10 Must-Have Skills for Your Real Estate Agent Job Description
In a competitive real estate market, the success of your brokerage hinges on the quality of your agents. A generic job description attracts a flood of applicants, but a skill-focused job description acts as a precise filter. It signals to top-tier candidates that you understand what it takes to succeed, and it helps you weed out those who aren't prepared for the role's demands.
To attract high-caliber professionals, your job posting must define the ideal skill set from the start. This guide outlines the 10 must-have hard and soft skills to include in your real estate agent job description to streamline your hiring process.
The 5 Essential Hard Skills (The 'What They Know')
These are the technical, teachable competencies that an agent needs to execute the job daily. Including these keywords in your job description ensures candidates understand the technical tools and knowledge you expect.
1. MLS Proficiency
The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is the agent's single most important tool. A candidate who isn't fluent in it will struggle from day one. You're not looking for someone who "knows" what the MLS is; you're looking for a power user.
Why it's a must-have: This is non-negotiable for finding listings, running accurate comps, understanding market history, and setting up clients for success.
Job description keywords:
"Proven experience with [Your specific MLS, e.g., Bright MLS, REBNY, CRMLS]."
"Expertise in generating detailed Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) reports."
"Ability to conduct advanced property searches and track market-specific statuses."
2. CRM Management
A successful real estate career is built on a pipeline. An agent who doesn't effectively manage their Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software is leaving money on the table—your brokerage's money.
Why it's a must-have: This skill demonstrates they understand lead nurturing, follow-up, and sales funnel management. It separates "hobbyists" from professionals.
Job description keywords:
"Proficiency in real estate CRM software (e.g., Follow Up Boss, kvCORE, CINC, etc.)."
"Strong understanding of sales pipeline management and lead nurturing."
"Demonstrated ability to track client communications and conversion metrics."
3. Market Analysis
Top agents aren't just "door openers"; they are expert advisors. This skill proves they can interpret data and provide the strategic counsel that clients need to make a massive financial decision.
Why it's a must-have: This is crucial for pricing listings correctly, advising buyers on offers, and establishing a reputation as a local market expert.
Job description keywords:
"Analytical skills to advise clients on listing strategies and investment opportunities."
"Strong knowledge of local real estate trends, inventory, and absorption rates."
"Ability to perform in-depth market analysis beyond a basic CMA."
4. Contract Writing & Comprehension
A single mistake on a purchase agreement can lead to a lawsuit or a dead deal. You need an agent with meticulous attention to detail who understands the legal weight of their work.
Why it's a must-have: Protects your clients, your brokerage, and your reputation. This skill shows diligence and an understanding of compliance.
Job description keywords:
"Experience drafting and reviewing purchase agreements, listing agreements, and disclosures."
"In-depth knowledge of [Your State] real estate contracts and contingency timelines."
"Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to 100% compliance."
5. Social Media Marketing
In today's market, an agent's online presence is their second storefront. Simply posting listings isn't enough. You're looking for someone who understands how to use social media as a lead-generation tool.
Why it's a must-have: This skill is vital for modern prospecting, building a personal brand, and marketing listings to the widest possible audience.
Job description keywords:
"Proven ability to use social media (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn) for lead generation."
"Experience creating engaging video and graphic content for listings."
"Knowledge of running targeted ad campaigns for 'Just Listed' or 'Open House' events."
The 5 Critical Soft Skills (The 'How They Work')
If hard skills are the "what," soft skills are the "how." These interpersonal skills determine an agent's ability to build a business, manage stress, and close deals. They are much harder to teach and far more predictive of long-term success.
6. Negotiation
This is where an agent truly demonstrates their value. A great negotiator can save a client thousands of dollars or rescue a deal from the brink of collapse.
Why it's a must-have: This skill directly impacts your client's bottom line and your brokerage's reputation.
Job description keywords:
"Proven track record as a strong and effective negotiator."
"Ability to navigate complex offers, counter-offers, and inspection responses."
"Skilled in finding win-win solutions to protect client interests."
7. Communication
Real estate is an industry of high emotions and constant updates. An agent who communicates poorly (or too slowly) creates anxiety for clients and headaches for your transaction coordinators.
Why it's a must-have: Proactive communication builds trust, manages client expectations, and keeps transactions running smoothly.
Job description keywords:
"Exceptional written and verbal communication skills."
"A responsive and proactive communicator who provides regular updates."
"Ability to clearly explain complex real estate concepts to clients."
8. Self-Motivation
This is an entrepreneurial role. As a hiring manager, you don't have time to micromanage an agent's daily prospecting. You need to hire a self-starter who is disciplined and internally driven to succeed.
Why it's a must-have: This skill is the engine of an agent's business. Without it, their pipeline will run dry.
Job description keywords:
"A self-starter with a high degree of internal motivation and discipline."
"Disciplined approach to daily prospecting and lead follow-up."
"Goal-oriented with a proven history of meeting or exceeding sales targets."
9. Problem-Solving
Nearly every real estate transaction hits a snag—a low appraisal, a failed inspection, a financing issue. A weak agent panics and delivers the problem to you. A great agent delivers a solution.
Why it's a must-have: Agents are "transaction managers." This skill keeps deals together and ensures a smooth path to closing.
Job description keywords:
"Creative problem-solver who anticipates and resolves issues."
"Remains calm and solutions-oriented under pressure."
"Experience managing transaction hurdles from inspection to closing."
10. Empathy
Buying or selling a home is one of the largest and most stressful financial decisions of a person's life. An agent who lacks empathy may be a good salesperson, but they will never build the trust required for a referral-based business.
Why it's a must-have: Empathy is the foundation of client relationships. It turns a transaction into a long-term connection, which is the key to repeat and referral business.
Job description keywords:
"High emotional intelligence (EQ) and a client-first mentality."
"Ability to build strong, trust-based relationships."
"Patient and empathetic approach to guiding clients through stressful decisions."
Conclusion: Build Your Filter
Finding a top-producing real estate agent starts with a world-class job description. While a license is the entry ticket, it's this specific blend of technical hard skills and relational soft skills that defines a successful career.
By building your job posting around these 10 must-have skills, you move beyond generic titles. You create a powerful filter that repels unqualified applicants and, more importantly, attracts the ambitious, skilled, and professional agents who will become the next pillars of your brokerage.
