Q: I hear that you specialize in Manoa homes. How can you sell my Portlock residence?

A: It is true that I have sold the majority of homes in Manoa for the past several years. But it is also true that Case Properties has set record-breaking sales in ALL upscale neighborhoods over the years, including Portlock-Koko Kai, where we have sold many multi-million dollar and waterfront properties. This past year, we had the interior high sale for all of Portlock, with our sale of 80 Poipu.

Additionally, Case Properties had the high sale for all of Hawaii Loa Ridge, and also sold the most homes on Waialae Nui and Waialae Iki Ridges. We also were the first to break the million dollar price barrier for Country Club Knolls, a windward community. In sum, our firm has achieved record and million dollar sales in neighborhoods as diverse as Kahala, Diamond Head, the Gold Coast, Kai Nani-Golf Course, Lanikai, Haiku Plantation, Nuuanu Dowsett, the North Shore and more.

In truth, a good realtor, like a good attorney or stock broker or any consultant for that matter, takes their skills with them from transaction to transaction. The transaction does not change from neighborhood to neighborhood. The marketing skills do not change. The negotiating techniques do not change. And, a good realtor needs to keep abreast of what is going on in ALL neighborhoods in order to counsel wisely--as values are not created in a vacuum.

The answer to your question is that Case Properties has effectively sold properties island-wide, and our track record proves it. We CAN sell your home and deliver record results!

Q: I want to list with you, but my family has a personal friend and we think that we should use them.

A: Friendship should not be the sole basis of such an important investment and financial matter, which the purchase or sale of real estate is. It is usually one of the largest financial decisions that a family makes, and it has far-reaching economic implications. So you should be more discerning when it comes to finding a realtor to represent you, for your own financial sake. You should not look at it as a favor to bestow, but rather a serious investment undertaking that requires the best expert representation possible to protect your investment dollar. And I believe, based on my resume and record that I am that qualified expert.

Q: How are realtors paid? I went to an open house the other day and was thinking of purchasing a property directly from the listing broker.

A: While "dual agency" or representing both Buyer and Seller is legal in Hawaii under certain preconditions, it is not the usual method of sale. A sales transaction is inherently an adversarial process. Think about it. The Seller wants to get the highest price possible, and the Buyer the lowest price possible. Their respective realtors are there to advocate each position-so if they are doing their jobs right, the Listing Broker tries to get the highest price, and the Buyer's Broker, the lowest. Therein lies the reason that most sales normally involve two realtors: a Listing Broker and a Buyer's Broker.

It doesn't make sense anyway from a Buyer's perspective not to be represented. The commissions are contractually set via the Listing Agreement between the Seller and Listing Broker. While commissions are negotiable, most reputable full-service companies charge 6% of the Purchase Price plus GET.

Of this 6%, 3% goes to the Listing Broker, from which that covers all promotional expenses, including advertising, and 3% goes to the "cooperating" or Buyer's Broker. If a Buyer is not represented, the Listing Broker gets to keep the entire 6%. In effect, the Seller pays the commissions, so as a Buyer you might as well retain an independent Buyer's Broker.

Q: Shouldn't I list with a bigger company, since they have more agents wouldn't they be able to give my property more exposure? Don't they have access to more buyers?

A: This is one of the biggest misconceptions that exists in real estate. And, of course, it is actively promoted by larger franchise firms for their own marketing purposes and in order to get more business. If that were true, I would not have the track record that I do-which is basically that I singlehandedly outsell 97% of all other companies with hundreds of realtors combined. I would also not have the many institutional clients that I do such as relocation and trust companies and large foundations, as they are very sensitive to fiduciary duties and relative liability. They would not retain me for their business if they felt that a larger company would achieve a better result. Think about it.

My company, which I keep smaller and privately held by choice, still ranks within the top 2 to 3% of all Oahu real estate firms. I would never have left the large company that I did if I felt it would hurt my ability to represent my clients with excellence, or if I felt it would hurt my bottom line. I am a businesswoman who is in business to stay in business.

In fact, if you look at the top 10 Realtors, half of them are from privately held or boutique companies like mine. Why? Because by nature we are more competitive than your average realtor and accordingly have struck out on our own. Wouldn't you want someone like that on your negotiating team?

As far as sheer numbers, you don't need the rest if you have the best. Many of the agents at the larger firms are new and/or part-time. I keep my firm select by choice. At Case Properties, we are experienced and business-minded. Like a special forces team, we get the job done. And we don't take more listings then we ourselves can personally handle. With us, you get us, no third party "property information centers" or "transaction coordinators".

Regarding exposure, I guarantee that your property will get maximum exposure from Case Properties. We live in the age of the Internet and instant access. My company is a leader in internet promotion and whole-media advertising. We also actively co-broker our properties to all Oahu brokerages so that all buyers will focus on your listing. We also have a ready list of local, national and international contacts.

Q: You seem too young to be such a top producer.

A: Yes, there are realtors that are older than me or have been in the business longer, but none that I believe are more qualified. I am confident of my abilities to best represent you, and my track record shows that I can. I bring a wealth of legal and market expertise to the negotiating table, and an elite staff of associates who are multi-cultural, multi-lingual, business-minded, and just as competitive as I am. We like to win on behalf of our clients. Before you make a real estate decision, contact us to see what we can do for you. Let us put The Case Advantage to work for you!

Q: I was thinking of listing my property, but I want to do the improvements and remodeling first before I have you come over and evaluate it.

A: Let me see it first before you make any improvements. That way, I can tell you from a cash-flow basis, whether it makes sense to do the improvements or not. Sometimes homeowners are unrealistic about calculating net profits with regard to remodels. I can take the guesswork out of that equation and also provide you with a reference list of vendors.

Q: You are known for your luxury properties. Mine is just a small home in Ewa Beach.

A: We, in fact, just closed a sale in Westloch. We are here to assist all of our clients. It is especially gratifying to help first time buyers into their new homes. So don't hesitate to call us.

Q: I was thinking of going FSBO or with a flat rate company.

A: While commissions are negotiable, in real estate as in life, you get what you pay for. In my prior life as an attorney, I did not realize how much work went into the practice of real estate. Fifteen years later, the practice of real estate is even more complex-the DROA is a legal contract which is based upon the exchange of many communications, disclosure documents such as title reports, association documents, RR105Cs, due diligence review periods, surveys and so forth. It is a serious financial undertaking, which oftentimes gets treated as an afterthought.

That's OK if nothing goes wrong. But the potential for misrepresentation, misunderstanding and thus, disagreement and litigation is huge. To me, it is mind-boggling that people would risk this to save a few points. And in the end, most often, not much is really "saved", as the best prices are not usually negotiated in a "bottom basement" mentality.