Finding an agent for sub 30ks

[Frank Closer]

I'm in the Maryland area having trouble finding a buyer's agent. Everything goes smoothly right up until exactly the point when I inform them that I'm interested in under $30k properties, then I can't get a call or email answered or returned. I understand the commission numbers, but if I'm trying to develop a long term professional relationship, why is it challenge to find a good agent that I will possibly be doing 5 - 10 deals a year for me? 

[Angie D.]

Taking the RE licensing class is cheap (few hundred) however actually having an active license allowing you to do business in the MD/DC/VA area is NOT cheap. You have to be affiliated with at least 1 board of realtors $700/yr, have a sentricard and pay dues in order to access electronic lock-boxes $215/yr, MLS access $660/yr, if you go with a 100% commission brokerage expect to pay approx $3600/yr, continuing education courses/licensing and renewal fees approx $150/yr, showing service membership $1,000/yr, add in the cost of E & O insurance and a few more memberships, broker dues and other misc. things and you're well over $7,000 per year. These are just the realistic bare minimum annual expenses you can expect to incur. No website, advertising, etc. If you're more interested in being an investor and your own deals and not really interested in being an agent servicing clients in my opinion get with an experienced agent that understands what you want and can help you grow your business. Consider also that when you're a RE license holder it can sometimes work against you as an investor because you will have to disclose you are a license holder, or that you have an ownership interest in the LLC or entity involved in the transaction. Sometimes this can make people feel you have the upper hand and are somehow taking advantage of them, especially if you're negotiating directly with the buyer or seller.