Whether buying or selling, the right real estate agent can make your experience much more accessible. You want an agent that is well-connected and has expertise in your local market. Start by asking for agent recommendations from family and friends. Do your research and meet with agents to gauge if they’re the right fit.
Ask for Referrals
One of the best ways to find a great Waikiki realtor Honolulu, HI is by asking for referrals. Whether you’re looking for a realtor to help you buy your first home or sell your existing home, getting a referral from someone you trust will save you time and money in the long run. The key to gaining referrals is knowing who your ideal client is and highlighting their needs in your marketing. This could be as simple as positioning yourself as the go-to real estate agent for families in growing suburban neighborhoods or as detailed as emphasizing your experience working with retirees selling their current homes and downsizing to retirement communities.
Additionally, it’s best to ask for a referral in person rather than over email or text. This makes them feel like they’re doing you a favor and increases the likelihood that they will follow through on their promise to refer you.
Portfolio
If you’re looking to buy or sell a property, you want to choose a realtor who knows the market where you live, like the back of their hand. This way, they can anticipate potential issues with the sale process and help you avoid them. Ask about the lists of properties they’ve sold or bought for clients in the past few years. Try to find out how much they were asking for their properties and how much they sold them for. This will give you a sense of their business acumen. Additionally, it will reveal how connected they are—many real estate agents network behind the scenes before listings hit the market, and having local connections is essential for making sales happen.
Online Presence
Real estate clients of all ages want to be able to connect with their agents at the times they are available. This means that having an online presence is vital. Many agents have a single profile on their brokerage website, which is needed to build trust with potential home buyers and sellers. By having a personalized website, you can have complete control over the incoming leads and own all the content. Buyers and sellers also review third-party reviews on sites. These reviews give them more insight into the realtor’s expertise, processes, and connections. You want a Realtor who is well-connected and has a solid reputation in the industry. This can help them sell homes faster and at the right price.
Communication Skills
A real estate agent’s communication skills are crucial to their success. They help clients feel heard and reassured that they have an expert they can trust. They also help them close deals and build loyalty. Look for agents who speak clearly and confidently without using slang or industry jargon. They should also make eye contact with their clients and display open body language. It’s also essential that they write well, as business writing requires proper grammar and punctuation. Ask your agent how they communicate with their clients and if they have a system to keep you updated. This will give you an idea of how responsive they’ll be throughout the process. They should be able to gauge how often their clients need updates and information and then tailor their communication accordingly.
Personality
Whether you’re buying or selling, your realtor should be knowledgeable about the area you’re in and understand your real estate goals. They can help you find properties within your budget and help you negotiate the best deal on your new home. When you interview agents, ask about their personality essentialstyle. It would be best to feel comfortable working with your realtor; a clash of personalities can lead to miscommunication and distrust, which should never be present in a real estate transaction. If possible, attend open houses and see how the agent interacts with other attendees. This will give you a good idea of their work ethic and how they interact with clients. Look for an agent who is organized and responds to your inquiries quickly.
