There is no question that working with a real estate agent when selling or buying investment property can make the whole process easier. This is especially true when it comes to real estate investing for beginners.
What is not so easy, however, is when a beginner real estate investor begins to search for “How to find a real estate agent near me?”. Even more difficult is trying to find the best real estate agent out there.
Well, we have got you covered. We can help answer “How to find a real estate agent near me?” as well as how to find a good real estate agent that will allow for successful real estate investing.
But first…
To choose the best real estate agent, you have to know exactly what a real estate agent is and what he/she does to help a real estate investor in selling or buying investment property. It’s also wise to know the advantages and disadvantages of working with real estate agents. This will help you better determine if you’d rather invest in real estate all on your own without the help of real estate agents or not.
To start looking for and analyzing the best investment properties in your city and neighborhood of choice, click here.
What Is a Real Estate Agent?
A real estate agent is essentially a real estate expert. Depending on what state you live in, real estate agents may have taken a few prep courses as a real estate education. This is usually followed by a licensing exam. With this license, a real estate agent is qualified to help a real estate investor in selling or buying investment property while under the employment of a real estate broker.
Related: What Are the Different Types of Real Estate Agents?
What Does a Real Estate Agent Do?
The job of a real estate agent depends on what the client is hoping to achieve- selling or buying investment property.
With a client buying investment property, the real estate agent must look for investment properties for sale in the real estate market. These should meet the criteria of the real estate investor- everything from property price through type of investment property to compatibility with the desired real estate investment strategy. The real estate agent will perform real estate market analysis as well as investment property analysis calculations to find the best real estate investments for the client.
With a client selling investment property, a real estate agent will help set a price through real estate market analysis. Investment property analysis will allow the real estate agent to advise the seller on what repairs should be made either to raise the price of the investment property or keep up with the competition in the real estate market. The real estate professional will also work to market the investment property and advertise it through different mediums.
For both types of clients, real estate agents will aid in the negotiation of the sale of investment property.
The Advantages of Hiring a Real Estate Agent
Relying on the Expertise of Another and Learn from Them
Ideally, when you hire these professionals, you’re hiring someone with a vast knowledge and expertise in real estate investing. Not only does this mean you should be able to safely rely on them to find the best real estate investment for you or sell your investment property, but you may also be able to learn all about real estate investing. This is helpful whether you’re a beginner or even a seasoned real estate investor who wants to pick up a new trick or two.
Starting Passive Income Investing
Passive income investing starts with using a real estate agent. The real estate agent does all of the hard work for you while you sit back and simply put forth the commission fee. Following up with a professional property manager or even having the real estate agent flip the investment property can bring true passive income.
Building a Real Estate Investment Network
Real estate agents who have been in the business for some time have their own real estate investment network. Expand yours and meet other real estate agents and investors through a real estate agent.
Finding Off Market Investment Properties and Other Opportunities
Certain real estate investment opportunities are much more easily found with the help of real estate agents. Off market investment properties, for one, are much easier to find and buy with real estate agents. There are even investment opportunities that are only available to a real estate investor if an agent is involved. Investing in HUD homes is just one example.
Related: The Pros and Cons of an Off Market Investment Property
The Disadvantages of Hiring a Real Estate Agent
Paying the Commission Fee
The commission fee is ultimately what turns most real estate investors away from hiring real estate agents. Many see it as getting in the way of a good return on investment. Because real estate investors are becoming more independent, real estate agents are starting to charge less. Some companies have even started charging for actual services during the real estate transaction rather than a percentage of the investment property price.
Working with the Wrong Real Estate Agent
You always run the risk of working with the wrong real estate agent. This could mean someone who doesn’t have enough experience or even the right experience for what you wish to accomplish with real estate investing. It could also be someone who ignores what you want as a real estate investor or simply someone with poor real estate investing abilities.
If you do decide to let these disadvantages deter you from using a real estate agent, you still shouldn’t tackle real estate investing all alone. Instead, use Mashvisor to find and analyze the best real estate investments in the US housing market. To learn more about how we will help you make faster and smarter real estate investment decisions, click here.
Learn how to invest in real estate on your own: How Can I Find Real Estate Property for Sale Near Me?
How to Find a Real Estate Agent Near Me
The simplest way to approach the dilemma of “How to find a real estate agent near me?” is to simply google the exact phrase. This will lead you to different real estate agent websites. However, there are better ways:
- Know anyone who has sold or bought investment property recently? Try to get recommendations from them.
- Drive around a few neighborhoods you are interested in (if possible) and look for signs for real estate agents; usually, these can be found on benches, the sides of buses, bus stops, and even in the front yard of an investment property.
- Look for local open houses and attend a few. You can easily meet real estate agents or other real estate investors who can refer you to one.
- Take the time to look for and contact your local real estate brokerages.
- Use real estate websites such as Mashvisor.com, which allows you to connect with real estate agents from all over the US housing market, as well as Realtor.com.
How to Find a Real Estate Agent Near Me Using Mashvisor
One of the easiest ways to find a real estate agent is right in front of you! Mashvisor allows you to connect easily and quickly with a real estate agent in the market you are interested in. Simply visit Mashvisor today, choose the real estate market of your choice, and find real estate agents with years of experience to help you in your real estate investing journey.
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Questions to Ask a Real Estate Agent
Now that you know how to find a real estate agent, how can you find the best real estate agent? There are a few questions you should ask a real estate agent before hiring them.
- How many years of experience do you have in real estate investing?
- What kind of experience do you have in the real estate market I am interested in? What about your experience with the type of real estate investment I’m selling/buying?
- What makes for the best real estate investment in your opinion and how do you go about finding/marketing one?
- What is your commission fee/other fees?
- Can I have testimonials or contact information for previous clients?
- Are you comfortable with me learning what I can about real estate investing from you?
All the while, take note of the real estate agent’s communication skills. As much as their knowledge, abilities, and experience are important, clear communication will be key to them understanding and achieving your real estate investing goals.
Knowing how to find a real estate agent and what to ask one can help negate all of the disadvantages of hiring these professionals. A real estate agent can be a great resource for all of your real estate investing needs!
Want to get into real estate investing without the help of a real estate agent? It’s possible with the help of an investment property calculator. An investment property calculator will perform real estate market analysis for you, helping you determine the right price for selling or buying investment property. This tool can also help you choose the best real estate market out there by showing you the median cash on cash return, cap rate, potential rental income, and optimal rental strategy.
Want the best investment property calculator? Then consider using Mashvisor’s. To learn more about our product, click here.