Please help define "investor-friendly" agent. Here's my take.

[Brandon Vukelich]

I see so many posts on BP and Facebook about people looking for "investor-friendly" agents.  I also see many agents raising their hand to help and I question whether they have much experience or knowledge outside of traditional residential transactions.  I'm curious what an investor has in mind when making that request.  I believe I'm investor-friendly but there may be other agents out there that feel the same way but won't meet the expectations of the investor.  If you're looking for an I-F agent, here are some characteristics I consider to be important:

• 1. The agent owns or has owned investment properties.
• 2. They are active in the investment property space; helping clients buy AND SELL investment properties.
• 3. Their firm should be focused on investment properties or have a group/team that the agent works with that's involved in that capacity.
• 4. They should have tools and knowledge on how to analyze the performance and potential of a property.
• 5. The agent should understand what it takes to manage an investment property.
• 6. They should have a good pulse on the market you're looking to invest. (i.e. prices, rents, employment)
• 7. The agent should be well versed in investment terminology.
• 8. A solid agent should be proficient with their real estate contracts and know how to craft strong offers.
• 9. They should have excellent negotiation skills, know how to solve problems and get through transaction challenges like a jedi master.  
• 10. Finally...your investor-friendly agent should be honest, trustworthy and operate on the highest level of ethics.

Note: Please notice that I'm not referencing the word "Realtor" here. Many, many, many times people ask for investor-friendly Realtors. A Realtor is just a designation you get for joining NAR and paying their dues. All Realtors are licensed agents but not all agents (like me anymore) are Realtors. Most Realtors are focused on buying/selling homes, IMO.