Last week, I had the incredible privilege of joining the top 100 agents at Compass from across the country. According to our Compass CEO, Robert Reffkin, “This elite group of professionals performs six times the business of the average Compass agent and the average Compass agent sells two times the average agent.” Every attendee was there to collaborate without ego, work smarter, and share their unique superpowers. Make no mistake, this group is comprised of some of the hardest-working and kindest people I know. 

To excel in residential real estate, it must become part of who you are. The hours are long, and the demands are high, but if you love what you do, the rewards are immense. Hiring a Realtor at this level is worth every penny, as your experience and outcomes will be exceptional. Real estate transactions are rarely flawless, but with a true professional, you can be confident in the process and result.

From my observation over the past 20 years, top residential Realtors share several key traits and practices that contribute to their success:

Market Knowledge

• In-depth understanding of local market trends.
• Intimate knowledge of neighborhoods, schools, amenities, future development plans, architecture, design, and building. 

Strong Communication Skills

• Ability to clearly convey information to clients.
• Active listening to understand client needs and preferences.
• Regular updates and responsiveness to client inquiries. 

Networking Abilities

• Extensive network of contacts within the industry (e.g., mortgage brokers, inspectors, contractors).
• Participation in local community events and organizations to build relationships. 

Marketing Expertise

• Proficient in using various marketing channels (online listings, social media, traditional advertising).
• Leveraging data and analytics to target potential buyers. 

Technological Proficiency

• Keeping up to date with the latest real estate tech trends. 

Negotiation Skills

• Strong ability to negotiate favorable terms for clients.
• Understanding the art of compromise to close deals effectively. 

Customer Service Orientation

• Commitment to providing a positive client experience.
• Going above and beyond to meet client needs and exceed expectations.
• Building long-term relationships and encouraging client referrals. 

Ethical Standards

• Adherence to high ethical standards and transparency in dealings.
• Reputation for honesty and integrity, which fosters trust and credibility. 

Continuous Learning

• Commitment to ongoing education and professional development.
• Keeping abreast of changes in real estate laws, regulations, and best practices. 

Time Management and Organization

• Effective time management to handle multiple clients and properties simultaneously.
• Strong organizational skills to keep track of deadlines, appointments, and paperwork. 

Personal Branding

• Establishing a strong personal brand that resonates with clients.
• Differentiating oneself from the competition through unique value propositions.

Resilience and Adaptability

• Ability to handle setbacks and rejections.
• Adaptability to changing market conditions and client requirements.

By embodying these characteristics and continuously refining their skills, the Compass Top 100 will continue to lead the industry and pave the way toward a brighter future for our peers and clients.

Thank you, Compass, for the opportunity to spend time with this inspiring group of individuals whom I am proud to call my colleagues. If you are considering a move out of the area, it would be my honor to connect you with any one of these top professionals who represent the local marketplace!