How to Choose the Right Realtor in Hawaii (Questions to Ask, Red Flags, and the Best Way to Decide)

Written By Mai Kashihara

If you are Googling “how to choose a Realtor in Hawaii,” you are already doing the right thing. The agent you choose can affect your price, your terms, your timeline, and your stress level.

Below is a simple checklist you can use to compare agents, plus a direct way to interview me if you want a local Realtor who will actually educate you and keep it real.

Quick answer: how do I choose the best Realtor in Hawaii?

Choose a Realtor who:

  • Has experience in your specific area and property type (condo vs. single family)

  • Communicates clearly, and responds fast

  • Can explain their process step by step

  • Brings data (pricing, comps, strategy), not pressure

  • Has a marketing plan you can see, not just “I’ll post it online”

Step 1: Decide what you need most (buyer, seller, or both)

Start here:

  • Buying a condo in town?

  • Selling a single family home?

  • Moving up, downsizing, or investing?

Different agents have different strengths.

Step 2: Look for Hawaii specific expertise

Hawaii real estate has unique factors, like:

  • Leasehold vs. fee simple

  • Condo HOA financials and special assessments

  • Building rules (pets, rentals, parking)

  • Neighborhood micro markets (Waikiki vs. Kaka‘ako vs. Kaimuki)

Ask directly: “How often do you work in this neighborhood or building type?”

Step 3: Ask how they communicate and how often

This is one of the biggest reasons clients get frustrated.

Ask:

  • How will you update me, text, call, email?

  • How quickly do you respond?

  • Do you prefer weekday communication only, or weekends too?

Step 4: Ask what their process looks like

A pro should be able to explain their process clearly.

For buyers, ask:

  • How do you help me get pre-approved and set a budget?

  • How do you help me win in multiple offer situations?

  • How do you help me avoid bad buildings or hidden costs?

For sellers, ask:

  • How do you decide list price?

  • What prep matters most for my home?

  • What is your marketing plan (photos, video, open houses, online exposure)?

Step 5: Ask how they get paid (and what that means for you)

In most transactions, the agent is paid through the commission offered in the listing, but the details can vary.

Ask:

  • Who pays the commission?

  • What happens if the seller is not offering a buyer agent commission?

  • Are there any extra fees I should know about?

Step 6: Read reviews, but also trust your gut

Reviews matter, but so does fit.

You want someone who:

  • Educates you, not pressures you

  • Is honest about tradeoffs

  • Knows Hawaii, not just “real estate”

Step 7: Interview 2 to 3 agents (and use the same questions)

You will learn a lot just by comparing how they answer your questions.

If you want a Realtor on Oahu who specializes in helping locals and first-time buyers, I would love to be one of the agents you interview.

In a 15 to 20 minute call, I will:

  • Answer your questions about buying or selling in Hawaii

  • Give you a clear next-step plan, based on your timeline

  • Share what I would do differently for your situation (strategy, pricing, or offer plan)

Book your free consult here:  https://calendar.app.google/t6rYohGho6b7d5mbA 

If you are selling and want a quick starting point first, you can also get a home value estimate here:  https://maikashihara.exprealty.com/seller/valuation/


Mai Homes

mai@maihomeshi.com

(808)782-0072

REALTOR RS-84287

powered by eXp Realty

Mai Kashihara
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