverts make great property agents.
Introverts may face certain challenges when starting their career as property agents. The pressure to engage in frequent networking events and engage with potential clients can feel overwhelming.
However, by understanding and accepting their introverted nature, individuals can devise strategies to overcome these obstacles and succeed in the real estate industry!
Tips For Introverts To Succeed As A Property Agent
From the above attributes of an introvert, we can see that introverted personalities can perform well as a real estate agent.
Within RealTeam, I would say majority of us are introverts. I would like to share some of the tips that has worked greatly.
(1) Partnership
While introverts work well independently, their highly adaptable character also means they can work well with others.
As a real estate agent, we wear many hats. We are our own business development manager, marketing manager, PR manager, operation manager,,. and the list goes on.
If you are someone who prefer to research, write listings description or have an eye for design, partner someone whose strength is in meeting people and doing viewings.
To forge a successful partnership, understand what you can bring to the equation. It is also equally important to know what you cannot.
Partnership is more than just doubling up.
The key to success in real estate partnership is to discover your own abilities, recognising your weakness and working with someone whose abilities complement your own.
(2) Choose Your Prospecting Methods Wisely
There are many prospecting methods that you can use to bring in business.
If you are someone who is proficient in social media marketing, focus on using social media networking to get leads.
And since we are on the topic of social media, let me share my views on this question that I commonly received: I am a very private person, can I don't use social media for my real estate work?
Personally I am a very private person. Therefore I am selective with the kind of content that is being put up. And as someone who is private, it is even more important to use social media to network.
We need to constantly remind our network of our existence, and what is more effective than using social media to do it?
I always like to share the example of one of our teammates who is so good with using social media to connect with her friends. Cos of her regular postings, her friends reach out to her and she has successfully helped many of them with their real estate needs!
This is the power of social media. And remember:
Out of sight, out of mind
Besides social media, if you are someone who prefer face-to-face interactions, roadshows, hyping and door to door canvassing might be your cup of tea.
Understand that there are many ways to prospect. Try out everything and do those that works for you.
(3) Play to your strengths
While face-to-face interactions may not be an introvert's preferred method of communication, you often excel in expressing your thoughts and ideas through writing.
Utilising emails, newsletters, and well-crafted property descriptions can be an advantage in attracting and engaging potential buyers.
In short, play to your strengths. Do what you are best at!
Conclusion
Introverts can undoubtedly be successful property agents in Singapore and beyond.
By embracing your unique strengths, such as active listening, attention to details and effective written communication, introverts can excel in the real estate business.
With proper strategies in place, introverted property agents can thrive in a field that values empathy, expertise, and personalised service.
If you still have doubts over whether you are suitable to be a real estate agent, make an appointment with me and let's chat!
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About The Author
Vivian joined the real estate industry in 2002. Having been in the real estate business for more than 2 decades, she knows the rewards and challenges that a real estate agent face.
While the real estate career offers lucrative income and flexible work hours, it also presents many challenges - financial insecurity as we do not have basic pay, time management as we juggle work, children and family all at one time.
Only those who have walked the same journey will understand.
Vivian would now like to pay it forward by mentoring fellow agents, especially women who want to build a real estate career.
It is her vision to see women achieving their dreams, and live their lives with purpose and passion through a successful real estate career.
Call Vivian at 98577714 to embark on this journey.