Making offers as an agent.

[Brandon Brooks]

Ok.. so I am a real estate agent in Oklahoma. I recently ran across a for sale by owner. I called on it initially to see if they would be interested in working with a Realtor®. The owner gave me stern "NO". Sooo.. I kept digging and gathered all the information on the property and quickly realized they have undervalued this property by a large margin. Now my brain is cranking to quickly snatch this deal up. Once again the same thing happens that has happened anytime I buy for "myself". Perhaps I have misinterpreted our rules and regs regarding transparency of being a Realtor®; if so please advise. 

Every time I express interest in a property and disclose with complete honesty I am a realtor® the sellers get uneasy. As if I am automatically taking advantage of them.

What is your dialogue and techniques to avoid this?

[Mindy Jensen]

Originally posted by @Brandon Brooks:

Why would I need my brokers opinion. I understand the legality of disclosing I am licensed. I just feel it puts me at an unfair advantage. Why should it matter who I am if 1. They chose not to work with a realtor. And 2. I'm not providing realtor services. 

thank you for all of your responses.

I suggested speaking to your broker because I am NOT your broker, don't know what state you're licensed in, and only know the laws of my state of CO. 

I love having a broker to run things by, because my license is very important to me, and I want to make sure I'm doing everything by the book. Running this by your broker could reveal tips for having your offer accepted, or even items that you are legally required to do that I didn't suggest. 

I get that you feel it puts you at a disadvantage, but I think it can help get the seller past the fact that you're an agent if you put into the contract that you aren't taking any commission for the property. I've known a lot of FSBO sellers and they were ALL FSBO to avoid commission. I'd bet money that this seller just wants to avoid the commission. Get that out of the way and he may be more receptive to your offer.