North Kona Home Sales

WALK IN THE DOOR of a large agency in Hawaii or anywhere in the country and ask to talk with someone about buying a home. You most likely will end up working with the agent on “floor duty”. Here’s a hint, new agents usually like to take floor duty to get started in business.

YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO INTERVIEW several agents and select the one you believe will work hard for you. Remember, in this relationship the agent works for the buyer and/or seller. So what should you look for?

A GREAT QUIZ by Eric Bramlett, a Texas Realtor, recently caught my attention. On and off over the years I have thought there must be some way to help buyer’s and seller’s select the right professional for them. Eric offers an Eight Question Test. Here are “Eight Questions to Ask ANY Real Estate Agent Before Signing ANYTHING”.

1. How long have you been in the business?

2. Are you a Realtor?

3. What certifications do you hold?

4. What is your specialty?

5. Can I have a list of past customers?

6. Who is your Broker? Can I call him/her?

7. How many sales did you complete last year?

8. Is this your full-time job?

CAN YOU MATCH THE ANSWERS with the questions above?

A. If an agent doesn’t have their Broker’s cell phone number, find out who they will call if they run into questions.

B. Even among Residential Real Estate Agents, though, agents will specialize in Buyers, Sellers, or Renters.

C. You need someone who handles real estate transactions full-time, day in and day out, to make sure that your best interests are taken care of.

D. Members of the National Association of Realtors have to adhere to a strict code of ethics, or otherwise face having their membership revoked.

E. Take the time to call a few of an Agent’s past customers. Ask for their strengths and weaknesses.

F. Eric believes a good agent will complete at least 25 sales per calendar year. That may depend upon the market and price range the agent works.

G. Your Real Estate Agent’s experience is VERY important. Don’t automatically choose against a newer Agent – they typically bring a lot of energy to the transaction, and they will have LOTS of time for you.

H. While it doesn’t automatically mean that they are a good Agent, it does mean they are serious about their job.

ABOVE YOU HAVE THE “SHORT ANSWERS”. For more in depth information request a copy of the full article. Here is an extra tip. Don’t pick an agent who only tells you what you want to hear. It takes real integrity for an agent to tell you the bad news when they know it may cause them to lose your business.

Joyce Murphy, Realtor Broker BIC
Hawaiian Isle Real Estate LLC
Luxury Real Estate Florida, Inc.
“In Real Estate, Experience Counts!”
808-443-4302 / 808-327-1155
More Kona Real Estate Information at:
www.LuxuryRealEstateHI.com

Filed under: Real Estate Information