Cousin Agent Doesn’t Share Urgency

[Kyle Bruce]

I built up my runway and have the skills to buy and rehab in a desirable area near where I live and work and then hopefully rent two rooms out to roommates while saving for my next house.

I’ve been watching the market for two years now and know which houses are good, what they will go for, and how quickly. My LCOL city is one frequently targeted by out of state investors and the good finds are snatched up within 24 hours of listing.

My cousin is a part time real estate agent. He doesn’t share my urgency. I can’t get showings or offers in on time to compete with seasoned investors.

I didn’t realize it would be this difficult. I want to be able to say “I want this house, this is my offer, here are my negotiables/leverage” and have it happen immediately.

Do I need to get my own license to accomplish what I’m trying to do? If not, how do I get my cousin to do what I need him to do? Or, how do I break up with him, and what am I looking for in a new agent?

Appreciate your advice.

[Jonathan Greene]

The "part-time real estate agent" tells you all you need to know. Almost all full-time real estate agents know nothing about investing and urgency, so a part-timer who feels like they are doing you a favor will certainly not.

A couple of notes, though. You sound overconfident for someone who has only been watching the market. How many houses have you seen in person? How many basements have you looked at? You may think you know a lot about the data, but evaluating the actual house isn't the same. 

I would not try to make it work with your cousin because it won't. You don't need a part-time agent. You probably know way more about the market than they do. Do you go to meetups? Go to meetups, find other investors, see who they use.