Reflecting back on this, it became very apparent to me that there were some common traits and habits that they all had in common. Similar to another set of well-known habits, I believe these characteristics are the basis for phenomenal success for any real estate professional:

1. Clear Understanding of Their Business Model. Top agents have a tremendous understanding of what makes their business tick, and how to generate bottom-line profit.

2. Solution Oriented. The glass is always “half full” and there is no obstacle they cannot overcome with perseverance.

3. Know Their Limitations. No one person can be an expert at every task. Top producers recognize their limitations and are able to surround themselves with people who complement their talents and round out their skill set.

4. Thirst for Knowledge. There isn’t a day that goes by that a top producer doesn’t progress in their learning and search for knowledge to make informed decisions

5. Systems, Systems, Systems. Every-thing a top producer does is organized and systematized.

6. Listen and Adapt. If you’re doing all the talking, then you’re not listening to the needs of your clients. Listening, then adapting is what brings in the business.

7. Customer-Service Minded. Top agents excel at making their customers feel appreciated and valued.

On the whole, this list may seem like common-sense traits we all possess, but it’s become clear to me that while many agents have a few of these qualities, it’s only the top producers who consistently demonstrate mastery of each of these traits.

Take number one for instance. The value of treating your practice like a business has received much attention in the past couple of years. True career-minded agents realize that like any other business, it’s essential to have a plan in place to aid in your productivity and enable you to reach your goals. Plans should be flexible enough to be adjusted as the year goes on, and ideally automated to the extent that you receive reminders on tasks and benchmarks you are trying to reach.

Every aspect of your business should be tracked, from marketing expenses to mailing campaigns to customer appreciation events and contests. Since each task has a specific, as well as a broad function (ultimately to find and keep more clients), it’s essential that you track your results so you can decide intelligently where to invest your money for the best return. A business plan provides you with a roadmap with which to reach your financial, professional and even spiritual goals.

In the coming weeks and months I’ll revisit this list and go into more detail on each of these top traits, offering first-hand accounts and examples of how these traits have manifested and are exhibited every day by the best of the best in the real estate industry.