What do you look for in a Realtor?

[Logan McKay Zylstra]

Hello, I’m looking for feedback as I am continually trying to best serve my clients. I am familiar with the things that all the podcasts say to look for in a realtor, but I want to hear it from the investors themselves. I feel that my team and I provide an exceptional experience, but we are always trying to get better. Any feedback is greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!

1. What questions you would want your realtor to answer in the first meeting?
2. What do you expect from your realtor in the buying process?
3. What are non-negotiables when selecting a realtor?
4. What things can your realtor take to let you know that you are working diligently for them?

[Leo R.]

The top qualities that my realtor brings to the table that many realtors don't are as follows:

1. In-depth understanding of home rehab/repair, with extensive experience doing carpentry, plumbing and electrical work first-hand, and extensive experience hiring contractors to do the work as well. My realtor has rehabbed numerous properties and has a wealth of knowledge and experience as a result--and a willingness to commit serious time to educating me on those topics. Connections with competent contractors and tradespeople is also highly valued.

2. In-depth understanding of property management and experience as a landlord, with detailed understanding of the regional rental market, tenant relations, and all the ins-and-outs of renting a property.

3. Understanding of, and experience with the various financial maneuvers and strategies that real estate investors use (such as HELOCs, forced appreciation, BRRRR, cash-out refis, hard money, etc.).

4. The ability to see potential in a property that most other people wouldn't notice. For instance, seeing opportunities for forced appreciation via floorplan reconfigurations/rehab. Also, the ability to see past cosmetics (either good cosmetics or bad cosmetics) to see the true potential value and best use of a property.

In addition to these items, I expect the more typical competencies that most realtors should have (such as familiarity with neighborhood dynamics and values, an understanding of how to make a competitive offer and close a deal, etc.).

In my experience, it's also important to have a mortgage broker with a lot of these same skills, who understands the techniques investors use (techniques that might not be used by a typical homebuyer).

Good help is hard to find, as they say  :)