Realtor in Oklahoma City with contractor background, in-depth knowledge of repairs?

Question

I've found that what I value most in regards to real estate investing are the people who know about actual home repair and can approach a sale from that perspective. Most realtors are too quick to try to gloss over various issues thinking that by making it seem like there are less problems the sale is more likely to occur faster, maybe that's true but it'll just anger a savvy buyer if things are missed. I'm wondering if anyone knows of any realtors in the Oklahoma City area who have a background in home construction or repair and are able to approach it through that lens to help identify all problems as early as possible to help with negotiations?

Rhett Tullis · Answer

@Tom Dean yeah that makes sense. I certainly do not do repairs on rentals (other than my own when I am in the mood) for other investors. And we always refer folks to our network of licensed and certified vendors for work they need. But there is nothing like the eyes of someone that has installed a water heater, replaced a breaker box or laid a floor to really get to the bottom of the true issue on a home fast. Knowing what a specific repair will cost is one thing but knowing how to catch those issues before they become an issue is vital. I'm sure @Ben Scott can attest to this as well. Experience is key for sure in this business. Just reach out if you want to work with one of our folks in the office with experience or I can certainly understand wanting to be more hands on if you are just starting out.

Tom Dean · Answer

thanks for the replies, to clarify a bit more, I'm mainly looking for an agent who can be my eyes and ears in the case I'm not able to be there in person to view the property. In my past experience, agents have glossed over things that, as soon as I was at the property, I realized were serious issues. When I'm at a property myself I'm experienced enough to do a thorough visual inspection but it can sometimes be difficult for me to be there as I live out of town but I suppose perhaps the answer is that I do need to make sure I can be there in person.

Ben Scott · Answer

Any agent who has worked with investors or owned their own rentals would have a good idea of the costs of maintenance and repair. Those agents are looking for a relationship versus a quick sale. I've found a realtor's network of vendors is a great resource versus the agent actually doing the fixing and flipping.

Rhett Tullis · Answer

Yeah not many of us realtors do the home Reno thing. I got my start renovating my own rentals and helping my Electrician Father in Law on odd jobs. It has certainly come in handy with my rentals and as we run our PM biz here in OKC. While we lean heavily on the pro's for repairs and estimates it makes it much easier when we know the typical issues and concerns on the plumbing, roof, electrical etc sides of a property. Happy to help if you are looking to do long term buy and hold and I have another agent with us that could certainly help if you are looking at doing some flipping.

Realtor in Oklahoma City with contractor background, in-depth knowledge of repairs?

4 Replies