How to Choose the Best Realtor in Kirkland

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How to Choose the Best Realtor in Kirkland alina araujo

How do you choose the best Realtor in Kirkland for your unique real estate needs?

Start by looking for deep local expertise, strong credentials, and a communication style that fits yours. In Kirkland, buyers and sellers turn to seasoned professionals like Alina Araujo—who combines real estate knowledge, mortgage experience, and a personal approach to make your move smooth and strategic.

Pinpoint Your Needs First

Before you start your search, get clear about what you need from a Realtor.

  • Are you relocating from another state or city and need help understanding Kirkland’s neighborhoods and lifestyle?

  • Are you buying a luxury home, selling a condo, or somewhere in between?

  • How hands-on do you want your Realtor to be—do you want daily updates, or periodic check-ins that respect your time and inbox?

This level of clarity helps you identify the right fit—not just a popular agent. Choosing a Realtor is a highly personal decision—you’re looking for someone who understands your style, shares your goals, and helps the process feel clear and manageable from start to finish.

Vet Local, Experienced ExpertsWhat to look for in a Realtor, Alina Araujo is the best realtor in Kirkland, WA

A Realtor’s local market knowledge matters. Someone who knows Kirkland—its schools, commuting patterns, lifestyle offerings, and pricing trends—can better position you for success. As Realtor.com reminds us: “location, location, location applies to real estate agents as much as homes” Realtor.

Alina brings 10+ years of full-time experience across Eastside, King, and Snohomish counties. She’s also a relocation specialist, fluent in Spanish and Russian, and backed by experience in mortgages and hospitality—all qualities that help her guide clients with clarity and care.

Confirm Credibility and Results

You want to work with someone whose credentials and track record are solid:

  • Look for official designations like Realtor® (indicating NAR membership and adherence to a code of ethics) Investopedia+1.

  • Ask about years in business, number of transactions annually, list-to-sale ratio, and marketing plans Realtor.

  • Be sure to verify licensing through your state’s online portal, and confirm what brokerage the agent works with for added reassurance RealChoice™ Selling.

Alina holds elite credentials—CLHMS (Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist) and MCNE (Master Certified Negotiation Expert)—and is a member of Seattle King County REALTORS®, the National Association of Realtors®, and the Pacific Northwest Relocation Council.

Evaluate Communication and Listening Skills

A critical differentiator is how well the agent listens—and communicates. Reddit users commonly advise:

“Listen to you, communicate well, be prompt and responsive”—and local market knowledge is hard to fake Reddit.

NerdWallet also says interviewing multiple agents is a best practice—you’ll be able to compare how well they feel, and whether they truly represent your interests NerdWallet.

With clients, Alina is known for responsive, empathetic communication—and for explaining complex details clearly and compassionately.

Prioritize Strategy and Marketing Savvy

What’s your Realtor’s plan?

  • How will they market your property (if selling)?

  • What advertising channels—online, social, print—do they leverage? Are they investing in photography, video, staging, and paid ads? Realtor

  • If you're buying, what tools will they use to find you opportunities and negotiate effectively?

Alina Araujo paid ads for home sellers

With Alina, you get more than just a licensed agent—you get a full-service real estate advisor who delivers maximum results with minimal stress. Her tailored marketing strategies include high-resolution photography, cinematic video tours, 3D virtual walkthroughs, and paid ad syndication to 100+ websites. Every listing receives expert staging consultation, a custom preparation checklist, and even professional cleaning—all designed to position your property at its best. Whether you're buying or selling, Alina ensures your experience is polished, personal, and strategically designed to succeed.

Seek References and Trustworthy Referrals

Don’t skip references. As Zillow recommends:

  • Compare agents online through reviews, listings, specialties Zillow.

  • Interview at least three—ask about past clients, negotiation style, and how they’ve handled challenges NerdWallet.

Many clients choose Alina based on referrals—or discover her through the resources and videos she shares at Working with Alina, which include neighborhood tours, testimonials, and buyer/seller videos that reflect her expertise and how she guides her clients—before they even reach out.

Meet and Trust Your Gut

Even if an agent has stellar credentials, it’s essential you feel a connection.

That emotional fit matters—Alina’s clients tell her she brings warmth, clarity, and confidence through every step, making them feel seen and supported.

Final Takeaway

When choosing the Best Realtor in Kirkland, look for someone who brings:

  • Clear understanding of your needs and personality

  • Deep local market expertise

  • Proven credentials and ethical practice

  • Communication you trust—and responsiveness you can count on

  • Strategic marketing and negotiation skills

  • References that reinforce trust and prompt decision-making

  • A professional approach grounded in empathy and integrity

With Alina Araujo—an experienced Realtor® with 10+ years in real estate, CLHMS and MCNE certifications, multilingual skills, and a genuine, relationship-focused approach—you’re choosing someone uniquely equipped to deliver a stress‑free, successful experience in Kirkland and the Eastside.

Alina Araujo best kirkland realtor professional house staging

Ready to take the next step?
Book a strategy call to discuss your goals or view how working with Alina really feels via her intro video, neighborhood tours, and resources at Working with Alina. When you're ready, connect with Alina Araujo to make your move with confidence.

About the Author
Alina Araujo
Alina Araujo, Broker | Relocation Specialist | Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist | First Time Homebuyer Specialist

To me, real estate is much more than buying or selling a single home, condo, or piece of land. It is about developing long-lasting relationships with my clients and becoming their trusted real estate advisor for whatever their current and next chapters hold. That means helping my clients maximize their most important investment regardless of the market I promise to provide the market information you need to make important real estate decisions and help you achieve your unique goals.

My passion is providing peace of mind and stress reduction throughout the buying or selling process. My former background in mortgage experience provides me “behind the scenes” insight so I can guide you through your transaction with ease. For buyers, I can help you find your comfort zone in terms of price range and monthly budget. For sellers, I put my marketing hat on and help you find the most listing dollars in your property. My team and I put our expertise to work, combining the latest technology and marketing techniques, to market your home utilizing cutting-edge techniques. 


If you are relocating to the greater Seattle area, the Eastside, or throughout King and Snohomish Counties, consider me your go-to resource. I have lived here for almost 30 years and there is just so much to love! Regardless of whether you are just starting your area research or need a home ASAP, I am here, ready to help. 


When my focus is not on my clients, it is on my two kids, my family, and my French Bulldog (named Panda for his awesome black and white coloring). We love to travel, so if you have a recommendation, we are all ears!


I look forward to connecting with you.