First meeting with my realtor, any advice?

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@Joshua BiondiIt's all about setting up expectations -- for what you need and what you are hoping to get from an agent. Be clear about what you want: your budget, your criteria, your timelines and what kind of information you need to get going. And also communication expectations (text, phone, email, Snapchat...).Some investors call up and say "just show me "XX" property" and then go away. Some investors are looking for leads, other investors will come back with specific properties they want to see. Others need help gathering as much data as possible and visits to the buildings department.Some agents are just happy to show you properties. Others will actually run analysis for you and send it your way. An agent won't steer you wrong on purpose, but they won't necessarily keep you out of trouble. Reason why I mention that last piece, if you are only looking for the agent to show you the properties and then you run the numbers own your own and don't have a conversation about them, the agent won't be in a position to say if they numbers work for you or not.Not all agents will have a conversation about the numbers. Most aren't "numbers" people. So, you have to understand what exactly you need at this stage and what that individual agent can help with.

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Andrew Johnson that's great advice, and exactly what I did. I was upfront about what I didn't know and what I wasn't sure about. I explained some of the information I had learned prior to meeting and was able to run it by her to make sure it was correct. I explained my goals, both short term and long term, and asked exactly what areas she was able to provide assistance in. I think it was a successful first meeting. Thank you for your help and advice!

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Arpan Patel yeah, I have to admit I was a little intimidated (for lack of a better word) going into the meeting. It went really well though! She answered all of my questions and it was clear that she has my best interest at heart. She has actually known me since I was four years old and I didn't even realize it. My uncle and her do a great deal of business and he actually introduced her to the man who is now her husband. She has investing experience, as well properties of her own, and some helpful connections. I think she'll be a good fit for the type of realtor I need just starting out. Thanks again for your help and advice!

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Christopher Phillips thank you!! That was extremely helpful and informative!!

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Why not ask your uncle to come with as well? As for what questions to ask, first I'd do as much research on the area as possible to try and not rely on the realtor. It will help you with credibility with the realtor and at the end of the day, you are pulling the trigger and not them. If there is a loss, it is your loss so I always say try to be as knowledgeable as possible before you first meet that person. Then you can ask more granular questions versus questions you could've answered on your own. I hope that helps and Happy Hunting!!

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Hi @Joshua Biondi,Welcome!Try and be as specific on your goals and what you want as you can. Other than that it is a matter of getting to know each other and making sure your personalities work well. Your relationship with each other is going to let you know if this is the person you want to trust going forward in business or not. Consider it a first date.Good Luck!

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@Joshua Biondi I think my advice will be a little counter-intuitive but lay out for the realtor if there's anything that you don't know about navigating a real estate purchase. Since the realtor has worked with your uncle she may assume that he's been tutoring or mentoring you for years. Or she might assume your goals are similar to your uncles. Even if you trust her to steer you a certain way, if you don't know why she's steering you in that direction, ask. When you're dealing (I'm assuming) with your first real estate purchase there's no shame in asking for details, explanations, etc.

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yea!! We've all been there before; talking to people who may or probably (in our minds) know more than us. Especially under conditions where you're stepping into a new opportunity. Good luck and post how how it went!!

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Arpan Patel unfortunately my uncle is in Florida and won't be back in Ohio for a considerable amount of time. I have an idea of the investment strategy I want to use, and the areas I'm looking in. I think I may just be a bit nervous since this is our first meeting.

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Mike Cumbie thank you! I really appreciate the advice!!