We will all probably have to deal with a broker—or real estate agent—at one point in our lives. Some harbor such a passion for property that they become professionals themselves. Others develop a close relationship with their trusted broker as they make money buying and selling houses at precisely the right moment.

Following a long period of scouring the space for an experienced agent, we got some insight from a prominent industry insider. We found one with both knowledge and a strong philosophy that leaps out of online narratives and client testimonials.

Over 20 years on from first starting in the industry, specialist listing agent Power Paul (Paul Jung) of ReMax Frontier has whipped up the know-how to help everybody deal with property seamlessly. In his stomping grounds of Long Island and Queens, New York, he constantly talks with his client pool as the market rises and falls. But the things he has learned along the way could help budding brokers like you just as much as the property punters who depend on him.

1. Put your clients first

It’s the origin of Paul Jung’s illustrious reputation in the industry. You might think it’s a cliche, especially if your eye is firmly on your commission. But the person who has entrusted you with a property deal should always take priority over yourself.

“After selling a property, one of my clients told me that I was the true broker he was looking for – one that knew how to put the client’s needs ahead of his own,” Paul said. “That insight stuck with me and reassured me that I should continue to provide this same level of catered service to everyone. Prioritizing the client over myself led them to call me ‘Power Paul’.”

Selflessness in property is a broad philosophy that Paul is known for. But, if you’re starting your real estate career or are looking to sell your home in New York, you might be wondering what that looks like in practice. The listing agent shared his knowledge in that department too.

2. Realize that a house is often a home

Sure, you may come across plenty of sellers in your career who only want to make a profit. However, part of maturing as a real estate professional means realizing that people could buy or sell a house for a whole range of reasons. Being sensitive to the property’s value beyond money could make your client’s experience much more positive.

“For sellers, the home they sell is often their biggest asset,” Paul explained. “And each home has its own story. As an agent, I try not only to produce the maximum result but also provide services tailored to each individual.”

Wrong property professionals need to remember their personal role in a transaction. To be a more effective real estate agent, you need to grasp all the other factors potentially preventing the deal from going as smoothly as possible. Your clients need to feel at ease with their property in your hands.

3. Keep your clients close

One of the biggest mistakes a broker can make is presuming their job is done the second a sale closes. In reality, it may only just be the beginning. As mentioned earlier, people may engage in the real estate markets two, three, four, or more times in their lives. You must be there for every step, not just the first one.

“I always try to communicate with my clients by providing them with the market information they need, even if they are not ready to sell their home yet,” Paul revealed. “Even after they decide to sell their home, I try to allay their fears by calling them first and informing them about the current situation.”

If you’re an aspiring property broker, hopefully, it’s sinking in that relationships will be the key to your success. On the other hand, people thinking about purchasing or selling a home should accept no less than regular communication with their agent. Brokering is a service, regardless of where you fit into the deal.

Like so many other walks of life, the property sector is becoming about more than the bottom line. People don’t just want to flip their homes and pocket the money. They want to be informed and cared for, making them feel comfortable and unburdened throughout the process. 

As a real estate agent, that’s in your interest too. Because a client getting cold feet is the last thing you want when a deal is about to go through.