Real estate agent only sends me a limited selection of houses

Member since 2022 · 35 posts · 9 votes

Hey everyone,

I'm working with a real estate agent and he sent me a list of houses to select from but it was very limited. I went on the MLS and I saw a lot more houses than what he placed in his list. I asked him why houses on the MLS was not included in his database, he didn't give me a clear answer.

Why would he only send me houses from a limited database? Does he have an extra incentive? Is this a red flag?

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Bruce Lynn

Real Estate Broker · Coppell, TX · Member since 2011 · 5k+ posts · 4k+ votes

I try not to spam my clients. I feel like that doesn't help. If you want broad lists unfiltered, just tell him. Maybe he has too many delimiters on your search?

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Kristine Ann
Investor · WNY/CNY/Adirondacks, New York State · Member since 2024 · 151 posts · 133 votes
2y
Most of the houses on realtor and zillow are not available anymore. Most of them have offers and are under contract.
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Bruce Lynn
Real Estate Broker · Coppell, TX · Member since 2011 · 5k+ posts · 4k+ votes
2y
I try not to spam my clients. I feel like that doesn't help. If you want broad lists unfiltered, just tell him. Maybe he has too many delimiters on your search?
5 Reply
Bradley BuxtonBusiness Member
Real Estate Agent · NV · Member since 2023 · 1k+ posts · 717 votes
2y
@M Edouard
It's a bit of a red flag that he would not give you a clear answer. It's not that complicated why a list would exclude properties. Have you communicated your buy box clearly and the areas you would like to invest? It's okay to look for a new agent if that agent is not giving you the value you need.
2 Reply
Daniel McDonald
Real Estate Agent · Beverly, MA · Member since 2019 · 358 posts · 308 votes
2y
Not a red flag unless there's a weird pattern like he only sends the most expensive ones. You should have had a pretty clear convo with him upfront about your parameters so make sure those are in there.
3 Reply
Russell BrazilBusiness Member
Moderator
Real Estate Agent · Washington, D.C. · Member since 2012 · 17k+ posts · 30k+ votes
2y
Tell them your criteria. Or ask them to send you all properties if you don't have a criteria.
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Joe FunariBusiness Member
Real Estate Agent · Keller, TX · Member since 2017 · 850 posts · 825 votes
2y
@M Edouard I agree with other comments. I don't like to send "MLS Drip" messages to clients if there isn't specific criteria for the search. I The specific data is dependent on their exit strategy and their max spend. Changes to the custom search are easy to make. That is why they are called custom searches. So don't understand why your agent is willing to make changes. But agree third party real estate web sites don't update status changes of a property based on my experience.

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Mohammed Rahman
Real Estate Broker · New York, NY · Member since 2020 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
2y
@M Edouard - which areas are you looking at? There are a few things to consider:
- likely the criteria he has sent you matches your search needs that the MLS is missing (MLS relies on manually inputted data. For example, if you're looking for homes with basements... the MLS options you're considering may not have any inputted data for the "basement" section because there are no basements in those listings)
- could be a convo to have with the agent's broker about how they're approaching the search strategy and that you're not happy with it
- How did you "go on the MLS"? Do you mean you went online to look up options on consumer facing sites like Zillow etc? They're not always having the most updated info (e.g. properties under contract, withdrawn, etc.)
- Many more things I could think of but if you need a 2nd opinion feel free to give me a shout. My contact info is in the signature of this post - you can also message me directly via BP.

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Theresa HarrisPro Member
Member since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
2y
He's not going to give you a list of everything as that would be overwhelming. Some will have offers on them, others may not fit the criteria you gave him (location, price, size, type of house, etc). You also need to be involved and if you see something online that you want to look at, then ask him to set up a showing.
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Victor PatelBusiness Member
Real Estate Broker · Cincinnati, OH · Member since 2022 · 133 posts · 89 votes
2y
It sounds like a communication issue. Perhaps talk to him and go over your requirements in more detail. Let him/her know specifics such as area, size, price range, value add, turnkey, any deferred maintenance issues, cosmetics or full rehab, etc.
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James Wise
Real Estate Broker · Cleveland Dayton Cincinnati Toledo Columbus & Akron, OH · Member since 2013 · 31k+ posts · 20k+ votes
2y
Quote from @M Edouard:

Hey everyone,
I'm working with a real estate agent and he sent me a list of houses to select from but it was very limited. I went on the MLS and I saw a lot more houses than what he placed in his list. I asked him why houses on the MLS was not included in his database, he didn't give me a clear answer.
Why would he only send me houses from a limited database? Does he have an extra incentive? Is this a red flag?

What answer did he provide? Could be a million answers here.
2 Reply
Ahmad Aram
Real Estate Agent · Northern Virginia(VA) · Member since 2024 · 16 posts · 10 votes
2y
Pretty much what everyone has said. There could be a motive. But if you have had a conversation and set your expectation on the kind of houses it could just be he's sending those?
He is your agent so give him a call or ask for an explanation. He is obligated to be "obedient" to you within reason.
2 Reply
Patrice Hardy
Real Estate Broker · Greenville NC · Member since 2015 · 10 posts · 5 votes
2y
It could be a red flag if the agent is intentionally withholding information about other available properties in order to steer you towards certain listings for their own benefit. It's important to communicate your concerns with the agent and if you feel uncomfortable or suspect any unethical behavior, it may be best to consider finding a different real estate agent to work with.
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