Whether you are buying or selling a Maui home, having an experienced real estate agent by your side is imperative. Although you may think it's a pretty straightforward process, it actually isn't, and you will need all the help you can get. There is a lot of paperwork that accompanies buying or selling real estate. And mind you, red tape is an inherently complex thing. But besides preparing documentation, a good agent will ensure you get the best possible price for your home. And if you are buying, they will help you locate precisely the home you want. All you have to do is provide them with a specification of your dream house. So, the question is how to find a reliable real estate agent on Maui. That's why we have a guide for you.
Look for an agent who has work
You want a Maui real estate agent who does a minimum of one or two transactions monthly. Also, you should check how long a particular agent has been in business. You want someone who has at least five years of experience working in sales, negotiations, and contracts. Such expertise and regular work signal that the agent has a good grasp of the selling and buying process and likely a good feel of the market. That will make sure they get you the best possible deals.
On the other hand, it would be unfair to disregard agents will less experience. They, too, can be of great help and an excellent choice. The most significant asset a real estate agent can have is knowledge of the area. So, if a less experienced agent has that, you will still be in safe hands. And if, on top of that, they demonstrate a strong work ethic and are excellent communicators, and can provide you with solid customer service, you will not need to worry.
Check the internet databases
When you know what type of person you need for the job, you can conduct a more educated search through online databases. There are a lot of websites that offer lists of agents. However, you have to be careful as some of them may not be real. Don't get discouraged, though; these databases can still point you in the direction of a reliable real estate agent on Maui; you just have to dig a bit deeper and look for reviews.
There is also an option of looking into the real estate agents near you. Visiting their websites can tell you a lot about their profiles. However, this is not possible if you are looking to move long-distance to Hawaii. In that case, the real estate agents you consider will have to undergo a bit more scrutiny. Once you have narrowed down your search, you can get to reading through various resources for a successful relocation. Maybe next time, when you already have a property on Maui, you can hire an agent nearby.
Look for an agent who works in an area you like
It's always wise to hire an agent who works in your area. So, if you are looking for a property because you want to relocate to Maui, try to find an agent who works in a place where you would like to live. As we have mentioned, a real estate agent must have considerable knowledge of the area you are interested in. Therefore, if they live or work there, it's safe to assume they are aware of the trends and prices in a specific neighborhood.
Moreover, a local agent will be very helpful because they can provide you with essential details, such as commute times and amenities in the area. They can also inform you about the best schools there, which is crucial if you are moving with children.
Ask for referrals
It's always best to ask people you trust for recommendations. So, if you know someone who has recently purchased or sold their property, contact them. You can be sure that your friends or family members will be honest about their experiences. Still, if you are moving long-distance and don't know anyone in the new location, this will not really work. Thus, you should conduct a thorough internet search and check reviews, focusing mainly on the negative ones.
Furthermore, even if you get a referral from a trustworthy person, some caution is advisable. While you should also see what online reviews have to say, you may also want to make sure you understand what they liked in a particular agent. Moreover, you should know what their needs were. An agent who was an excellent fit for someone doesn't necessarily have to be a perfect match for you.
Conduct an interview to find a reliable real estate agent on Maui
Once you have an agent in mind, feel free to schedule a meeting with them. There are a few important things you will want to ensure:
- you like the agent - Having a good relationship with your agent is essential. Working with someone you don't get along with well can result in a very stressful experience;
- there are no red flags - Watch for some warning signals, for example, if they answer the phone or return calls. You need an agent who will be there when you need them;
- a lower commission doesn't mean fewer services - If an agent offers a lower commission, make sure they provide the same services (and the levels of service) as agents who ask for a higher commission. And make sure you have all their promises in writing.
Furthermore, it would be best if you asked some questions to ensure you are hiring the right person:
- How long have you been in business? Experience is essential, as discussed.
- How well do you know the area? Newbies will also be a good choice if they know the area well. An experienced agent with such a huge gap will not be a suitable option.
- Do you work alone or in a team? An agent who works independently will walk you through each step themselves. Alternatively, if they work in a team, they will refer you to a specialist for every part. This is a matter of preference.
- Do you have any vacations planned soon? Real estate transactions often require quick reactions. So, you want an agent who will be available when needed.
- What other properties have you sold? Check both the properties they have listed on their websites and the properties they have sold. You will want an agent who has experience with the similar type of property you are looking for.
Contact your potential agents recent clients
Ask your potential agent for a list of their most recent client, and make sure you contact them. A reliable and trustworthy agent will not hesitate to give you this list. If they are evasive, that's a major red flag, and you should walk away.
As you can see, all you need to find a reliable real estate agent on Maui are a few pointers. Knowing what to look for and what questions to ask will make this process way less complicated. Given that you want to make Maui your home, you already know why it’s a great place to live. So, don’t stress yourself too much, do your research, and your house-hunting will be a breeze.
