ISO Realtor/Lender/Cleaners/Handymen Western NC for STR/2nd Home

[Katharine G.]

Hey BP team--

Looking at Western NC (NC/Georgia border + around Murphy, Southern Smokies Bryson City/Cherokee/Sylva/Franklin/Highlands--yes, keeping it broad for now) for a 2nd home/STR within the next 6-9 months or so. I'm in the very beginning stages of the process, so looking for recs for:

Realtors

Brokers

Cleaners

Handymen

In the area. Also, of course, would love to connect with other folks who are invested in the area and/or have tips/tricks to share. I know regulations vary a bit per town which I find a bit daunting as well. (I currently invest in the Catskills in NY and am not contending with regulations...yet!)

Hope to hear from some of you!

[Christian Ehlers]

I would try the agent finder tool on bigger pockets and interview agents first, as if they invest in STR's themselves in the market you want to be in then they should already have great recommendations for you to use for lenders, cleaners etc. I used this tool myself when buying an STR out of state and my agent connected me with everyone I needed, sent me off market deals and even offered to let me buy one of their flips if I wanted.

@John Underwood I'm an investor agent myself so I am definitely biased, but I would consider signing an exclusive agreement if the agent is a great fit and does a bit of work to show they are motivated to work for you upfront. My thought is that most of the busy investor agents, especially top producers, have other clients they can send their best deals to and so if they feel you won't be loyal to them in any way the best deals and service are going to go elsewhere. Curious about your thoughts on this? Simply trying to see things from other peoples perspectives :)

Not saying you should sign up with the first agent you find, and I do believe that unfortunately most agents are not even worth having on your side, but if they are doing all the right things and are top producers I wouldn't be so nervous to sign up.