Questions to Ask Your Buyer’s Agent

1. Are you a member of the National Association of Realtors?

Yes, as a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) I subscribe to a higher code of ethics and chose to operate my business with the highest degree to professionalism and integrity.
2. How often will you be in contact with me?
Multiple times a day if necessary. When you are actively searching for a home, timing is very important. I will constantly check the MLS updates for you for properties that match your search criteria and will notify you immediately as soon as a new property comes on the market. Also, it’s important to be as prepared as possible when buying a home. I feel that communication is the key to make sure the entire buying process is understood by everyone involved.
3. May I see a copy of your mission statement?

Yes, I am happy to share my mission statement. I take great pride in my mission statement and abide by it through my daily actions.

1. To provide an exceptional level of service fostered by a strong sense of professionalism and knowledge.
2. To treat people with respect and a caring heart while maintaining a high level of honesty, integrity, and commitment to excellence.
3. To help empower my clients by being the guiding force behind helping them to create wealth through real estate.
4. How often will you update me on new listings?

As many times as necessary. As soon as a new listing comes on the market that matches your search criteria, I will be calling you to schedule an appointment. In a fast-paced market, you will need to act quickly or be in danger of losing out to another buyer.

5. Are you a full time agent?
Yes, real estate is a big part of my life! This is my full-time profession so I devote all my working hours on educating myself on the market and helping people buy and sell real estate. It’s important for you to know that your real estate agent isn’t just selling real estate as a hobby. You want a full time professional and that knows the market and can dedicate their time to you.

6. Will you help me get Pre-Approved for a loan?
Yes, upon request, I have several local lenders that I can refer any buyer to. It’s best to get pre-approved for a loan in the beginning stages of your home search so that you know what type of financial commitment you will be making.

7. Explain your experience and education in real estate.
I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a focus on Real Estate and Business Management from the University of Hawaii. At the time I entered into the Business program, there was no standard curriculum for Real Estate so I created my own. With the help of one of my professors, I designed my own course of study to include topics like Real Estate Financing, Real Estate Appraisal, Real Estate Market Studies, Real Estate Management, etc. I ultimately went on to obtain my Master’s Degree in Business while simultaneously working in the real estate industry. I’ve been working in the real estate business for around four years and have been a licensed sales agent for two.

8. What professional designations have you earned?
I am a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS). Only 5% of Realtors are Certified Residential Specialists. That means that I have advanced training, experience and commitment to real estate. I am also an e-Pro certified agent. This designation is used to certify real estate professionals as Internet Professionals; those who have gone above and beyond in their training on how to utilize the Internet and help improve the quality of customer service through the online flow of communication and information sharing. I am also in the process of obtaining my Graduate Realtor Institute (GRI) designation. The Graduate Realtor Institute Program is designed for those real estate professionals whose main activity is residential real estate. GRI designees are educated in advanced courses in real estate marketing, finance and law.

9. Will you provide me with honest feedback?
Yes, I often times work with buyers and sellers who need guidance. It’s important to work with a real estate agent who will be honest even if they are delivering information that you might not be happy about. Working with “yes men” is not in your best interest because you might not necessarily get a strong negotiator to look after your best interests. If you are in need of advice on buyer financing, I will give you honest feedback.

10. Are you experienced in the use of technology in real estate?
Yes, as an e-Pro candidate I have learned to utilize the many tools that the Internet provides for everyone involved in the buying and selling process. In this technology age, it is important to keep up with the advances in technology or be in danger of being left behind. Technology helps improve the efficiency of doing business as well as increases the speed of information. I understand the importance of technology and have done my best to incorporate advanced technology tools to help improve my level of efficiency.

11. What is your area of expertise?
I am experienced in buying and selling real estate all over the island of Oahu. I’ve been involved with transactions all the way on the West side to the East side of Oahu, from the North shore to the South shore. Encompassing the real estate market island wide has provided me with a clear picture of the overall condition and trends in the real estate market and has proven invaluable to me when helping my clients.

12. Do you work with individual Buyers on an exclusive basis?
Yes, because of the time and energy I devote to all of my clients, the only thing I ask for is a commitment from my clients to work with me exclusively on their search for a home. As much as I am committed to my clients, I need the commitment reciprocated in order to achieve the best results and form a great professional relationship.
13. Do you have any recommendations?
Yes, I will be happy to provide a list of past clients who will give you feedback on my services.
14. How many transactions have you done in the past year?
I’ve sold over 50 homes in 2004. From January 2005 – July 2005 I have sold over 20 homes. In most of these transactions I was the exclusive representation for the Buyer.
15. Do you represent Sellers?
Yes, I do represent sellers as well. However, when I work with buyers, I have a fiduciary duty to my buyers. Any situation of dual agency representation (where I or my brokerage represents both the buyer and the seller) will be disclosed to all parties to make sure everyone understands the situation and is comfortable.
16. Who pays for the professional fees?
The Seller is usually responsible for paying the professional fees so you as the buyer is not responsible for pay any of the professional fees. Also, the professional fees are already included in the sales price of the property so regardless of weather or not you use a Real Estate Agent. However, be sure to ask your Real Estate Agent up front about the professional fees if you have any questions so there are no surprises.

17. What types of guarantees do you provide?
I have a pledge that I give to my clients:

1. I will guaranty that I will work in your best interest and honor the fiduciary duty I have to you. I will conduct business in the highest degree of ethics and professionalism. I will be honest. I will be available to you at anytime during the day and if you need to leave me a message I will always return your call as soon as possible. I will notify you of any new listings as soon as they come on the market and schedule appointments to see properties at your earliest convenience. I will negotiate contracts in your best interest to get the best possible price and terms for you. I will help coordinate the escrow transaction so that the process goes as smoothly as possible. I will be there for follow-up issues after closing and stay in touch well after the closing. If at anytime you are not satisfied with me, you can fire me at anytime.