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What new real estate agents should know about …

New to the industry? Get started with everything you need to know about the early decisions that’ll shape your career, including choosing a brokerage, learning your market, creating an online presence, budgeting, getting leads, marketing listings and so much more. If you’re a team leader or broker-owner, New Agent Month will be jam-packed with resources to help your new hires navigate.

When working with clients, real estate agents have to appear well-versed on most of the sought-after features and closely inspected spaces — like bathrooms and kitchens, for example.

Buyers and sellers will appreciate you as an agent if you know your alcove tubs from your walk-in tubs. Even better if you know a thing or two about bathtub materials and their perks and drawbacks. 

So, if you’re a new real estate agent and want to learn everything you can, and be able to effortlessly (and expertly) answer questions clients throw your way, here is a primer on the amenities and features they care about most — plus other helpful tips on safety and moving.

Bathroom

Freestanding, walk-in, whirlpool: What agents should know about bathtubs 

As an agent, you can intelligently field questions about bathtubs and their variations if you have a few facts at your fingertips. Here are a handful of things you need to know about different types of bathtubs and their maintenance.

10 plumbing issues agents should know about (and their solutions)

Plumbing issues can cause so many headaches for buyers, sellers and their agents. If you’re a real estate pro, knowing a few simple tips and having an understanding of these problems can help put your and your clients’ minds at ease.

The 6 types of bathrooms all real estate agents should know

To be sure that everyone is using the same terms and speaking the same language, let’s dig a little deeper into what qualifies these six types of bathrooms.

Bedroom

What real estate agents should know about closets

Armoires, walk-ins, built-ins and storage systems — there are a myriad of ways we store our belongings. Here’s what sets them apart and how their design and purpose have evolved over the years.

Kitchen

What real estate agents should know about laminate countertops

Real estate agents who understand the availability of different laminates and their many use cases bring an advantage to their clients when discussing renovation options.

6 kitchen layouts every agent should know

An agent who’s able to visualize the potential of a kitchen can help buyers in improving and upgrading existing spaces. To do that, you have to know these basic kitchen layouts.

Laundry room

What agents should know about washing machines

Laundry machines come in many sizes and models. Each of them has its pros and cons — as well as space and installation requirements. Here are a few essential things real estate agents should know about washing machines.

Dryers and dryer vents: What agents should know

One of the most common household appliances, the clothes dryer, can also be one of the most problematic for homebuyers. That’s why it’s important for agents to be fluent in the pros and cons of common household appliances when discussing housing options with clients.

Home and landscape

What agents should know about home solar power systems

As a real estate agent, it is beneficial to discuss different types of solar panels and systems with your buyers in order to refer them to the right solar installation professional.

What agents need to know about energy-efficient lightbulbs

The right lighting can not only make a house feel like a home, it can also help homeowners improve their productivity and achieve major energy savings. Here’s what agents need to know about the various kinds of energy-efficient bulbs out there.

What real estate agents need to know about artificial turf

Synthetic grass is a quick and easy, maintenance-free method to enhance a yard, terrace or rooftop. Agents who are well-educated about its perks can help their clients level up their curb appeal.

What real estate agents should know about engineered wood floors

Real estate agents who can discuss various options and installation methods for older homes and fixer-uppers will clearly have an advantage when working with buyers.

What real estate agents need to know about laminate flooring

As a real estate agent, it counts to be well-versed on flooring options. Whether they’re selling or buying a home, your clients will appreciate your know-how and expertise.

What real estate agents need to know about slab foundations

It’s important for agents to have a wide range of knowledge when it comes to building basics and construction principles. Here, we break down what a slab foundation is and why it can be a smart choice.

Safety

Be prepared: What agents need to know about fire safety at home

House fires can escalate in the blink of an eye, but with proper precautions and planning, they are preventable. Here’s how agents can help clients be prepared for the worst.

Hot tips for fire safety in apartment buildings

What should a resident in an apartment building do if they are inside their home and smell smoke or suspect a fire in the building? Here are a few precautions to follow — some obvious, some not so apparent.

What you should know about elevator safety

Structure, accidents, safety tips — here’s everything agents need to know about elevators.

Moving

How to help clients prepare for a stress-free packing experience

Packing, unpacking and moving to a new home can be an enormous undertaking, but with some careful planning and organization, the process can be a bit less stressful for your clients. Here’s how you can advise them.

Plan, sort, pack! How to help homesellers prepare for a move

It’s understandable if clients get anxious when preparing their homes for sale — especially if they haven’t moved in decades. As an agent, you should guide them through the process, and remind them that all it takes is a little bit of planning ahead.

Gerard Splendore is a licensed associate real estate broker with Warburg Realty in New York. Connect with him on LinkedIn.