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Updated over 14 years ago on . Most recent reply
![Rich Hupper's profile image](https://bpimg.biggerpockets.com/no_overlay/uploads/social_user/user_avatar/21180/1621361186-avatar-olowshinenine.jpg?twic=v1/output=image/cover=128x128&v=2)
Is there any REAL value in using an Agent?
Hey folks. I am a full time agent, I started out about 2 years ago. I am on a team so I can focus most of my time prospecting. I call FSBOs, Expireds, and Cancelleds all day. I manage to set up 2 appointments a week for my team.
I am however starting to doubt if there is any value in using an agent.
What are we actually doing for the home owner, or buyer that makes us worth the commission. What are we doing that they couldn't do themselves?
How can I turn one prospect into a referral client for life?
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![J Scott's profile image](https://bpimg.biggerpockets.com/no_overlay/uploads/social_user/user_avatar/3073/1674493964-avatar-jasonscott.jpg?twic=v1/output=image/crop=2882x2882@42x0/cover=128x128&v=2)
Originally posted by olowshinenine:
In my opinion, experience, well-rounded investors can do pretty much everything a great agent can do. But, that said, most investors aren't highly experienced and aren't well-rounded (they're good a few specific things).
That's where a great agent comes in. The value of a great agent is as follows:
- Ensuring a GREAT MLS listing. This means professional pictures, enticing copy, etc. A great listing will generate far more interest than a not-so-great listing, and first impressions tend to last;
- Networking. My wife is the agent for our houses (and only for our houses, no others). She has a reputation of putting out a great product (great rehab, well staged, attentive to detail, she turns all lights before every showing, etc), and has a list of about 3 dozen buyers agents who want to know the minute she puts a house on the market, because those agents know it will be a great value. A great agent will get you a dozen showings on the first day because s/he has a network of buyer's agents who know and trust the products they put on the market.
- Control of your deals. A great agent will know how to get things done -- from making sure the mortgage broker is on top of things to making sure the closing attorney is on top of things to make sure the inspectors and appraisers are well taken care of. This means a typical deal will go smoothly and will close on time. That's rare these days.
- Negotiation. A great agent will know how to help you negotiate the best price for your property and will help you continue to negotiate through the due diligence process and through the closing. Great agents know the values of the properties they're selling, and can use the data they have to ensure the investor gets every penny he deserves.
Again, I'm not saying a great investor can't do these things without an agent, but I'd venture to guess that most investors don't have all these skills and therefore a great agent is invaluable...
Just my $.02...