What is to stop an investor/agent from scooping my find?

[Scott Hansen]

This may be an ignorant question, but if I approach a real estate agent to help me make a purchase that is also a real estate investor, what is to stop them from jumping on any deals that I come up with?

[Bruce Lynn]

Quote from @Scott Hansen:

This may be an ignorant question, but if I approach a real estate agent to help me make a purchase that is also a real estate investor, what is to stop them from jumping on any deals that I come up with?

 1.  Sign a buyer representation agreement with them and include this in the special provisions field.

2.  Use an agent you trust.

3.  I really doubt you need to do this, but maybe have them sign NDA.  That's really overkill.

4.  Realize that we can't buy every deal we see.  Most people can't buy every deal they see.  Everyone has different criteria of what they like, where they want to buy, price range, # of deals they can handle at the same time, and so many other issues.  Chances that they are going to snag all your deals is really really small.

5.  I'm sure not every agent does it, but occasionally I'll walk into a house I like with a customer or I think is perfect fit for another customer.  I tell them straight up...I always give you first shot, but this house will sell.  If you don't want it, I want it, or I think it would be great for X customer.  If you want it, let me know by 6pm or 9am tomorrow.  If you know you don't want it, let me know that too, because I want to make an offer ASAP.   I personally would never try to jump in front of a customer.  That's the perfect way to ensure you never do business with them again.

6.  Some agents and many business people are 1x transaction oriented.   I'd say find an agent that has been in the business 20+ years.  Likely they didn't last by snaking deals.   Tougher to know if people have been in the business 1-2-3 years, how they think long term, or even if they will be in business next year.  Something like 90% of new agents don't last a year, and 90% of that 10% don't last thru year 2.

7. Have so many deal it doesn't matter.