What is one of the required skills for a real estate professional?

Valuation of properties is essential for a real estate professional because it allows them to assess market value accurately, which is critical when pricing properties for sale or establishing fair market rents. This skill involves analyzing various factors, including market trends, property condition, and comparable sales, to determine a property's worth. Being proficient in property valuation ensures that agents can provide informed guidance to buyers and sellers, helping them make sound financial decisions in real estate transactions.

Other options, while they may provide useful knowledge in certain aspects of real estate, do not emphasize the core competencies needed for everyday practice. Financial planning knowledge is beneficial but is not a primary function of most real estate transactions. Legal advisory skills require specific qualifications and are typically outside the purview of a real estate professional's direct responsibilities. Technical programming abilities do not align with the fundamental competencies needed for negotiating, marketing, or closing real estate deals. Therefore, mastering property valuation stands out as a crucial skill for success in the industry.