How do you find your realtors?

Question

Hello, I have the MLS and did a recent search to see who bought and sold the most amount of real estate.  Is it better to find a realtor who has sold more real estate or bought more real estate for their clients?  I am rehabber trying to find a realtor to sell my home and wanting help with designing etc.  Thanks!

Melissa McRay Johnson · Answer

I found our Realtor (who now lists all of our properties) when she represented a buyer for a house that I was selling with a different Realtor. The deal was falling apart at the last hour and my Realtor wasn't doing a single thing to salvage it. The buyer's agent stepped in, figured out what needed to be done and made it all happen, which was mutually beneficial. I was very impressed with her negotiating skills and "take charge" attitude and we ended up meeting for lunch afterward. So while I ended up having to give up a little to make the deal close, I ended up winning in the end because she has moved a lot of properties for me since then! Maybe there is someone you've encountered that impressed you-even if they aren't on your team at the moment that doesn't mean they can't be! GOOD Realtors are always looking for steady business.

J Scott · Answer

If you're looking for an agent to sell your houses, then you probably want one that has had a lot of success selling houses in your area and price range.

Daniel Andrade · Answer

You need to interview a few agents for each neighborhood you work in. When I talk to investors in the LA area, I explain that we have at least 10 different geographic areas and my office can kick ass in 2-3 of those areas and give you 150% of what you need. In the other 7 areas, we come in at 50%-80% of what you need.  
Usually the agents with the most sold listings have the most Assistants and its usually a broker who goes on the listing appointment, gets the signature and the assistants do everything. Its good because you have a team but its bad because you rarely work with that agent.
For rehabbing, if you have the MLS, you can search for agents that do flips vs standard sales. You should call a few agents and in a 5 minutes phone call, you'll know if they can add value to what you are doing.

Sharon Vornholt · Answer

I think you should work with a Realtor that is also an investor.

Early on I worked with someone that was a great Realtor for retail buyers, but after paying too much for my first couple of properties I came to understand that she knew absolutely nothing about investing; nothing about what was a good deal. I completly agree with Josh that you shouldn't work with relatives. Business and relatives often don't mix.

I would also recommend that you join your local Board of Realtors as an affiliate member. I owned and operated a successful home inspection company for 17 years and I was always an affiliate member of the board.

Get to know these folks and they will be able to assist you in a great many ways, and you will make a lot of good friends in the process. Assitionally, they often have pocket listings and you want to be the person they call when they do.

Joshua D. · Answer

I think it is a great question, Greg, and I agree with Danny and J.  I strongly recommend not working with your friend or aunt who also sell real estate, as I rarely hear about this going well, unless of course, they happen to be one of the people J mentioned.

Another tip is to talk to other sellers who are currently listing with the agent.  These folks are typically a good indicator as to what it will be like to work with that person.

Danny Day · Answer

I would recommend interviewing a few different realtors, find out their commission on the deal, what they will do to market your home (they should all have a marketing plan), online presence (very crucial today), and if they offer any type of bonus (in higher price point neighborhoods I'll buy my clients an AHS home warranty).

Danny

How do you find your realtors?

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