As the real estate market has changed from the insanely hot market of a few years ago; I have seen a big change in the consumers and their habits.

When the market was hot, homes would sell in a matter of days with multiple offers.  If a home owner priced their home too high, I would tell them they are not overpriced they are just ahead of their time.  The market would catch up to them shortly.  Today they are just overpriced.

A few years ago consumers would shop for the cheapest agent they could find.  They figured any idiot could sell their home, so why pay more?  Almost every listing appointment I went on the big negotiation would break out over my marketing fees.

Today things have changed.  Sellers and buyers alike have read the negative press.  They have friends and family who have failed or are having trouble selling their home or getting financing to buy a home.  Those consumers are approaching the market completely different.  They are no longer satisfied with just any agent.  They want the best they can find. 

Sellers want to know how we are going to market their home.  They want a superior marketing plan and want to know what the long range solutions are if they home does not sell.  What is the pricing strategy?  I am finding most sellers are listened and taking my advice more than ever.  They want me to come in and give them homework to prepare their home for sale.  They want top of the line photos, a virtual tour and a website for their home.  Regular open houses and all of the carrots we can throw in.  They also realize that out marketing costs have gone up considerably, especially when homes are on the market longer.

Buyers want an agent who is a neighborhood expert, who can protect their interests.  They are also looking for referrals to the right loan officers, who can get them financed without giving up their first born.

I hear many agents call this a bad market.  It is not!  It is a normal market, at least hear on Oahu.  It is a bad market for agents who are not good at their craft.  It is a bad market for part time agents who are not offering top services and do not market themselves.  It is a hot market for top professionals.  It is a good market for consumers who team up with top professionals and do their homework.