Hassle-Free Homebuying with a Realtor®

Don’t make the mistake of searching for a home without finding a Realtor® first.

Owning a home in paradise, is there really any better dream? When the time comes to make that dream a reality, some first-time homebuyers make the mistake of diving into their search without partnering with a Realtor® first.

While it’s helpful to do your homework by browsing property search sites, such as hicentral.com, when it comes to beginning the actual process of home buying it’s time to unplug and seek the counsel of a Realtor®.

“What people tend to do is look for properties first, before they even get a Realtor®. In our market it’s actually recommended that prospective buyers interview Realtors® as soon as possible,” says Honolulu Board of REALTORS® 2016 president Kalama Kim.

There are many reasons to work with a Realtor®, but in a market as costly and competitive as Honolulu’s, it’s really a must for savvy home shoppers.

“In September on Oahu, single-family homes were on the market for only 16 days before an offer was accepted. So, if you’re serious about buying you’ll want to talk to a Realtor® so you’ll be prepared to act quickly in acquiring a property,” adds Kim.

If you’re new to home buying it’s important not to underestimate the value Realtors® provide through each step of the buying process. Between juggling work and kids’ schedules, most of us simply don’t have time to study the real estate market, and weigh the pros and cons of homes and neighborhoods—that’s where the expertise of Realtor® can really pay off.

“A Realtor®’s job is to do the analysis. They will give an estimate of what they think the comparable market analysis value is…and get market intelligence about what’s happening as far as trends,” says Kim.

For first-time homebuyers, Realtors® are especially helpful when it comes to knowing what loan programs or discounts on fees may be available. Kim points out that while down payment programs have become less available in Hawaii, special loan programs, like the USDA loan program — requiring no money down — are creative ways that can aid first-time buyers.

To make the task of finding a Realtor® as easy as possible, prospective buyers can visit hicentral.com to browse a directory of more than 6,000 Honolulu-based Realtors®. Buyers can even search for a Realtor® by languages spoken or professional designations held. Select listings on hicentral.com are even accompanied by a green dollar sign Down Payment Resource icon, indicating that particular property qualifies for down-payment assistance.

For all of the specific knowledge, tactics and skills Realtors® have, Kim points out it is still exceptionally important to work with a Realtor® you connect with and trust.

“That’s why we have the National Association of REALTORS® Code of Ethics. To make sure that we all abide by those mandates…so we can hold our membership accountable and to ensure buyers can trust our agents so that personal relationship of trust will be taken to the next level.”

Realtors® wear many hats for their clients, but according to Kim, “the number one thing a Realtor® does is to make sure that the buyer purchases the right home for themselves and their family.”