Listening skills are vital in any business. However, they are especially important in real estate, as you have to show prospects that they can trust you to fully understand their needs and do your best to fulfill them. Here are some tips for becoming a better listener:<\/p>\n

Undivided Attention<\/h4>\n

It\u2019s not enough to just listen when others talk. You have to hear what they say, absorb it and process it well. This means freeing yourself of distractions before your conversation. Turn off the television and the radio, shut the window if construction is going on outside, and excuse yourself from the room if the presence of others will make active listening difficult. Get rid of internal distractions as well. If you\u2019re thinking about your next appointment, to-do list or sales numbers, you won\u2019t be able to listen well.<\/p>\n

Avoid Making Predictions<\/h4>\n

It\u2019s easy to assume you know another party\u2019s agenda and use this knowledge to predict what he will say next. Unfortunately, doing so interferes with your ability to listen well and absorb what he actually says. It is far too easy to make mistakes in predicting what comes next. And if you respond based on your predictions, before the person is finished speaking, you can make the conversation unnecessarily confusing and frustrating. Likewise, if you believe you already know what the speaker has to say, you might not listen actively, and the speaker will notice.<\/p>\n

Do Not Interrupt<\/h4>\n

It can be tempting to jump in and interrupt while someone else is talking. Maybe you get excited and feel that you just have to jump in, or perhaps you have a question you are anxious to ask. Either way, you should wait until the speaker has finished talking and then make your points. If you interrupt, you may not only appear rude but also derail the speaker\u2019s train of thought. When this happens, she might not fully make her point, and you could miss out on information you needed to hear.<\/p>\n

Exercise Empathy<\/h4>\n

No matter how attentively you listen, people will expect a reaction from you. If you\u2019re setting an appointment, it\u2019s perfectly acceptable to just confirm a date and time. However, if the speaker has just relayed a hope, frustration or concern, show that you understand and empathize. People prefer speaking to those who convey that they understand and care about their problems, concerns, hopes and dreams.<\/p>\n

Body Language<\/h4>\n

When you\u2019re listening in person, be sure to make eye contact and sit or stand up straight. This demonstrates that you are listening and giving the speaker your full attention. Use your facial expressions and gestures to communicate with the speaker nonverbally. For example, nodding your head shows the speaker that you understand, and raising your eyebrows shows that you have a question, feel surprised or have a different point of view. During telephone conversations, make an effort to smile. Doing so affects your voice and makes you far more pleasant to talk to.<\/p>\n

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