Pro's and Con's on submiting your own offer vs. using an agent

[Henry Salinas]

I've been looking and studying deals so the next step is to actually make the offer. Should I submit my offers as the investor or should I always use an agent to submit the offers for me?

How tolerable are agents on submitting multiple offers that may not get accepted?

[Douglas Larson]

Sometimes I use an agent and sometimes I go directly to the listing agent. I have had good success in creating a "conflict of interest" in my favor when I offer to some selling agents. They make more in commissions by talking the seller into my offer. Sometimes I can also get information about other offers and the seller's needs and mindset that really could be a breach of fiduciary duty by the agent but it sure helps as I make offers. I never ask a listing agent to cut their commission if there is dual agency but sometimes they will offer to do this to help a seller accept my offer.

On the other hand, when dealing with most REOs I use a buyer's agent. Often REO listing agents are simply too busy to answer their phone or respond to email and if they do they may simply refer you to another agent to make the offer.

Once you have some experience under your belt you may be able to get on an REO Broker's call list and you can hear about and be ready to make offers before some listings even hit the market.

I hope that helps.