Remain loyal to a realtor or do what's best for your business?

[Darci Minshall]

My conscience and pocket are not agreeing right now. I'd like to get some input from the BP community. I am going to be wrapping up a flip in a few weeks. The Realtor who worked with me to buy it was amazing in every aspect. He helped me place offers on 2 other properties that didnt pan out before this one. I bought it for $62k so his commission was not impressive. Now that it's fixed up and worth around $150k, I'm struggling with the decision to use him to sell it. My hang up is that he's not local. He works all over but is based out of a town 45 minutes away. I think I would be better served by a local agent to sell it who has local buyers. Especially given the time of year and cool down of the market going into the holidays. I feel guilty though being as he worked so hard and was always a pleasure to work with and for such a small commission. SO... I DO plan to buy my next property with him. Do I explain my reason to him for going with a local agent to sell? Do I just list it with him to avoid possibly ruining the working relationship? I'd like to hear from some agents if possible- would you be offended in this situation? thanks in advance!

[Natalie Schanne]

Darci Minshall - The LOCAL agent thing is a MYTH. We ALL get our buyers from MLS / other websites and the LOCAL buyer agents. You should list with your agent just make him or her promise you that they’ll host at least two open houses a month and do professional photos you like. That’ll sell the house. I worked with some flippers who hired a “more experienced, local agent” who had a terrible description, terrible blurry photos, no open houses, and it took 4+ months to get under contract.