How Much To Pay Out of State Realtor - BRRRR?

How Much To Pay Out of State Realtor - BRRRR?

Seth WilcockPro Member
Lender · Nashville, IN · Member since 2016 · 139 posts · 84 votes

Hi BP Fam,

Context: I'm working on my out of state portfolio and am primarily focused on BRRRR. Since I'm out of state, I'm working with a Realtor as my boots on the ground to help me physically look at properties and analyze deals. The Realtor I'm working with is great, and on our most recent BRRRR, I feel like I underpaid him for the amount of work he did (particularly for the extra effort and work he did after the acquisition - communication with the contractor, photos, status/progress updates, market analysis). My Realtor connected me with the contractor as well, who has been great so far.

I'm looking at doing another BRRRR soon, but we're looking at $7,500 - $10,000 properties to allow for room with a larger rehab budget ($50K - $60K). The realtor knows I'm good for repeat business, and I pull the trigger when a deal makes sense.

That being said, the Realtor doesn't make much money if he's paid 2.8% on a $10,000 property.  I really like the Realtor, and I don't want him to fire me as a client for not making money on transactions.  I have 3 kids under 5 and a very demanding job.  I'm not interested in becoming a licensed Realtor in another state, mainly because I don't have the time.  I also don't have much time to travel to another state to physically look at a property before making a decision on whether or not to buy it.  I'm currently doing 2 deals/year, with goals of doing more in the future.

Here's My Question: What would be a fair price to pay my Realtor on homes in lower price points?  Should I go to a flat fee?

0Reply
32 views

4 Replies

Jump to latestLatest
  • Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
    6y

    Talk to you REALTOR and explain your concern. Recommend a couple options:

    1. Offer to pay a flat fee of $500 on top of the commission, or whatever you both feel is fair;

    2. Pay him an hourly rate. This requires him to keep track of hours and expenses but would ensure he's paid more for properties that take more work and paid less for properties that are easy.

    The first option is my preference because it requires less effort on everyone's part. Sometimes the amount paid doesn't match the amount of effort involved but that's part of real estate. I've worked my tail off for a $2,000 commission and I've had walks in the park that paid $15,000. 

    If he's a good agent, he'll be happy to talk with you about this and find a solution together.

    The DIY Landlord Book4.7247 Reviews
  • Real Estate Professional · West Palm Beach, FL · Member since 2012 · 23k+ posts · 13k+ votes
    6y

    Most knowledgeable agents have a minimum commission fee they are willing to work for if about $2500-$5000.  Any “project management” type services would be on top of that. 

  • Real Estate Agent · Chicago, IL · Member since 2017 · 53 posts · 48 votes
    6y

    If you want to pay him an hourly rate I would suggest $125/ hour and see how he reacts.

  • San Francisco, CA · Member since 2018 · 46 posts · 14 votes
    6y

    Everyone's advice is great! but I would try the flat rate!

Join the conversationCreate a free account to reply, vote on answers and follow this thread.