Why are realtors so incompotent?

Why are realtors so incompotent?

Member since 2022 路 21 posts 路 14 votes

Both buying and selling, I am baffled by the lack of basic communication skills and relationship management ability. The absolute lack of strategy, or vetting leads. I seriosly wonder why they think antagonizing tenants and other stakeholders in the real estate process is a good idea? That's not even getting into the used car salesman level lies they tell their customers to push them to a deal.  When I'm buying I can easily drop a realtor without a negative impact, but it's tougher when you're selling especially in a tenant occupied property.

I want to sell my property without a realtor. I get marketing calls sometime on my property, and they disappear as soon as they hear I am working with a realtor. It's a tough market. I'm being told investors are not willing to buy unless the cap rate is much higher than what is the norm for the market historically. Does anyone have solid advice on selling without a realtor without essentially dropping price so low I'd have to short sale?

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Investor 路 Costa Mesa, CA 路 Member since 2016 路 1k+ posts 路 1k+ votes
10mo

The irony of you misspelling incompetent...

See this reply in the discussion

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  • Erik EstradaBusiness Member
    Lender 路 Member since 2022 路 6k+ posts 路 1k+ votes
    10mo
    Quote from @Melissa Wilson:

    Both buying and selling, I am baffled by the lack of basic communication skills and relationship management ability. The absolute lack of strategy, or vetting leads. I seriosly wonder why they think antagonizing tenants and other stakeholders in the real estate process is a good idea? That's not even getting into the used car salesman level lies they tell their customers to push them to a deal.  When I'm buying I can easily drop a realtor without a negative impact, but it's tougher when you're selling especially in a tenant occupied property.

    I want to sell my property without a realtor. I get marketing calls sometime on my property, and they disappear as soon as they hear I am working with a realtor. It's a tough market. I'm being told investors are not willing to buy unless the cap rate is much higher than what is the norm for the market historically. Does anyone have solid advice on selling without a realtor without essentially dropping price so low I'd have to short sale?


     I think this really comes down to interviewing for the right agent. You are basically their boss... 

    Look at their credentials, reviews, track record, and see how they handle your objections. There thousands of agents, but very few pros. You can get your license in 3-6 months. But it takes years of experience to become seasoned. 

    LuxePrivate Investments LLC 572 Reviews
    • Member since 2022 路 21 posts 路 14 votes
      10mo
      Quote from @Erik Estrada:
      Quote from @Melissa Wilson:

      Both buying and selling, I am baffled by the lack of basic communication skills and relationship management ability. The absolute lack of strategy, or vetting leads. I seriosly wonder why they think antagonizing tenants and other stakeholders in the real estate process is a good idea? That's not even getting into the used car salesman level lies they tell their customers to push them to a deal.  When I'm buying I can easily drop a realtor without a negative impact, but it's tougher when you're selling especially in a tenant occupied property.

      I want to sell my property without a realtor. I get marketing calls sometime on my property, and they disappear as soon as they hear I am working with a realtor. It's a tough market. I'm being told investors are not willing to buy unless the cap rate is much higher than what is the norm for the market historically. Does anyone have solid advice on selling without a realtor without essentially dropping price so low I'd have to short sale?


       I think this really comes down to interviewing for the right agent. You are basically their boss... 

      Look at their credentials, reviews, track record, and see how they handle your objections. There thousands of agents, but very few pros. You can get your license in 3-6 months. But it takes years of experience to become seasoned. 

       

      I totally agree, but often agents have great reviews and interview very well...it's only down the line once you're working with them that their true nature comes about. Which is why I'm intersted to circumvent them completely if I can..




    • Erik EstradaBusiness Member
      Lender 路 Member since 2022 路 6k+ posts 路 1k+ votes
      10mo
      Quote from @Melissa Wilson:
      Quote from @Erik Estrada:
      Quote from @Melissa Wilson:

      Both buying and selling, I am baffled by the lack of basic communication skills and relationship management ability. The absolute lack of strategy, or vetting leads. I seriosly wonder why they think antagonizing tenants and other stakeholders in the real estate process is a good idea? That's not even getting into the used car salesman level lies they tell their customers to push them to a deal.  When I'm buying I can easily drop a realtor without a negative impact, but it's tougher when you're selling especially in a tenant occupied property.

      I want to sell my property without a realtor. I get marketing calls sometime on my property, and they disappear as soon as they hear I am working with a realtor. It's a tough market. I'm being told investors are not willing to buy unless the cap rate is much higher than what is the norm for the market historically. Does anyone have solid advice on selling without a realtor without essentially dropping price so low I'd have to short sale?


       I think this really comes down to interviewing for the right agent. You are basically their boss... 

      Look at their credentials, reviews, track record, and see how they handle your objections. There thousands of agents, but very few pros. You can get your license in 3-6 months. But it takes years of experience to become seasoned. 

       

      I totally agree, but often agents have great reviews and interview very well...it's only down the line once you're working with them that their true nature comes about. Which is why I'm intersted to circumvent them completely if I can..





       I don't think those reviews were honest then. It may very well be that he or she paid for reviews or asked friends to review. A good review is thorough.. 

      It's very easy to BS an interview.. Ask for a track record, referrals. If they are good at selling property they will have no reason not share real life examples and provide you with references 

      LuxePrivate Investments LLC 572 Reviews
  • Member since 2022 路 21 posts 路 14 votes
    10mo

    I totally agree, but often agents have great reviews and interview very well...it's only down the line once you're working with them that their true nature comes about. Which is why I'm intersted to circumvent them completely if I can..

  • Member since 2022 路 21 posts 路 14 votes
    10mo

    That's fair...I might just bite the bullet and move onto a third realtor and do a lot of extra due diligence. I could be more thorough than I was before. 

    • Real Estate Broker 路 Jacksonville FL & Middletown, CT 路 Member since 2008 路 1k+ posts 路 633 votes
      10mo
      Quote from @Melissa Wilson:

      That's fair...I might just bite the bullet and move onto a third realtor and do a lot of extra due diligence. I could be more thorough than I was before. 


      So in other words, your overpriced property that should be short sale isn't moving, and multiple realtors you have hired are the problem??? LOL Sure lady. Pretty easy to see who the actual problem is here.

  • Investor 路 Costa Mesa, CA 路 Member since 2016 路 1k+ posts 路 1k+ votes
    10mo

    The irony of you misspelling incompetent...

  • Realtor 路 Boulder, CO 路 Member since 2016 路 3k+ posts 路 5k+ votes
    10mo

    What price point are you working in?

    • Jay HinrichsBusiness Member
      Real Estate Consultant 路 Summerlin, NV 路 Member since 2014 路 45k+ posts 路 66k+ votes
      10mo
      Quote from @Steve K.:

      What price point are you working in?


      Yet another person who now understands that fsbo in most instances is going to lose you money over working with a top flight agent.. FSBO are targets for wholesalers and bottom feeders. 
  • Abel CurielBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent 路 Queens, NY 路 Member since 2016 路 2k+ posts 路 1k+ votes
    10mo
    Quote from @Melissa Wilson:

    Both buying and selling, I am baffled by the lack of basic communication skills and relationship management ability. The absolute lack of strategy, or vetting leads. I seriosly wonder why they think antagonizing tenants and other stakeholders in the real estate process is a good idea? That's not even getting into the used car salesman level lies they tell their customers to push them to a deal.  When I'm buying I can easily drop a realtor without a negative impact, but it's tougher when you're selling especially in a tenant occupied property.

    I want to sell my property without a realtor. I get marketing calls sometime on my property, and they disappear as soon as they hear I am working with a realtor. It's a tough market. I'm being told investors are not willing to buy unless the cap rate is much higher than what is the norm for the market historically. Does anyone have solid advice on selling without a realtor without essentially dropping price so low I'd have to short sale?

    Hello Melissa,

    If you haven't already done so, invest in professional photos/videos. Perhaps Matterport or something similar.

    Try creating google business page (free) and posting on FB marketplace as well.

    Frequent open houses can get you more views than you would get from private appointments so consider hosting 1-2 per week during different days/times.

    You can also call local buyers agents or listing agents who have nearby listings/open houses. Offer a referral or commission if they send you a buyer. 

    Showings are just part of the process. To get offers you'll need to follow-up i.e. text blasts, follow-up phone calls, emails, etc.

    If you aren't getting enough showings or positive feedback, your price is likely too high.

    All the best!

    Abel

    REbuild Team - eXp Realty5234 Reviews
    • Jay HinrichsBusiness Member
      Real Estate Consultant 路 Summerlin, NV 路 Member since 2014 路 45k+ posts 路 66k+ votes
      10mo
      Quote from @Abel Curiel:
      Quote from @Melissa Wilson:

      Both buying and selling, I am baffled by the lack of basic communication skills and relationship management ability. The absolute lack of strategy, or vetting leads. I seriosly wonder why they think antagonizing tenants and other stakeholders in the real estate process is a good idea? That's not even getting into the used car salesman level lies they tell their customers to push them to a deal.  When I'm buying I can easily drop a realtor without a negative impact, but it's tougher when you're selling especially in a tenant occupied property.

      I want to sell my property without a realtor. I get marketing calls sometime on my property, and they disappear as soon as they hear I am working with a realtor. It's a tough market. I'm being told investors are not willing to buy unless the cap rate is much higher than what is the norm for the market historically. Does anyone have solid advice on selling without a realtor without essentially dropping price so low I'd have to short sale?

      Hello Melissa,

      If you haven't already done so, invest in professional photos/videos. Perhaps Matterport or something similar.

      Try creating google business page (free) and posting on FB marketplace as well.

      Frequent open houses can get you more views than you would get from private appointments so consider hosting 1-2 per week during different days/times.

      You can also call local buyers agents or listing agents who have nearby listings/open houses. Offer a referral or commission if they send you a buyer. 

      Showings are just part of the process. To get offers you'll need to follow-up i.e. text blasts, follow-up phone calls, emails, etc.

      If you aren't getting enough showings or positive feedback, your price is likely too high.

      All the best!

      Abel


      the other issue Is buyers of fsbo's  first order of bizz is to lower the price by 5 to 6%.. they will tell the seller.. Hey your not paying a commish so lower your price.  this is reality.

    • Abel CurielBusiness Member
      Real Estate Agent 路 Queens, NY 路 Member since 2016 路 2k+ posts 路 1k+ votes
      10mo
      Quote from @Jay Hinrichs:
      Quote from @Abel Curiel:
      Quote from @Melissa Wilson:

      Both buying and selling, I am baffled by the lack of basic communication skills and relationship management ability. The absolute lack of strategy, or vetting leads. I seriosly wonder why they think antagonizing tenants and other stakeholders in the real estate process is a good idea? That's not even getting into the used car salesman level lies they tell their customers to push them to a deal.  When I'm buying I can easily drop a realtor without a negative impact, but it's tougher when you're selling especially in a tenant occupied property.

      I want to sell my property without a realtor. I get marketing calls sometime on my property, and they disappear as soon as they hear I am working with a realtor. It's a tough market. I'm being told investors are not willing to buy unless the cap rate is much higher than what is the norm for the market historically. Does anyone have solid advice on selling without a realtor without essentially dropping price so low I'd have to short sale?

      Hello Melissa,

      If you haven't already done so, invest in professional photos/videos. Perhaps Matterport or something similar.

      Try creating google business page (free) and posting on FB marketplace as well.

      Frequent open houses can get you more views than you would get from private appointments so consider hosting 1-2 per week during different days/times.

      You can also call local buyers agents or listing agents who have nearby listings/open houses. Offer a referral or commission if they send you a buyer. 

      Showings are just part of the process. To get offers you'll need to follow-up i.e. text blasts, follow-up phone calls, emails, etc.

      If you aren't getting enough showings or positive feedback, your price is likely too high.

      All the best!

      Abel


      the other issue Is buyers of fsbo's  first order of bizz is to lower the price by 5 to 6%.. they will tell the seller.. Hey your not paying a commish so lower your price.  this is reality.


       Agreed.
      FSBO is challenging in many markets. The property has way less exposure as there are 100s of websites they aren't going to be featured on.
      Buyers know there is less competition and look for steep discounts.

      REbuild Team - eXp Realty5234 Reviews
    • Jay HinrichsBusiness Member
      Real Estate Consultant 路 Summerlin, NV 路 Member since 2014 路 45k+ posts 路 66k+ votes
      10mo
      Quote from @Abel Curiel:
      Quote from @Jay Hinrichs:
      Quote from @Abel Curiel:
      Quote from @Melissa Wilson:

      Both buying and selling, I am baffled by the lack of basic communication skills and relationship management ability. The absolute lack of strategy, or vetting leads. I seriosly wonder why they think antagonizing tenants and other stakeholders in the real estate process is a good idea? That's not even getting into the used car salesman level lies they tell their customers to push them to a deal.  When I'm buying I can easily drop a realtor without a negative impact, but it's tougher when you're selling especially in a tenant occupied property.

      I want to sell my property without a realtor. I get marketing calls sometime on my property, and they disappear as soon as they hear I am working with a realtor. It's a tough market. I'm being told investors are not willing to buy unless the cap rate is much higher than what is the norm for the market historically. Does anyone have solid advice on selling without a realtor without essentially dropping price so low I'd have to short sale?

      Hello Melissa,

      If you haven't already done so, invest in professional photos/videos. Perhaps Matterport or something similar.

      Try creating google business page (free) and posting on FB marketplace as well.

      Frequent open houses can get you more views than you would get from private appointments so consider hosting 1-2 per week during different days/times.

      You can also call local buyers agents or listing agents who have nearby listings/open houses. Offer a referral or commission if they send you a buyer. 

      Showings are just part of the process. To get offers you'll need to follow-up i.e. text blasts, follow-up phone calls, emails, etc.

      If you aren't getting enough showings or positive feedback, your price is likely too high.

      All the best!

      Abel


      the other issue Is buyers of fsbo's  first order of bizz is to lower the price by 5 to 6%.. they will tell the seller.. Hey your not paying a commish so lower your price.  this is reality.


       Agreed.
      FSBO is challenging in many markets. The property has way less exposure as there are 100s of websites they aren't going to be featured on.
      Buyers know there is less competition and look for steep discounts.


      I know I have tried to FSBO my own properties even though I am a RE broker and so is my wife and she has MLS etc etc.. Never did sell a one.. HAVE to list it on MLS if you want full retail.
      now if its a big fixer and not financable then thats wholesaler country and or private investors that are going to try to kick your teeth in on price.
    • Rental Property Investor 路 New Braunfels, TX 路 Member since 2021 路 289 posts 路 256 votes
      10mo
      Quote from @Jay Hinrichs:
      Quote from @Abel Curiel:
      Quote from @Jay Hinrichs:
      Quote from @Abel Curiel:
      Quote from @Melissa Wilson:

      Both buying and selling, I am baffled by the lack of basic communication skills and relationship management ability. The absolute lack of strategy, or vetting leads. I seriosly wonder why they think antagonizing tenants and other stakeholders in the real estate process is a good idea? That's not even getting into the used car salesman level lies they tell their customers to push them to a deal.  When I'm buying I can easily drop a realtor without a negative impact, but it's tougher when you're selling especially in a tenant occupied property.

      I want to sell my property without a realtor. I get marketing calls sometime on my property, and they disappear as soon as they hear I am working with a realtor. It's a tough market. I'm being told investors are not willing to buy unless the cap rate is much higher than what is the norm for the market historically. Does anyone have solid advice on selling without a realtor without essentially dropping price so low I'd have to short sale?

      Hello Melissa,

      If you haven't already done so, invest in professional photos/videos. Perhaps Matterport or something similar.

      Try creating google business page (free) and posting on FB marketplace as well.

      Frequent open houses can get you more views than you would get from private appointments so consider hosting 1-2 per week during different days/times.

      You can also call local buyers agents or listing agents who have nearby listings/open houses. Offer a referral or commission if they send you a buyer. 

      Showings are just part of the process. To get offers you'll need to follow-up i.e. text blasts, follow-up phone calls, emails, etc.

      If you aren't getting enough showings or positive feedback, your price is likely too high.

      All the best!

      Abel


      the other issue Is buyers of fsbo's  first order of bizz is to lower the price by 5 to 6%.. they will tell the seller.. Hey your not paying a commish so lower your price.  this is reality.


       Agreed.
      FSBO is challenging in many markets. The property has way less exposure as there are 100s of websites they aren't going to be featured on.
      Buyers know there is less competition and look for steep discounts.


      I know I have tried to FSBO my own properties even though I am a RE broker and so is my wife and she has MLS etc etc.. Never did sell a one.. HAVE to list it on MLS if you want full retail.
      now if its a big fixer and not financable then thats wholesaler country and or private investors that are going to try to kick your teeth in on price.
      I put a For Sale by Owner sign in the yard at an empty lot we own in January this year and had lots of calls but no sale. I had my realtor list it last month and we accepted an offer yesterday. The EXACT same price I had on the sign for 10 months with no takers until it was on the MLS for a month. 
  • Bruce WoodruffPro Member
    Contractor/Investor/Consultant 路 San Diego / Phoenix 路 Member since 2021 路 12k+ posts 路 15k+ votes
    10mo

    There is a very low bar to entry in the RE game, so yes, you will find a lot of worthless agents with a RE license. It is up to you to find the top 10%.

    Time is one good measure....if a Realtor has been working (successfully) for decades, then they are probably going to give you what you want. Calling their old buyers/sellers is worth doing as well.

    But if you are just buying/selling properties for yourself, it is not that hard to just do it yourself. try it sometime on an easy property. Yes you will get a lot of annoying calls, but they are easy to ignore.

  • Seth McGatheyBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent 路 Milwaukee WI 路 Member since 2024 路 319 posts 路 252 votes
    10mo

    Tons of agents are terrible. Something like 70% sell 1 or fewer houses a year. And something like 80% don't make it past their second year. So you have to really dig through the large numbers of bad agents to get to the good ones. 

    Also, most agents, even decent ones aren't investors or even if they have one or two properties, don't think like an investor. They just own real estate because they were told it is a good investment. 

    Third thing is as an agent myself, I admittedly pay less attention to clients who don't communicate. My clients who are regularly responding to my messages, sending me questions, sending me properties they like out of the ones I have sent them, those are the clients I constantly am doing things for, look to service, and looking to make happy. The clients who take a week to respond to my messages, or only answer half of what I ask them are by nature going to get less of my attention. Because I have lots of clients and have to focus my energy somewhere. So those bringing energy get more of my energy. 

    Seth McGathey - Shorewest Realtor4.913 Reviews
    • Member since 2022 路 21 posts 路 14 votes
      10mo
      Quote from @Seth McGathey:

      Tons of agents are terrible. Something like 70% sell 1 or fewer houses a year. And something like 80% don't make it past their second year. So you have to really dig through the large numbers of bad agents to get to the good ones. 

      Also, most agents, even decent ones aren't investors or even if they have one or two properties, don't think like an investor. They just own real estate because they were told it is a good investment. 

      Third thing is as an agent myself, I admittedly pay less attention to clients who don't communicate. My clients who are regularly responding to my messages, sending me questions, sending me properties they like out of the ones I have sent them, those are the clients I constantly am doing things for, look to service, and looking to make happy. The clients who take a week to respond to my messages, or only answer half of what I ask them are by nature going to get less of my attention. Because I have lots of clients and have to focus my energy somewhere. So those bringing energy get more of my energy. 


      I'm wondering if at around 750k, the price of my listing isn't high enough to attract high performing realtors. I've tried various strategies...using referrals from friends, using well known well reviewed investor oriented realtors. With buying I find it much easier just to drop low performers and move on, with selling I'm feeling more hestitant especially due wanting to keep some consistency for my tenants but maybe I am overthinking it and should recycle through more sellers agents too. My current agent most recently didn't respond to a couple substantive emails I sent for a week, only responded after I followed up. I'm going to look for the next. 

  • Andrew BoscoBusiness Member
    Rental Property Investor 路 NH 路 Member since 2023 路 442 posts 路 417 votes
    10mo

    Focus on an investor friendly agent. Like any trade - you need to interview! 

    Andrew Bosco - Candor Investment Group529 Reviews
  • Real Estate Broker 路 Minneapolis, MN 路 Member since 2011 路 5k+ posts 路 6k+ votes
    10mo

    @Melissa Wilson I am working on a guide for How To Interview Agents For Investors, for the exact reasons you share, and your experience. Unfortunately your not in a minority. 

    Here is a few quick tips: 

    1st and foremost; are they telling you what you WANT to hear, or what you NEED to hear? 

    An almost universal theme reported by those who had pizz-poor results and experience with an agent is they, the uninformed NON-professional property owner, said all the things they hoped and wished for, thought and expected, and they agent simply regurgitated a "Yeah, sure, 100%, we can make all that happen". 

    And in a high occurrence of these situations, the property owners also reported they found that hopeium-regurgitating agent after having meet with other agents who did NOT say what they wanted to hear, had lent #'s less than they wanted to accept, a longer harder more critical conversation and hence they shopped until they found the one who would confirm what they wanted vs inform them of what is. 

    A good Professional agent will defend your best interests, even when you yourself are the threat against them. That means honest information which, isn't always what you want to hear, but it's what you NEED to hear. 

    Second big tip; Everything and I do mean EVERYTHING they say is fact and data based. When share a selling price, it's never on hope, try, feel, gut, none of that. It's based on data, facts. Why they do what they do, you can ask why on anything and there will always be a fact, data, strategic and or tactical reasoning for it being exactly that. 

    If can't answer to literally everything, every why isnt readily known and fact/data based, there not a Pro. 

    • Member since 2022 路 21 posts 路 14 votes
      10mo
      Quote from @James Hamling:

      @Melissa Wilson I am working on a guide for How To Interview Agents For Investors, for the exact reasons you share, and your experience. Unfortunately your not in a minority. 

      Here is a few quick tips: 

      1st and foremost; are they telling you what you WANT to hear, or what you NEED to hear? 

      An almost universal theme reported by those who had pizz-poor results and experience with an agent is they, the uninformed NON-professional property owner, said all the things they hoped and wished for, thought and expected, and they agent simply regurgitated a "Yeah, sure, 100%, we can make all that happen". 

      And in a high occurrence of these situations, the property owners also reported they found that hopeium-regurgitating agent after having meet with other agents who did NOT say what they wanted to hear, had lent #'s less than they wanted to accept, a longer harder more critical conversation and hence they shopped until they found the one who would confirm what they wanted vs inform them of what is. 

      A good Professional agent will defend your best interests, even when you yourself are the threat against them. That means honest information which, isn't always what you want to hear, but it's what you NEED to hear. 

      Second big tip; Everything and I do mean EVERYTHING they say is fact and data based. When share a selling price, it's never on hope, try, feel, gut, none of that. It's based on data, facts. Why they do what they do, you can ask why on anything and there will always be a fact, data, strategic and or tactical reasoning for it being exactly that. 

      If can't answer to literally everything, every why isnt readily known and fact/data based, there not a Pro. 


      I'll keep an eye out for your guide. I do interview agents and prefer one that will give it to me straight... my current realtor I interviewed for a solid hour, but clearly I need to still need to work on due diligence and interviewing skills.   

    • Northeastern Pennsylvania 路 Member since 2025 路 44 posts 路 18 votes
      10mo

      @James Hamling ' looking forward to that book 馃憤

    • Real Estate Broker 路 Minneapolis, MN 路 Member since 2011 路 5k+ posts 路 6k+ votes
      10mo
      Quote from @Melissa Wilson:
      Quote from @James Hamling:

      @Melissa Wilson I am working on a guide for How To Interview Agents For Investors, for the exact reasons you share, and your experience. Unfortunately your not in a minority. 

      Here is a few quick tips: 

      1st and foremost; are they telling you what you WANT to hear, or what you NEED to hear? 

      An almost universal theme reported by those who had pizz-poor results and experience with an agent is they, the uninformed NON-professional property owner, said all the things they hoped and wished for, thought and expected, and they agent simply regurgitated a "Yeah, sure, 100%, we can make all that happen". 

      And in a high occurrence of these situations, the property owners also reported they found that hopeium-regurgitating agent after having meet with other agents who did NOT say what they wanted to hear, had lent #'s less than they wanted to accept, a longer harder more critical conversation and hence they shopped until they found the one who would confirm what they wanted vs inform them of what is. 

      A good Professional agent will defend your best interests, even when you yourself are the threat against them. That means honest information which, isn't always what you want to hear, but it's what you NEED to hear. 

      Second big tip; Everything and I do mean EVERYTHING they say is fact and data based. When share a selling price, it's never on hope, try, feel, gut, none of that. It's based on data, facts. Why they do what they do, you can ask why on anything and there will always be a fact, data, strategic and or tactical reasoning for it being exactly that. 

      If can't answer to literally everything, every why isnt readily known and fact/data based, there not a Pro. 


      I'll keep an eye out for your guide. I do interview agents and prefer one that will give it to me straight... my current realtor I interviewed for a solid hour, but clearly I need to still need to work on due diligence and interviewing skills.   


      Wow, an hour, I'd call that more an interrogation than an interview, lol. 

      To clarify, it's a very natural thing to like hearing what we want to hear. It feels good, there telling us all the nice things, it's disarming. Nobody is a fool for falling into that trap, there just human. 

      A seller might ask "what do you do to market my property?". The agent gives the all too common feel good answer that they do open houses, yada-yada. 

      If following my tips one would ask "why do you do that?". And that answer better be a data drenched results driven answer. The goal is selling for highest and best, so everything better be a means to that end. 

      Sadly, most often a person would be trapped in a loop of empty answers that don't speak to such end goal. 

      Truth is open houses are NOT to sell properties, there to get leads, for the agent. Only a miniscule % of homes sell as a direct result of an open. 2-4% is the data. That means an open house has a 96-98% chance of NOT selling.  

      Any agent who promotes they use open houses to sell homes, I'd never work with them ever at all EVER. Their either too novice to know or there lying to you. A brutal truth but truth none the less. 

      Now most people don't know this fact of open houses are for leads. But if you asked Why & How questions, and keep asking "why/how" until get to a fact, you'd discover the truth. 

      agent- "Oh, we do open houses to get you home sold fast and for sooo much $" 

      "why do you do it that way?" 

      agent- "Well, because open houses show your property" 

      "How does that lead to my best sold price, fastest?" 

      agent- "Uhmmm.... Because were showing it to random unrepresented people..." 

      "Why does that work?" 

      agent- "Aaaahhhh, because it does.... yeah, because it does......" 

      "Why? How?" 

      agent- "Look lady, it just does, ok, because I said so....." 

      "Oh, so, your just making up random sh#t?" 

      agent- "Hey, I bought the box or Cracker jacks, I got a real estate license so, so, just stop thinking and let me make $ off your home already! Didn't you see my tik-tok, I like puppies, now sign damn it!" 

      Lol. 

      A simple "why" and "how" is your best tools to figuring a person out. And you sure don't need an hour to do it. 

  • Severna Park, MD 路 Member since 2013 路 7k+ posts 路 7k+ votes
    10mo

    Just like any other salesperson , agents will tell you they are #1 in the business . They just want to get the listing .  Good agent or bad agent , you wont really know until after you hire them . 

    I listed a FSBO on zillow just to test the market , and in the first 3 days I got over 60 phone calls . ALL from agents blowing sunshine up my back side . All pretty much read off the same script . One guy claimed he was local , I asked where he was ? He told me Waldorf Md . I told hem he was over an hour and a half away on a good day . Local ? Not .

    Now , only ONE agent took the bull by the horns and drove over and knocked on the door , which I respected .  But got the same lines from her . 

    Sold the house to a neighbors brother , got what I wanted , no agents 

  • Member since 2024 路 158 posts 路 88 votes
    10mo

    If you are trying to sell to another investor, maybe get involved in local investor groups to get leads and get a discount broker to minimize costs.  It is a tough market to sell and investors want like 10% below market value and cash flow like you said.  I used one called Houwzer to sell my condo in 2019 in DC and they only charged 1%.  They were quite professional and efficient.  That way hopefully you can avoid a short sale.  Good luck!

  • Real Estate Investor 路 Saint Paul, MN 路 Member since 2017 路 543 posts 路 474 votes
    10mo

    @Eric Gerakos Perfect!!!

  • Investor 路 Milwaukee - Mequon, WI 路 Member since 2010 路 5k+ posts 路 7k+ votes
    10mo

    It is true, 80% of my peers are not very good. 

    But also, 80% of their clients are not very good at interviewing agents.

    I often interview out-of-State agents to help my relo clients. 

    Okay I have an insider advantage, but it literally takes me under 5 minutes to know if I am speaking to someone compotent, sorry competent ;-) Often times I know within 30 seconds.

  • Denise SuppleeBusiness Member
    Realtor 路 Willow Grove, PA 路 Member since 2017 路 982 posts 路 643 votes
    10mo

    Hi @Melissa Wilson The communication gap in this business can be shocking. Too many agents forget that real estate is really relationship management, not just pushing paperwork. And when a property is tenant-occupied, strategy and diplomacy matter even more.

    Selling without a realtor is definitely possible, but it puts all the heavy lifting on you: pricing, disclosures, showings, coordinating with tenants, and making sure buyers actually have the right expectations. The challenge in today鈥檚 market is that investor buyers are hyper-focused on cap rates, and anything tenant-occupied gets treated like a pure investment play, not a retail sale.

    If you go the FSBO route, your best shot at protecting value is to package the deal like an investor would underwrite it. Provide clean financials, realistic pro-forma numbers, tenant details, and anything that reduces uncertainty. That's how you keep buyers from lowballing.

    If you do decide to stay listed, consider switching to an agent who鈥檚 investor-friendly and actually knows how to handle tenant-occupied sales, it makes a massive difference. You shouldn鈥檛 have to choose between poor representation and giving the house away.

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