When you’re looking to get to the next level as a real estate agent, you need to be committed to your personal and professional development.

That’s why so many agents have sought the wisdom of a real estate coach like Tom Ferry, Brian Buffini, or Ricky Carruth.

Whether you’re looking to learn from one of the big names in the industry or to study closely with someone in your own community, it’s important for you to make sure you’re working with a coach who’s right for you.

Keep reading for the top four qualities you should look for in a real estate coach.

They’ve achieved the success you want.

It’s crucial that you find someone who’s accomplished some of the things you want to accomplish. Since it’s your future at stake, you want to know that the person who’s coaching you can put you on the right path.

I should point out that I’m not just talking about money. You can judge a successful real estate coach by how they’ve lived their lives. For a lot of people, success has very little to do with money. It might be about traveling the world or getting to spend time with their family.

The important thing is to look at the big picture. Has this person created the life they set out to create? Is it the kind of life you want? If so, this coach might be the right person to help you get to the next level.

You have chemistry with them.

Since you’re going to be spending a lot of time learning with your coach, you need to find someone whose personality meshes with yours.

This is key, because you’re going to need to be able to communicate effectively with your coach. If you find that their approach is too dry or too intense, you might have a harder time connecting with them than you would with someone whose personality is more like your own.

See how a 38% referral rate can change your business.

You might have to go through a couple different coaches to find someone who really meshes with you. Don’t feel bad if you try a coach out and aren’t happy with the experience. This happens in all areas of life, and finding a real estate coach is no exception.

They’ve helped others before you.

When your goal is to find a qualified real estate coach, there are few things more important than a proven track record.

A lot of coaches will create amazing marketing campaigns that sell you on what sounds like a bulletproof system. But do these systems really work?

My biggest piece of advice is to look at what people do, not what they say. Read the reviews. If you’re not convinced this person can get you results, consider hiring another coach.

They’re willing to call you on the carpet.

The job of a coach isn’t to make you feel better about yourself—it’s to make you a better real estate agent.

That’s why one of the most valuable qualities a coach can have is accountability. Being willing to tell someone when they’re messing up is a very hard thing to do. But a great coach won’t hesitate to do it, because they ultimately want your success more than they want to spare your feelings.

At the end of the day, a real estate coach should be able to guide you, inspire you, and help you achieve your goals. By being selective about who you decide to work with, your chances for success are going to be that much greater.