How to find great real estate agent & lender in orange county?

Question

Hi, we're looking to buy a home for ourselves and maybe a duplex so we can house hack. Is there a methodology we can use to find great agents? I'd think the best way is find agents who are really really busy, how can we find that currently in OC? Thank you!

Cody Barna · Answer

@Khoa Nguyen just because an agent is extremely busy doesn't make them the best option for you, most agents know very little about investing and how to actually determine what's a good deal. Not to mention high volume agents often have a designated buyers agent that works with all potential buyers. You're TYPICALLY just another number for the top agents and you won't receive the one on one service that you might except. Reach out to local agent through Biggerpockets, attend meet ups and talk to other investors to get referrals. These are all good ways to get in touch with investor "friendly" agents. I know Graham Stephan is an agent in LA, he's been a guest on the BP podcast and owns a handful of rentals himself, if you can get in touch with him that may be beneficial. (He's a well known Youtuber now so it may be tough to reach him.)

Joseph Parker · Answer

@Khoa Nguyen I spoke to one of the top-producing Realtors in Orange County yesterday evening, specifically asking if she helps clients find potential investment properties (including those looking to house-hack), and she does help investors relatively often. She and her partner closed 95 transactions last year, and I'd be glad to message you her information or provide her with your contact info so you can connect and talk about the current market! Let me know. Happy to help however I can!

Nadia O. · Answer

@Khoa Nguyen we've bought several properties in the past. so it is all depends on the area. For example, i know in certain zip codes in huntington Beach, only a few realtors are best to reach out. They seem to know how to sell/buy the market very well. And it is to your advantage to contact that specific one if you're going to buy within their zip codes. Plus if it's one of their listings, they will more likely to push your deal forward. Also you will get some off-market listings in it works in your favors.

My suggestions are to shop on your own using redfin or zillow first. Pick out target area that you think you will purchase. Then once you pick your target location, you can figure out who's the best realtor within the zipcode. I'm glad you're investing in RE :)

Khoa Nguyen · Answer

@Nadia O.! Good to see you here :). Okay will contact your friend to shop for rates, looking to get pre-approved so we can have quick-turnaround when there's a deal. I read David Greene's book, it said (forgot I read this a while back haha!): While number of sales is definitely not the most important factor to consider when looking for an agent, it is usually a great indicator that the agent works well with others.

When searching for top-producing agents, consider narrowing your search even further to those who run a team, like the “David Greene Team.”

• When you find an agent who      runs a team, put that name on the list you are compiling of agents you      want to interview.
• You’ll want to keep this list      of names, phone numbers, and e-mails handy for later.

When you contact the agents via e-mail or phone, they are going to get an idea of what you are looking for and quickly determine whether it’s something they can help you with. If it is, they will refer you to their “buyer’s agent,” who will most likely be your point of contact from that point forward.

@Cody Barna Ah yes I've seen Graham's videos, they're very well done!

Thanks @Joseph Parker!

Joseph Parker · Answer

@Khoa Nguyen I'm a real estate agent with RE/MAX (licensed in Indiana), and we have a large network of agents around the country, especially in the Orange County, CA area that are "investor friendly". I'd be more than happy to connect you with a realtor, or a few for more options, in that area. Just let me know!!

Nadia O. · Answer

@Khoa Nguyen Hey my friend, Tuan Tu, is a licensed broker in fountain valley if you need loan approval. We recently refinanced our primary home & he closed it less than 3 weeks. He also gave us the best mortgage rate...beats chase by far. Here is his direct linkhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/realtortuTuan also has great reviews so go check him out. As for real estate agents, i'm not sure if you want someone really super busy. There are so many great realtors out there, but i hate to hire a realtor that's too busy for my time. Because chances are, you will miss lots of great deals due to their schedules. I will advice to hire a realtor that has lots experiences and can connect with what youre looking for. I reached out to one of the youtuber realtor.s He didn't even return my phone calls until a week later. And conversations have been pretty minimal ever since. i'm pretty sure he only gives attention if i'm looking to spend on million dollar listings. So don't let that stop you from reaching out to several brokers.

How to find great real estate agent & lender in orange county?

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