All Forum Posts by: Kate Barry

I'd suggest finding a small or local bank or even credit union that has a commercial lending division, but also one that keeps portfolio loans and is familiar with real estate investing, especially for 1-4 residential MFs.  

I think you should look at single families that have the potential for conversions.  Look for properties over 2500 square feet or ones that have an oversized or detached garage.  A lot of times a floor plan or layout can be reconfigured to create an auxillary unit.  Possibly even making a unit that could be used as a short term rental

Ah sorry I just saw the "metro" area caveat.  Another reason to look at rural areas - there are exploding markets and lots of investment opportunities in my region right now.  We are nowhere near the top of the market yet either.  

I'm surprised that Vermont is not on this list.   We have seen property value appreciation up over 20% in the last year

So I've been listening to the podcasts for almost 3 years but I never spent too much time on the site or forums.  I've actually made it a part of my business plan to be more active in writing and replying to topic discussions and connecting with people.  I see a huge opportunity for me to connect with investors not only as clients but also as potential and future partnerships.  

I have made only a few posts and connections so far, but honestly they are some of the strongest and most immediate "match made in heaven" type of relationships that I have ever gotten.  More than direct mail, more than advertising, social media, etc.  I've met a mentor, made referrals to agents, signed on buyer clients, and found a financial partner for my own projects in just a few short months of being more "active". 

I love meeting new people and connecting and collaborating on all ideas real estate, and everyone on here is of that same like-mind.  So I plan on spending at least 3-4 hours a week actively participating on Bigger Pockets, because its the easiest and most direct way to not only make connections but learn from experts

Are you sure your agent isn't just making sure you don't lose out to another offer?  In our market the competition is so intense, if you really find a good deal you are working to beat out 6-12 other offers.  If they were already UC someone else is probably trying to jump on it too.  They may just be trying to help you get the deal at still what would be a good price

I just wrote my 2021 goals today!

1.  $8 million gross sales (I did $4mil this year, I'll be going into my 3rd year)

2.  30+ transactions keeping 80% local

3.  Build a team of 4+ agents before the end of the year 

I know my worth as a buyer's agent.  I am worth a full 3% when I represent a client.  Sometimes the listing brokerage does not offer a full 3%.  In this case I do ask my buyer clients to bridge the gap in the difference.  So if the listing is offering 2.5% , the buyer will pay 0.5%

What is the best way to word this in a buyer agency contract?   

Can you join a virtual women-only REIA? I know that a few exist on facebook - I would seek out these types of groups and join. It's really important to have a support network especially if you're new and doing it on your own. I mostly do it on my own but I'm also a full time realtor, so I lean on my colleagues and team a lot for my real estate questions. And sometimes you just need to vent because yes the stress can be really intense sometimes!

But please remember that almost everything is fixable, almost anything can be automated.  To me it sounds like you could use some help organizing your business and delegating tasks.  Take it slow, take it one step at a time.  You got this! 

Thank you @Michael Dumont II for the referral!  Rachael I'll PM you