How to Choose the Right Real Estate Agent

Finding the right real estate agent on Oahu makes a world of difference when navigating the complexities of buying or selling a home. A skilled agent not only understands the market but also listens to your needs and works tirelessly to achieve your goals. While the process can seem daunting, here are my tips for choosing a realtor who can help make the process easier, not harder.

Research Local Market Expertise

Knowing the local market is key when buying or selling a home in Hawaii. Look for a real estate agent who really knows the area. Not just the stats, but the vibe. A good local agent can tell you which neighborhoods are up-and-coming, where you’ll find that tight-knit community feel, or even where the best poke spots are. They’ve got the inside scoop on things you won’t find online, plus connections with other local agents that can give you an edge. In a small place like this, relationships matter. And a trusted local agent can make all the difference. A seasoned agent who’s been in the business will know how to handle all kinds of situations and probably has a solid network of connections in the community. Ask how long they’ve been doing this, how many deals they’ve worked on, and if they’ve been recognized for their work. Someone who’s been through it all can guide you through the ups and downs, no sweat.

Communication is Key

In Hawaii, we value clear, respectful communication. And that goes for real estate too. A good agent should explain things in a way that makes sense, keep you updated, and respond when you reach out. When you first meet, see if they really listen to what you’re looking for. If they’re easy to talk to and keep things honest and open, that’s a good sign they’ll have your back through the whole process. I take my time to explain things to clients, especially first-time home buyers, what the whole process is and what they can expect. I will anticipate questions and provide a clear, consistent timeline for the transaction so you know what's ahead.

Ask Around – Word of Mouth Matters

In the islands, reputation means everything. Take time to read reviews or ask for references from past clients. Even better, talk story with people who’ve worked with the agent before. Find out if the agent showed up, followed through, and took care of their clients. If folks speak highly of them and would work with them again, that’s a strong green light.

Know Their Marketing Game Plan

If you’re selling, you want your home to stand out. A good agent should have a solid plan: from great photos and online listings to open houses and maybe even virtual tours. Ask how they market their listings and what tools they use. The right strategy will get your place in front of the right buyers, fast. I provide a marketing calendar to all my clients so they know exactly what to expect. From the day you contact me, you'll get a listing presentation with comparable homes, a strategy for what to do to get your home ready quickly (cleaning, decluttering, movers, staging, photography), a timeline for the first Broker's open, open house, and Twilight open (if applicable). I provide a detailed report after every showing and open house, so you get clear communication and feedback.

Can They Negotiate?

Whether you’re buying or selling, you need someone who knows how to handle the give and take. A strong agent won’t just settle—they’ll work to get you the best deal possible. Bring up some "what if" situations and see how they respond. If they stay calm, confident, and focused on your best interest, you're in good hands. In my 25+ years of real estate, I've experienced almost every scenario you can imagine. Try me!

Make Sure They’re Available

Things move quick in real estate, so your agent should be responsive and present. Ask how they balance their workload and if they’ve got a team or backup to help keep things moving. You don’t want to be left hanging when timing is everything. I have a dedicated full-time assistant who helps me with marketing, transaction management, showings, appointments, and even meeting inspectors! We keep you covered and informed every step of the way. I pride myself on my responsiveness and answering your calls and texts as soon as I can. It's the first thing I do in the morning and the last thing I do at night.

Your Path to the Right Real Estate Agent

Working with the right real estate agent can make your whole experience smoother, less stressful, and even enjoyable. If you’re ready to take the next step, reach out to me, Diane Ito. With local knowledge, experience, and a heart for helping people, I'm here to guide you every step of the way. You have someone to rely on in real estate, and I'm happy to help you "find your way home".