Posts: 1,516
Threads: 81
Joined: Dec 2005
Hi Les. The situation came about because we were looking at homes and wanted some information on one. Realtor #1 said I would be happy to show you around and I can even take you to homes that are not my listings. I know of several nice homes in the area, etc., etc.
So - not only is he showing us his listing but willing to show us other listings. We are not hiring him. AND this is how each and every realtor I have contacted regarding a particular property has responded. They want to show me around and will even show us houses that are listed by other realty agents. Fine by me. But I don't see why I should have to be exclusive to someone I'm not even hiring!!
Carrie
Posts: 942
Threads: 17
Joined: Aug 2005
I am always available, should you need help. I don't like using this place to promote myself, but I am a Pahoa-based Realtor, and do feel that I do a good job. 'Nuff said.
John Dirgo, RA, ABR, e-PRO
Island Trust Properties, LLC
808-987-9243 cell
Posts: 1,516
Threads: 81
Joined: Dec 2005
Thanks John -- if you wanna email me with your location that would be great.
Carrie
Posts: 2,314
Threads: 59
Joined: Jun 2003
Carrie, you did not learn anything here during all those months?!  Don't call the Seller's Agent (Listing Agent) because they don't represent your best interest. Yes, you should hire an agent and have him/her represent you. If you jump from one agent to another you will not get representation. Nobody likes to work for free and that is the message you are sending to those agents. BTW, there are 2,600 licensees on the island, but the number of those who are good at it and educated are much much much smaller. I remember I recommended an agent to you several months ago but for some reason you decided not to even contact her. I would give you another recommendation, contact John Dirgo who is a member of this Forum. He lives in Nanawale, he knows the area well, he is a full time real estate agent, he has been in the business for a long time and most importantly, he doesn't have to sell you anything. (No, he is not paying me for recommendations.)
Aloha,
John S. Rabi, ABR,CM,CRB,FHS,PB,RB
http://www.JohnRabi.com
Typically Tropical Properties
75-5870 Walua Road, Suite 101
Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
(808)327-3185
Posts: 1,516
Threads: 81
Joined: Dec 2005
Hey John...oh my God I have contacted so many people. John, everytime I just wanted to know one fact about a property or house I had real estate agents contacting ME. I try to keep track of most of them, but lord there are a lot!!
We talked about your Lelani property and about the character of the different subdivisions, but I never talked to anyone about personal representation. I could rattle a list half the size of your arm to you of people that wanted to show me around. What's the going rate for someone to represent you during a sale? I thought it was mainly the Seller who has a realtor! I thought that after we found something we like we have to hire a property inspector to check the house.
Carrie
Edited by - Carolann R on 06/12/2006 14:31:45
Posts: 942
Threads: 17
Joined: Aug 2005
The seller pays the commissions, but its always good to have someone who's looking out exclusively for your best interests. As a couple of people have pointed out, the listing agent is already contractually bound to the seller.
And most definitely, get a home inspection by a professional once you've found what you like. When the contract is written, make sure your agent gives you a long enough inspection period to have that done.
John Dirgo, RA, ABR, e-PRO
Island Trust Properties, LLC
808-987-9243 cell
Posts: 1,516
Threads: 81
Joined: Dec 2005
Thanks for your help, John. Tony and I are looking forward to meeting you next week...you can help us find our dream home! It was hard to tell the other two realtors but I think you guys are right! We really needed our own representative!
Carrie
Posts: 1,516
Threads: 81
Joined: Dec 2005
Hey Buzz! I think we're doing the right thing goin' with John. He actually LISTENED to what my concerns are. (Unlike the #1 guy we were talking too - who would ask me what we want and then send me homes in other places anyway.) It was hard to tell him that we were going a different way, but he just doesn't have the time we feel we need to spend looking for our home. He could only give us one day (after 12:00 noon!) and stated he was sure he could find us a home "worth buying." Now I feel much better and my migraine has eased up some!
This forum is an outstanding tool for people relocating. I have talked to so many of you and have always felt welcome. I always enjoy the Aloha Aina and Aloha spirit towards others.
Last month in Hawaii Magazine there was a great article on "Taylor Camp" that existed on Kauai in the 60's. The photos were great! Tony said if he knew about that place when he was in his early 20's he probably would have made a beeline for Kauai!! Anyone here familiar with that community that existed in Hanalei in the 60's??
Carrie
Posts: 40
Threads: 3
Joined: Mar 2006
Aloha Carolann,
It is a Realtor's job to show you all of the houses that meet your criteria in order for you to make an educated decision. There's no reason for you to go from Realtor to Realtor just to see each of their listings. In fact, as mentioned before, it is to your advantage to pick one Realtor whom you feel comfortable with and let him/her represent "you" on whatever property you choose. You don't have to "hire" him (or her), in fact the buyer normally doesn't pay the realtor anything but I think you will be much happier and have better results if you find someone you like and stick with him/her.
Good luck in your search!
Paula
PunaPaula
Posts: 1,516
Threads: 81
Joined: Dec 2005
No kidding Buzz, a few years ago Tony and I were considering buy a condo in Kapaa...it was only 135,000 then...now they want 350,000 for the same one bedroom. I love that island but just too expensive for our blood...but now I will just hop on over there when I wanna visit!
Carrie
|
