At the top of the list of communications traits to seek in a real estate agent is listening skills. Yes, communication involves not only the effective transmission of information, but most importantly the receipt of information. A real estate agent should ask you questions, and then listen (which means internalize and digest) the information that you are transmitting to them.

Common questions which the real estate agent should ask include queries as to your financial situation. This is important so that the real estate agent can effectively guide you in the right direction when it comes to your need for both purchasing and selling a home.

Communication also involves you, however. The most effective communicator is unable to provide much assistance if you do not provide them with the information he or she requires. A good real estate agent will know how to obtain this information from you, by asking key questions regarding important topics that you might not have considered to volunteer but which are nevertheless crucial for the agent to do his or her job.

Questions asked may include the time frame for buying or selling a home, the amount of down payment you have available, whether or not you are a first time buyer, and of course questions about neighborhood, school and other requirements.

Effective communication is also required with respect to the other parties involved. Your real estate agent should not only be able to communicate well with you, but equally well with the other parties to the transaction. The ability to calmy communicate one's way through glitches in closings and financial negotiations benefits all of the parties involved.

Always keep an open mind to solutions that are presented to help with the transaction. If you do run into problems, think creatively of how to resolve the problem instead of getting upset. The real estate agents objective is to help both parties come into an agreement so he or she can move on with their plans.