Investor / Agents - are you buying off-market deals as agent?

[Michelle Etherton]

I am a licensed real estate agent in MO and KS as well as co-owner of an investment LLC with my husband. So far, we have only purchased properties on market and through a wholesaler, but have not done a direct deal yet. This year I want to up our marketing game to do more direct deals, but curious how other agent investors are doing it.

I confirmed with my broker the easiest way would be to use my local association forms and do the transaction as an agent with 0% commission, disclosing to the buyer I am a licensed agent and they are unrepresented in the transaction. I only have to pay the brokerage a small admin and E&O fee. This is versus doing the deal through our company as individuals with our own private sales contract forms. I feel either way I would still ethically need to disclose I am a licensed agent.

Any pros or cons to either way? I'm not sure if home owners are more receptive and comfortable working with an agent and professional association contracts or if this is a deterrent in any way? 

How are you doing your deals and what have your experiences been either way?

Thanks all!

[David Ounanian]

@Michelle Etherton if you are the buyer negotiate your commission to be reduced from the sale price, that way you don't pay any brokerage fees or income taxes on commissions

@Matt Mitchell use the SLAR Special Sales Contract and check box to disclosure buyer has license