While real estate agents can sometimes get a bad rap, a new survey shows people view agents in a positive light, with most seeing them as friendly, helpful and accessible.
The survey from the Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) found 74 per cent of Queenslanders viewed real estate agents positively with friendliness (45 per cent), helpfulness (44 per cent) and accessibility (30 per cent) the top three attributes agents possess.
REIQ Chief Executive Officer Antonia Mercorella said the survey results showed that Queensland real estate professionals were regarded positively in the community.
“When you consider that Australian real estate agents don’t typically rate very well when national rankings of professional perception are released, this survey shows that Queensland agents have bucked this national trend and created a positive public image of themselves,” Ms Mercorella said.
“Due to the nature of the profession, real estate agent conduct is constantly on display and, in Queensland, agents have demonstrated they stand out from the rest and set the benchmark for professional standards in the industry.
“That’s not to say there’s no room for improvement in our state’s sector. Through our industry training courses, seminars, events and endorsement of continuous professional development, the REIQ, as the peak body for real estate professionals, is committed to understanding and addressing weaknesses in our industry to raise the bar of professionalism even higher.”
The survey looked at 16 factors Queenslanders found most important when selecting an agent. Trustworthiness, being friendly or approachable, a good communicator and having positive customer reviews at the top of the list.
One in two Queenslanders also agreed agents who belonged to an industry body were more reputable.
Ms Mercorella said on the back of strong market conditions, agents had to work hard to maintain their standards.
“Queensland’s real estate market has gone from strength to strength, but as a result the demands on real estate professionals have increased in line with this, meaning higher levels of inquiry from potential buyers and tenants, and greater levels of competition for listings within the industry,” she said.
“In order to operate successfully and uphold a good reputation in this fast-moving market, real estate professionals have adopted new technology, learned to work smarter and have put in more hours to ensure they can respond to large volumes of inquiry in a timely manner.
“These efforts aren’t always seen by the broader community, but the REIQ is continually heartened by the quality and integrity of professionals within our sector and membership.”
