How to find a motivated realtor

[Account Closed]

I am currently looking for a home under $35K  to flip in the Montgomery, AL area (where I am working). I am finding that my current realtor is not really engaging with me. He is very responsive but he never contacts me first. I would like to have a realtor that can be more of my partner.  I'm the one finding the houses, checking them out, doing the research and pretty much just reaching out to the realtor to find out information that wasn't available online.

I am having a similar issue with finding a multifamily house under $150K in the Florida Panhandle. First, she told me that finding a house like that would be rare with my budget, even though I was able to find 8 online, of which 4 I was interested in. Then, after I told her I was happy with my lending option, she tried to push her personal lender on to me. I was able to politely decline but again, it seems like I'm the one doing the effort to find the houses. And then she waits to the last minute to set up a time for me to view them so, twice, I set aside time to see houses and they weren't available.

I'm new to this so I just wanted to know if this is common and how can I find a quality realtor? I've spoke to several and they all seem super motivated in the moment but the next day, it's like nothing. I think I will let both of them just peter off but I would like some advice on finding someone new.

[Erik W.]

Around my area, there are two kinds of "quality" Realtors: the first kind are big boys/gals who have been doing this for 10+ years and are selling houses to owner occupant, high-income buyers with a price tag north of $250,000, and the second kind are the ones you want: the highly moviated, savvy newbie agent out to make a name for himself/herself and will work themselves to the bone to get some deals flowing.

You don't want the first kind and they don't want you. Why should they scramble combing thru the MLS for you to earn a 3% commission on a $35K house that you'll try to negotiate down to $20K (or you will try that if you are me!). It's not worth their time showing you 20-30 houses for a $600 paycheck that their broker takes 25% of and then the tax man takes another 15%. Most real estate agents get into the game so they can start listing top dollar homes and hire a "team".

So you need the ones who haven't earned the credibility yet to where people are flocking to their door to list stuff.  For every 10 agents, all but 1 will be out of the game in 2 years.  You need to the find that one who has the motivation and the street smarts to make their name.  It's trial and error, for sure, and unfortunately once they hit it big time you may drop off their list because they'll only be interested in the high dollar homes/commissions.  That said, there are 2-3 agents in my town that seem to specialize in cheap houses or foreclosures.  Problem is most folks already know who they are so you are competing with 20 or so other investors.  You need to find the next newbie agent who will join the ranks of the "investor" Realtors and be the 1st or 2nd person to get on their buyers list, then when they send you a deal you write an offer the same day.  Get them paid 4-5 times in a few months and they'll attach to you.  Starving, motivated agents will work for you!