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Kauai Buyer's Guide: 5 Ways to Get Great Results from Your Realtor

By Debra A. Jason

Real Estate Agent with Na Pali Properties, Inc.

July 26, 2008 12:25 PM

#1. Define your goals — convey them clearly.

What do you want? A single-family home? A condominium? Something luxurious or simple? Maybe you want vacant land or a vacation rental?

Remember, if your objectives are too complex then you risk confusing your Realtor. Simply state your goals and don’t forget to communicate your budget. It sets your agent off in the right direction — to find just what you’re looking for.

As a REALTOR-ASSOCIATE®(RA) and an Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®), I take the time to listen to you. Tell me what you’re looking for and the price range that suits you. I’ll search the island for it. Knowing that your time is precious, I want to make sure that I clearly understand your goals and show you only those properties that fit your criteria best.

#2. Get pre-approved for your loan.

Getting pre-qualified vs. pre-approved for a loan are two different things. Pre-approval helps you not only understand how much home you can realistically afford, but is a lender’s written guarantee to grant you a loan up to a specified amount. With today's volatile mortgage market, it's in your best interest to take this step early on.

It gives you a better chance of getting your offer accepted. And, it can be critical in a competitive situation when another buyer may be vying for the same property that you have your heart set on.

Talk to your lender now and get a plan in place. While you’re free to call on your lender of choice, using a Kaua`i lender helps the process flow smoothly as they understand the intricacies of real estate on The Garden Island. Visit www.kauaihawaii-realestate.com/kauairesources.html and you’ll find names of some local lenders.

#3. Don’t be shy — tell your Realtor everything (well, almost).

You know what you like. Is it a lot of land you can cultivate or a small flower garden? Are you empty nesters or a family of four? Perhaps you want a home you can live in when you retire or one you rent out — long- or short-term.

Whatever it is, a Realtor wants to know all these details. So, don’t be shy. Tell her what you have in mind. If she asks you a lot of questions, be grateful. The more you tell her, the better your chances are that she’ll find just what you’re looking for.

#4. Know your location — what part of the island you prefer?

If you’re going to live here full time, you may prefer the east shore - close to schools and stores. If you’re going to buying a vacation home, the lush north shore may be for you.

Keep in mind that the inventory varies from one side of the island to the other — not to mention, the pricing.

Do you enjoy living near a golf course, by the beach, or in a condo development with its own pool? Is easy access to schools, shopping & dining a priority?

Do your best to answer these questions and tell your Realtor your preferences. When you do, it helps her find the area that offers the amenities you prefer.

#5 Call on a Realtor who is not only personable — she’s reliable & trustworthy.

The purchase you’re about to make — be it a home, condo, or piece of land — may be one of the biggest ventures you’ve ever taken on. You want to work with someone who is not only a good listener, but is reliable and trustworthy.

Of course, you want her to be friendly and personable, but that’s not enough. Has she established a positive rapport with you? You should both feel comfortable sharing opinions in an effort to achieve your goals.

Working with my clients is a team effort — a partnership created to find just what you’re looking for.

I take pride in the fact that these relationships include mutual trust and respect. And, I’m reliable. If you ask for something, I get it done. If I don’t know the answer, I’ll do my best to get it from another source or refer you to the best resource.

Whether you’re looking for assistance in buying or selling a home, remember these 5 steps when you want great results from your Kaua`i Realtor.

Mahalo

Kauai Realtor, Debra A. Jason