Many cities in the U.S. have increasingly diverse ethnic populations. For example, in the Seattle area, Asians now represent the 2nd largest ethnic group making up about 17% of the total population.
Part of the reason for the growing Asian population in the greater Seattle area in recent years is the large number of affluent Chinese who have moved here.
Seattle is now the 2nd most popular place in the world for Chinese millionaires to relocate. That is why so many real estate transactions at higher price points often involve Chinese buyers or sellers in the Seattle area.
If you are planning to sell a home in Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Sammamish, Issaquah or in any other communities in the Seattle area, hiring a bilingual Chinese speaking agent can prove to be invaluable to your sales success.
Increasing numbers of Seattle area home sellers who are not Asian, are realizing the importance of being able to communicate effectively with potential Chinese buyers or their representatives. The reason being that a disproportionate number of multimillion-dollar real estate transactions in the greater Seattle area these days involve affluent Chinese buyers.
For example, Mary Pong, a highly successful Chinese-American real estate broker with more than 20 years’ experience in the Seattle market, says “While I do represent Chinese clientele, the vast majority of my clients are not Chinese. I’m often contacted by homeowners in affluent neighborhoods who recognize that potential buyers for their home may be Asian. They realize it only makes sense to have representation with a fluent bilingual agent who can not only communicate more effectively with those potential buyers and their agents, but also advise about cultural differences and ways to, potentially, make their property more appealing to Asian cultures.
For example, there are many Asian buyers who place importance on feng shui when considering a potential home to purchase. Feng shui is an ancient Chinese art of arranging objects and space in an environment to enhance harmony and balance.
Asian culture or ways of communicating can often be complex with many layers that are somewhat foreign. A western seller or their agent can often misinterpret something that is said or unintentionally offend an affluent Asian buyer or their agent without realizing it.
Often Asian buyers may not be open in sharing their priorities, objections, budget, lifestyle preferences, personal feelings, etc. A bilingual agent can often communicate about those important factors more effectively in the native language of the buyer’s agent and have more effective communication during the important negotiations process.
Buying or selling a home can be a complex transaction with many layers involving prelisting preparation, marketing presentation, negotiations, documents, home inspection and many related requirements. Success, especially in competitive markets, requires many years of experience and knowledge, as well as excellent communication skills in all those areas.
Mary has been a highly respected and successful broker in the Seattle area for more than 20 years. In that capacity, she has earned the respect of both her clientele and peers, as well as being the recipient of many industry awards.
BA, University of Florida
MBA, University of Colorado
MSHA, University of Colorado
If you are planning to buy or sell a home in the Seattle area and would like to have a better understanding of how a bilingual agent can benefit you,…contact Mary Pong for a no-obligation consultation!
She is a reputable real estate professional who knows your neighborhood, understands the changing market, and utilizes a variety of tools and strategies to price your home at top dollar. Contact her today to find out how we can be of assistance to you!
