The purpose of this Q&A is to give you a better idea of who I am, how I work, and if I will be a good fit to help you achieve your real estate objectives. I want to thank my colleague, and superlative real estate agent, Melanie Meinken for this idea.
What made you become a real estate agent?
Well, from a very early age, owning real estate seemed important to me. After pursuing a professional basketball career after college for one year, I became a real estate agent in Seattle. Today, I think owning real estate can be one of the best paths to financial independence and I’m honored when people ask me to help them achieve their real estate objectives.
How long have you been in business?
I’m in my 10th year as a licensed real estate agent. Also, I have been involved with real estate investing for over 25 years, and have co-owned 2 real estate investment companies as well as owned a real estate management and brokerage company.
What areas of Hawai’i do you serve?
I serve the entire island of O’ahu and will occasionally team up with another agent if I think it will benefit my client. For a client that needs assistance on another island, I will team up with one of the excellent Realtors I have a relationship with. Same applies to a client needing assistance on the mainland.
What type of properties do you assist with?
My primary focus is single-family, condo/townhome, and investment properties. I can also assist with vacant land, but for commercial properties or property management, I will refer that to a specialist.
What price range do you work in?
I do not select the clients I work with based on their price point or their experience with real estate. I recently helped a client acquire her first home in Hawaii for $150,000. I’ve also worked with an investor who was interested in buying off-market property in Waikiki for redevelopment that was valued at $14,000,000. The key thing for me is that our relationship is based on respect and trust.
How quickly will you respond to me and how do you respond?
I am a full-time Hawaii real estate agent who is very proactive as well as responsive when it comes to communication. Regular feedback I get from clients is how they love how quickly I respond to their text, call or email. I’m usually only away from a phone or computer when I’m surfing (usually about 2 hrs) or sleeping. I am honored when a person asks me to help them achieve his/her real estate goals. For this reason, my clients are a priority and I will always follow up in a timely manner. When first developing a relationship with a client, I will ask what is his/her preferred method of communication. However, if you initiate the contact, I almost always respond via the same method.
Do you work certain hours?
No, I work a variety of hours. However, I do try to keep a balance and unless I’m dealing with an urgent issue, I typically do not answer my phone after 9pm and before 7am HST.
Do you work independently or with a team?
Usually I work independently unless I partner with another agent if I believe it will benefit my client. However, I always work with a transaction manager to oversee the contract once it is in escrow. She may occasionally contract you for information or respond to your questions and update you on how the transaction is progressing. Please note, I will always be your primary point of contact.
How are you paid?
When working with a buyer, I am paid a percentage of the listing fee that the seller agrees to pay at the time of listing the property. If I am working with a seller, we will mutually agree on a listing fee. I realize the lower listing fee offered by a discount broker is appealing, but selling real estate in Hawai’i is a complex transaction and the saying, “You get what you pay for” often applies here. From preparing a property for sale, creating the correct marketing strategy, negotiating the terms of sale, managing and overcoming any of the hurdles likely to occur once the contact is in escrow, it is important to work with a competent and reliable Hawaii real estate agent. In any given transaction, the unexpected often occurs and I am here to navigate you through the uncertainty in a calm and stress free manner. I am committed to protecting your interests while helping you achieve your objective.
How skilled are you as a negotiator?
Thus far in my business career, I have owned several businesses (one that grew over 50% annually for the 6 years I owned it) that were sold for a profit. I have also personally bought and sold real estate over the years and nearly all transactions have been profitable. Rather than attend a course to learn negotiation skills, I have significant “street” experience negotiating a wide variety of contracts. Each situation is unique and I enjoy looking for the subtle nuances (it seems sometimes missed by others) in order to gain leverage for my clients and achieve a successful outcome for them.
Do you help a seller with staging?
Yes, I have an excellent stager and interior designer that I work with. Depending on the circumstances, I may pay to have your home staged or have my staging consultant advise you on how to best prepare your home for sale.
I’ve heard multiple offers are common when trying to buy a home in Hawai’i, how do you address this challenge to help your buyer?
There are ways to make your offer more competitive in a multiple offer situation. Contact me if you are interested in learning about my techniques.
Why should I decide to work with you?
I hope you allow me the opportunity to talk with you or meet you in person so you can answer this question for yourself. But until then, the first reason is that I put utmost importance on my fiduciary responsibility – your interests always come first as my client. The rest is a distant second – but I repeatedly have clients tell me that they’ve never before received the quality of professional service that I’ve provided them.
A Few Testimonies:
Aloha to everyone considering utilizing Bryan’s services. Bryan towers above all in terms of service and physical presence (if you have not met him yet – you will understand what I mean). Seriously, he is fantastic. He went above and beyond the call of duty. He is prompt – and does everything he can to ensure that you are aware of what is going on. Bryan also works diligently to find exactly what you are looking for, and spends the time doing research to maximize your time. He does not present opportunities that are completely irrelevant. He respects your time and your patronage. You are not simply a dollar sign to him. He absolutely works at building a long-term relationship. Highly, highly recommended. Mahalo. – James D.
Wow! What else can I say?!? Bryan was hands down the best possible realtor for a first time home buyer. He went out of his way to ensure every want/need was met. He was able to find my family a home while we were still off island. In my eyes, he went above and beyond to video multiple homes until my family and I find the perfect one! He is a genuine realtor looking out for the best interests of his clients. I would highly recommend him to anyone!! – M & L M.
Bryan is an exceptional agent. He takes great care to ensure I was always informed, and has considerable patience to listen and answer any questions I had. His honesty and professionalism was very sincere. Meeting Bryan and having him walk me through the process was truly a blessing. After having Bryan represent me for the purchase of two properties, I would never consider using any other agent. Thank you Bryan – Travis B.
If you still have unanswered questions, you’re welcome to contact me at any time. I am here to serve you. Aloha
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