Buyer's Agent??!!!

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I asked for a referral for a buyers agent in the Cleveland area from the NAEBA. They gave me a name and we exchanged emails.....

....the wanted to know if I have been preapproved or not. I responded saying I would prefer to avoid lenders, especially in their current schizoid state. That I am looking for seller financing, or at least, a motivated seller flexible on terms, OR to pay all cash for a good deal.

....they replied that there just were no deals like that out there and that the "lenders are becoming really strict...yada yada yada". Hello? I asked about seller financing, or good "cash deals". They again suggested I talk to some local lenders.

So I went to craigs list and found 2 seller financing FSBO deals. 2k down, and monthly payments. Took me 10 mins. So I emailed them back and included the links. Also, to introduce me to areas, and neighborhoods within those areas that would suit my investment needs.

I always thought that sellers got more flexible about "creative" financing the worse the market got? And the more anal retentive the lenders are.

So what is the deal with buyer's agents. Anyone know a good one who can find me the deals I am lookking for in metro cleveland? Somebody who thinks outside the box?

I am buying out of state and need somebody to negotiate for me and help me submit smart offers, as well as to introduce me to areas that fit my goals.

Thanks, TC

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Tom, I think you have a bit if confusion. You want an agent, but you are mad that he didn't offer you FSBO deals.

Agents don't sell FSBO property. There was absolutely no reason for that agent to know that there were a couple of owner financed FSBOs on craigslist.

You also seem to think that a buyer's agent will negotiate for you. They won't. That's not their job. You have to do the negotiating and you decide what price you will accept. You tell the agent your offer and the agent submits it.

Your buyer's agent makes sure your paperwork is all in order, and maybe does some research for you to make sure the property is properly permitted.

Most buyer's agents don't even do due diligence for you. It's up to you to check about future roads, crime in the area, etc.

Your buyer's agent won't pick properties for you. They will give you a list of properties on the MLS that meet your perameters. Then you choose.

You want someone to find you good deals and negotiate the price and terms for you. A real estate agent is not what you want. I don't know who you get to do that for you, but you are expecting too much of an agent.