Working with real estate agents

[Esther Goodpasture]

Hi,

I'm just starting out and am realizing how much investors and agents can benefit from each other, but I'm also learning how hard it is to create those bonds. When contacting an agent for a CMA or just to network, what is the best way to go about that? Any help would be much appreciated.

Thank you!

[Chris Vaught]

Hey @Esther Goodpasture, it's a great question because investors and agents can be a huge benefit to each other, but like @Kevin Martinez said, there are two important things to do on your end to hold up your end of the bargain.  First, it's important to be upfront with them about what your goals are, and two, it's important that you know what it is you're looking for. 

One thing I was guilty of when I first started looking at properties with an agent was not having a great understanding of what properties were worth investigating, and which I shouldn't have wasted my time on.  And I wasted A LOT of time for both myself and the agent, who eventually gave up working with me - and rightfully so.  I eventually met an agent who really likes to work with investors and invests himself, so he's good at spotting potential deals and only contacts me when there's one he would invest in himself.

Good luck!