Finding a good real estate agent
The popular saying ‘Your home is your castle’ implies that your abode is your domain, a place where you are at liberty to do as you please. Hence, it’s imperative that you find a dwelling that meets your preferences if not, then at least most of your requirements. So no matter if you are new in town and looking to settle in, or a young couple looking to buy your first home or even a family looking to trade up, your first task is to find a good real estate agent. A real estate agent search is not as simple as going into the web and searching “best real estate agents near me” or “realtor near me.” It is a little more complex than that. It is an important endeavor regardless of whether you are buying or selling property. Realizing this, we have put together some tips to guide you in your search for that particular individual who will not only help fulfill your quest but will also guide you through the tricky real estate landscape.
References, Reputation, and Research
Before you embark on your search for a real estate agent you should ask your colleagues, friends and relatives for referrals of agents who they have worked with in the past. Good agents usually have a solid reputation and are known for their high degree of dedication and professionalism. Most purveyors of real estate in Hong Kong like elsewhere have an online presence and once you have a referral you can research the suggested agent for yourself.
The best way to choose the right agent is to inquire about their current listings and home sales that they have recently conducted. If you are a young couple looking for an entry-level home, you will have better luck working with an agent who specializes in this segment rather than choosing an agent who deals with only multi-million dollar properties. Ability to understand and meet requirements So you’ve signed up with a stellar agent. He/she is known to be a ‘star’ in real estate circles. However, is the ‘star’ responsive to you? Or are you just one of the many clients on the roster? A good agent should be able to anticipate and cater for your needs and should be in regular touch with his/her clients. Most agents specialize in certain areas or neighborhoods. Hence, they know the lay of the land and can connect buyers with sellers in the area who may have not even listed their properties as yet. However, agents, who have been in the business for a while, usually have multiple specialties and know the entire real estate scenario well. So even if you wish to have viewings in another neighborhood or category, they can usually provide you advice on market trends and even arrange inspections for you.
Ask questions
Market knowledge
A good negotiator
Renters, landlords, buyers and sellers all want the best deal possible. A good agent is also a skillful negotiator who has his/her clients’ best interests at heart at all times and will keep you in the know at every stage of the real estate transaction.
Follow up after a deal
Some agents are known to disappear once a real estate transaction is ‘done’. However, a good agent is one who continues to be accessible to clients for any follow-ups even after the transaction has been completed. Such an attribute is especially welcome in a city like Hong Kong, which has a significant transient population.
At Engel & Völkers Hong Kong, our multilingual team of experienced and professional real estate agents seek to guide you as you navigate the city's buoyant and rapidly changing real estate landscape. With local experts and property estate agents in 34 countries around the globe and an impeccable reputation to match, you would be well to partner with Engel & Völkers for all your domestic and overseas real estate needs. Your real estate agent search ends here!
.png)
