Top Qualities to Look for in Your Hawaii Seller’s Agent

Looking for a great seller’s agent?

With so many competent, successful agents available, how do you choose one?

When you ask sellers interviewing agents what they are looking for in an agent,  the answers are very similar. “I want someone who will sell it as quickly as possible for the highest price possible.” Seems obvious, right? When asked what qualities, in particular, will lead to that ultimate outcome, it gets a little less obvious and a lot more vague. Here’s what to look for if you want results:

Honesty

You want your agent to be frank with you about what needs to be done with the home before it goes on the market.  It will save you precious time in the long run. You want them to give you an objective opinion on recommended list price, based on a professional comparable market analysis. This is especially important if their price is markedly different from what you had in mind.

You want an agent who understands the importance of disclosure. It’s not just about integrity, it keeps you out of trouble. Nondisclosure is the preventable cause of many real estate disputes.

Marketing Abilities

Most listing agents have similar tools and marketing plans.  What you want to know is what else they offer.  Do they have a unique relationship with a special advertiser, such as Christie’s International?  Do they have a website with enormous blog content that may attract that unique buyer to your property?  Does their site have far-reaching exposure with advanced Search Engine Optimization?

Experience

Great seller’s agents are disciplined and have outstanding work habits.  This does not necessarily correspond with years on the job.  It has to do with their training and development with an outstanding brokerage.

Successful seller’s representatives ask the hard questions.  What obstacles might we encounter selling this property?  Are there any easements, encroachments, non-permitted improvements to address?  Your agent should go over the Seller’s Disclosure Statement with you when you sign the listing agreement.  Your agent should pull a Preliminary Title Report upon taking the listing.  What you don’t want is any of these potential problems to turn up after you open escrow.  If not dealt with properly,  you could lose a good buyer.  If your agent fails to do these tasks, get a new agent.

Personality

You are embarking on an intense and often emotional endeavor.  It makes sense to go through this with someone you respect, have confidence in, and maybe even like.  If you can’t communicate openly with your agent,  rethink your choice.

These are just a few of the items you may want to check off your list. If you’d like more information,  please contact me.