Real estate agents or realtors is one of the most lucrative business/professions one can venture into. As the unemployment in Nigeria is raising, this is one of the professions I encourage those looking for employment should think about because it doesn't take a lot to start and you don't even need an employment interview to start working. As a friend would say, all you need to start working is a pair of pairs, comfortable shoes to walk around, a shirt and an internet enabled phone. Below is are some tips on how to be a good real estate agent.

1. Look Presentable - As a serious agent, you have to look presentable. Dress clean not necessarily expensive but near. Ironed clothes, clean hair cut or if you choose to grow your hair, let it look taken care of.

2. Learn how to communicate - Communication is key to marketing. Communication consists of knowing when to speak and listen. Listen carefully to what the client wants and if you want to offer something outside the clients specific needs, do not push them, if they aren't interested, don't push them or try to convince them, if not you will not only look desperate but unprofessional.

3. Understand that your clients are not just the people renting/buying properties but also the landlords - A lot of agents refer to the person looking for a property as client but refer to the owner as landlord. Basically the landlord is also your client because you are offering him your by getting someone to rent/buy their property

4. Make it an habit to perform KYC/CDD on the person buying or renting properties. - KYC means know your client and CDD is customer due diligence. Now this is very important because you don't want to be involved in a money laundering investigation. The EFCC will not hear, "I didn't know" and also this shows the landlord you know how to do your job properly

5. Invest in e-marketking sites - Have you ever heard you have to spend money to make money? Investing in this sites gives your property market a wider audience. There are many websites that offer such services, Google real estate marketing websites and you are good to go. Facebook sponsored ads is also a good tool.

6. Do not inflate prices of properties - This is very important because once you are found doing such, your reputation is ruined as a real estate agent. Focus on getting the property sold and getting your commission and move to other properties. Remember you are not the only person marketing the property so if other agents are marketing the property at a lower price, and a prospective client sees adverts for the same property but different prices, he will go for the agent offering it at a cheaper price. Intact I would recommend instead of inflating the price of the property, deflate the percentage of the commission, this way you get more sales because Nigerians like a bargain and they will recommend you because it's hard to find an agent reducing is commission.

I can't think of any more tips but the above mentioned is good enough I think.