In today's complex economic environment, a reliable partner is essential for asset owners to maintain and further develop their assets. Especially in the highly specialized field of real estate, which requires a long-term perspective, the type of partner you choose will have a decisive impact on your future asset development. But what exactly is a "reliable partner"? With so much information available, it is not easy to identify a partner who can provide truly valuable advice and work with you to achieve success. In this article, INA & Associates, based on our experience with many wealthy individuals, will explain in detail the three essential elements common to a reliable partner, along with specific ways to identify them.
Three essential elements that asset owners look for in a partner
When choosing a truly trustworthy partner, asset owners should pay attention to more than just superficial information. The three underlying factors of professionalism, reliability, and human compatibility are critical to building a long-term relationship. In this section, we will discuss each of these elements in depth, with specific methods of confirmation.
1. Expertise and track record: Unwavering knowledge and concrete results
Real estate investment is a field that requires a wide range of highly specialized knowledge, including legal, tax, financial, and architectural expertise. Therefore, the partners are required to have unwavering expertise as professionals in the field. The best proof of this expertise is not theoretical theories, but real-world knowledge backed by a wealth of practical experience and a track record of concrete successes.
When evaluating a partner's expertise, it is important to confirm not only the qualifications held (e.g., licensed real estate agent, real estate appraiser, certified real estate consulting master, etc.), but also the past projects undertaken and the specific evaluation by the client. Another important criterion is whether they are familiar with the latest information on current market trends and legal revisions, and whether they can use this information to develop the best strategy for each individual client.
| Evaluation Item | Reliable Partner | Partners to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifications and Experience | Holds several relevant certifications and has extensive industry experience | No qualifications or limited experience |
| Presentation of track record | Able to present specific success stories and figures | Cannot present specific achievements due to vague expressions |
| Market analysis skills | Conduct multifaceted analysis based on objective data | Talks about subjective outlook with little basis |
| Concreteness of proposals | Proposes detailed strategies tailored to individual situations | Only make general suggestions that can be applied to anyone |
2. Reliability and transparency: Customer focus and clear disclosure
Reliability andtransparency are absolute prerequisites for a partner to be worthy of entrusting assets. A truly trustworthy partner always puts the customer's interests first and emphasizes building long-term relationships rather than short-term gains. This attitude is often clearly stated as a corporate philosophy in the form of the "Policy on Customer-Oriented Business Management (FD Declaration)" promoted by the Financial Services Agency.
To gauge the reliability of a partner, first check whether the firm's management philosophy and business operation policy are disclosed on the firm's website. In addition, it is important to check whether information that could be disadvantageous to clients, such as fee structure and risk information, is also disclosed clearly and without concealment. A true sign of trust is an attitude of carefully explaining not only the benefits but also the potential risks, and supporting the client to make a decision with full understanding.
3. Compatibility and communication: Human skills to build a long-term relationship
Real estate investment does not end with the purchase. Rather, it is the beginning of long-term asset management. Therefore, you will inevitably have a long relationship with your partner. That is why, in addition to expertise and reliability, the human affinity with the person in charge and whether or not smooth communication can be achieved are extremely important factors.
No matter how good a specialist may be, it is difficult to build a long-term partnership if the two parties do not share the same values or if they are difficult to talk to. We recommend that you take advantage of free consultations and other opportunities to actually talk with the person in charge to confirm the following points
- Whether or not the person in charge listens sincerely to what you have to say.
- Explain things in easy-to-understand language without using too much jargon.
- Respond to questions and concerns in a sincere and timely manner.
- Do they seem enthusiastic about working together to achieve success from a long-term perspective?
In the end, please also value your intuition as to whether or not you feel you can entrust your assets to them with peace of mind.
Conclusion: To identify a partner to whom you can entrust your future
There are three common elements that asset owners can trust in a partner: "expertise and track record," "reliability and transparency," and "compatibility and communication. A true partnership cannot be formed if any one of these is missing. When choosing a partner, it is essential to comprehensively and carefully assess these three factors without being misled by immediate profit or other glib words. We sincerely hope that your asset building will be more successful with the best partner you can find.
INA&Associates, Inc. provides tailor-made real estate consulting services tailored to each client's individual situation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q1. What is the most important factor to consider when choosing a partner?
- A1. Although it is difficult to generalize, it is important to balance the three factors mentioned in this article. In particular, "trustworthiness," which allows you to feel secure in trusting your assets over the long term, is the foundation for all of them.
- Q2. Is there anything I should prepare in advance when consulting with you?
- A2. It is easier to obtain more specific and useful advice if you have organized your asset situation, investment objectives, and risk tolerance. Even if you are in a vague state, consulting with us first may help you organize your thoughts.
- Q3. What is your fee structure?
- A3. Fees vary depending on the services provided, and INA & Associates will always explain the detailed fee structure to you before you sign a contract with us.
Daisuke Inazawa
Representative Director of INA&Associates Inc. Based in Osaka, Tokyo, and Kanagawa, he is engaged in real estate sales, leasing, and management. He provides services based on his extensive experience in the real estate industry. Based on the philosophy that “human resources are a company's most important asset,” he places great importance on human resource development. He continues to take on the challenge of creating sustainable corporate value.
.png)
