Should I buy a property when Realtor/Agenty is the owner?

Question

Hi, I found a duplex on MLS that seems promising. Digging into the tax assessor records, I notice that the real estate agent on the duplex is also the property owner. Is this a red flag? Anything else I should look out for? Seems a conflict of interest but maybe this is normal??? Thanks

Russell Brazil · Answer

Property disclosures will likely be more accurate and honest coming from an agent.

Guy Gimenez · Answer

@Andrew R.

Nothing to worry about at all.

Josiah Pisel · Answer

as @Paul Ewing said some agents/investors are just trying to save a little bit of commission and maybe they are in a hard spot a need to sell. Agents are held to a higher standard, but I would rely on the numbers.

John Thedford · Answer

No conflict of interest. Interestingly, a survey recently released stated roughly 30% of agents are also investors. I would have guess higher, but many agents are out of the business within five years. It is a tough living starting out.

Paul Ewing · Answer

Many investors are agents because they can save on commissions, get better access to properties, etc. If the price is right I wouldn't worry.

Should I buy a property when Realtor/Agenty is the owner?

5 Replies