Should I call listing agent or get my own?

[Mike B.]

Ok I know this has been discussed a lot but my search didn't really answer my question.

My financing is lined up and I am ready to to start more serious shopping for my first sfr rehab flip. I have a short list of homes that are currently listed obtained from bank reo lists and mls based websites.

Should I look for an agent to line up viewings at this point (and potentially give me more property options) or just start calling the listing agents for each property?

Say I want to look at a property today or asap, before I decide on my own agent, anything wrong with calling the listing agent to view the place with the knowledge taht later I will have my own agent repping me?

[Bill Gulley]

Kevin, that's really bad advice. You can talk to a listing agent even if you have your own agent, no law against that, but getting "insider information" obviously you're new expecting an agent to breach thier fudiciary responsibilities, especially in REO deals where that listing agent is representing a bank! Consider that no bank lists thier properties with some newbie agent, they list with agents and brokers who have a track record and experience. What may sound like some tid bit of info will most likely be a little marketing ploy to set a hook in some newbie investor, they certainly won't give any secret info as they don't have any in most cases and they certainly don't look out for you as a buyer.

Chances are you don't know the right questions to ask either, don't assume that a Realtor hired by a bank is stupid.

Look up "Transactional Broker" or "Transactional Agent" ! :)