Questions to ask real estate agents

[Account Closed]

Hi everyone, 

I am planning to visit some local real estate agents later this week to ask about the (rental) market and start networking. I wonder if anyone has any tips about what to discuss. I plan to invest in either family rentals or maybe student housing in the Netherlands.

I was thinking of asking a few general questions like the ones below and hope they are willing to share some info:

• Have you dealt with real estate investors before and are you willing to do so in the future? Are there any meetups?
• How is the housing market in our area? What are you expecting in the future? (house pricing, rental pricing, occupancy rating)
• General information about loan possibilities for RE investors in the area.
• What area's would you recommend for buying rentals?
• Are you open to alert me on potential opportunities if I give you my criteria?
• Any recommendations of other people to have a chat with?

Does anyone have any tips on what to discuss or what not to discuss, what are some definite red flags I should look for, etc. Any input is appreciated!

If I learn anything interesting from the agents I will summarize it in an update or maybe a blogpost.

Hessel Vermeulen

[Joel Owens]

Ask about their experience level and references from clients you can follow up on. Be ready to show financials so if they spend time educating you on the market they know you have the capability to buy.

On the commercial real estate side I have buyers submit a PFS statement and sign an exclusive agreement. If they do not do that then they do not get my time answering a bunch of learning questions. The learning questions are reserved for my clients. General curiosities without purpose and direction are a time waste for a broker/agent.