Can't Get A House

[Thomas Sherman]

PLEASE HELP! My brother and I are fortunate enough to be able to start a Rehab business. He went out and got his Real Estate License with the hope to get better access to deals WRONG! I have spent the last 15 years in Architecture and Construction thinking this should be a slam dunk WRONG! We are all cash buyers but always seem to be a minute too late to the dance. Can someone please let us know who,what,where,when, how to get a house. - Middlesex NJ

[Amit Patel]

Thomas - Here are a few ideas that have worked for me. Note the market is hot because everyone has money to invest so it is REALLY tough to get good deals. Few notes

1. if you are looking yourself and not using an agent, this will help. Go RIGHT to the selling agent. Don't call the brokerage and work with anyone else as the selling agent if he doesn't have anyone else involved gets FULL commission and this, my friend, is a huge driver when offers are similar. All the agents on here may complain, but trust me, you will get really good treatment and your chances will double/triple.

2. Build a network of wholesaler contacts. They can find you deals that are not "retail"

3. Be the first to see a house and put an offer for asking only if they are not going to view other offers. This may or may not work but doesn't hurt. You can always do your due diligence and back out if the property is bad. I don't suggest you do this and waste the listing agent's time if you are not sure.

4. Cragslist. Yes, Craigslist. Often owners list on Craigslist and you may find vacant/rehab properties. I found 2 gems off Craigslist.

5. Talk to the super and smaller management companies. They will know when people want to sell and you may be able to do a deal as a lot of landlords hate paying the 5 percent or whatever commissions to sell.