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Updated about 9 years ago, 12/09/2015

User Stats

150
Posts
36
Votes
John Ma
  • Investor
  • Arlington, VA
36
Votes |
150
Posts

relationship with realtors for MLS access?

John Ma
  • Investor
  • Arlington, VA
Posted

Hey guys,  I find myself pestering many agents to run some comps for my leads. I realized i have only connected with top agents and noticed many of the top performing agents simply are too busy many times to do things like that even though they said they would do it the day before.  I'll get a delayed response or sometimes no response at to my email.  

Some of the more avg run of the mill agents tend to be more responsive i have noticed.

I know some of you guys who have skin in the game have worked out systems where you have access as an assistant to an agent or the agent just simply gave your their access information, but I wanted to see what reocmmendations some others have for the ones who do not have MLS access?

I currently try to find as much comp data usign zillow, redfin, and findcompsnow. I feel like its about 80-90% there, but that 10-20% missing data can be all of the difference.

User Stats

1,782
Posts
1,019
Votes
Michael Seeker
  • Investor
  • Louisville and Memphis, TN
1,019
Votes |
1,782
Posts
Michael Seeker
  • Investor
  • Louisville and Memphis, TN
Replied

@John Ma - what are you giving these agents in return for running comps?  Are you buying or listing property with them?  Are you taking them out to lunch?  From what you've shared, it sounds like you want them to do something for you with nothing in return.

User Stats

110
Posts
29
Votes
Matthew Vitlin
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Austin, TX
29
Votes |
110
Posts
Matthew Vitlin
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Austin, TX
Replied

Just like Michael said, if someone came to me asking me to run comps I'd want to know what is in it for me.  To do a solid job of running comps takes a little while, and if you aren't giving me any business or at least a lunch then why should I spend 15-30 minutes running comps for you?

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User Stats

150
Posts
36
Votes
John Ma
  • Investor
  • Arlington, VA
36
Votes |
150
Posts
John Ma
  • Investor
  • Arlington, VA
Replied

Yes, i would list with them assuming I get a deal going.  OR if i end up listing with someone else, I would pay a percentage of course. 

I know lawyers charge $30/email, even if its just a response saying "okay". Is it common practice to pay per email/CMA to a realitor?

I intend to compensate, but I want to know what other ppl have done in the past in the early stages when they are requesting several comps with no actual deal yet.

@Michael Seeker 

User Stats

150
Posts
36
Votes
John Ma
  • Investor
  • Arlington, VA
36
Votes |
150
Posts
John Ma
  • Investor
  • Arlington, VA
Replied

correction, I want to know what people have done in the past in early stages for quick/reliable CMA.

User Stats

150
Posts
36
Votes
John Ma
  • Investor
  • Arlington, VA
36
Votes |
150
Posts
John Ma
  • Investor
  • Arlington, VA
Replied

@matthew 

@Matthew Vitlin

I intend on compensating whether its a fee or listing with them, but in early stages, I am trying to find ways of finding reliable CMAs when running through my leads.   

User Stats

110
Posts
29
Votes
Matthew Vitlin
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Austin, TX
29
Votes |
110
Posts
Matthew Vitlin
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Austin, TX
Replied

@John Ma I would say either get buddy-buddy with a Realtor or start building your own database.  If you are just looking in one area, start making of spreadsheet of what houses have sold for, how many beds/br and the sqft.  That info should all be public record and should give you a baseline for assessing deals.

User Stats

48
Posts
7
Votes
Kevin Rodriues
  • Brockton, MA
7
Votes |
48
Posts
Kevin Rodriues
  • Brockton, MA
Replied

I would just run my own comps. I believe it is simple to do and shouldn't take a long time.

User Stats

966
Posts
498
Votes
Mark Creason
  • Real Estate Lender and Broker
  • Dallas, TX
498
Votes |
966
Posts
Mark Creason
  • Real Estate Lender and Broker
  • Dallas, TX
Replied

John Ma,

Most Multiple Listing Services have rules against members letting other people access the MLS. That agent who allows you access could be risking a fine or suspension of services with their MLS. MLS access is quite expensive too.

Mark

User Stats

150
Posts
36
Votes
John Ma
  • Investor
  • Arlington, VA
36
Votes |
150
Posts
John Ma
  • Investor
  • Arlington, VA
Replied
Originally posted by @Kevin Rodriues:

I would just run my own comps. I believe it is simple to do and shouldn't take a long time.

You're right, it dosn't take long. Are you just simply using Zillow type sites? I use a combination of Zillow, Redfin, and FindCompsNow and I find them to be missing a small peices of data some times. While the data is 90% there, its that last peice of missing data that can kill you which is why I want MLS data.

User Stats

150
Posts
36
Votes
John Ma
  • Investor
  • Arlington, VA
36
Votes |
150
Posts
John Ma
  • Investor
  • Arlington, VA
Replied
Originally posted by @Mark Creason:

John Ma,

Most Multiple Listing Services have rules against members letting other people access the MLS. That agent who allows you access could be risking a fine or suspension of services with their MLS. MLS access is quite expensive too.

Mark

you're right. I know there are investors and realtors that risk it, but I am figuring out ways of getting MLS data as reliable as possible without breaking any rules.

User Stats

17,327
Posts
29,864
Votes
Russell Brazil
Agent
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Washington, D.C.
29,864
Votes |
17,327
Posts
Russell Brazil
Agent
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Washington, D.C.
ModeratorReplied

@John Ma Those public sites typically will not have information on how much closing costs the seller is contributing to the buyer. This number can be significant at times. Within the last year I helped a buyer get a $25,000 subsidy from the seller.

Also I find that novices often think they know how to comp one property to another, but they overlook things that a professional is use to seeing. I see novice flippers get themselves into trouble with this a lot, way overestimating their ARV since they comped their flip against properties that were not like kinded.

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User Stats

22
Posts
29
Votes
Lynette Braun
  • Rancho Santa Fe, CA
29
Votes |
22
Posts
Lynette Braun
  • Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Replied
Originally posted by @John Ma:

Yes, i would list with them assuming I get a deal going.  OR if i end up listing with someone else, I would pay a percentage of course. 

I know lawyers charge $30/email, even if its just a response saying "okay". Is it common practice to pay per email/CMA to a realitor?

I intend to compensate, but I want to know what other ppl have done in the past in the early stages when they are requesting several comps with no actual deal yet.

@Michael Seeker 

 Hi John, 

I'm a realtor in San Diego specializing in Luxury & Investment. I often get e-mails or calls from individual investors or investment companies looking to purchase pocket listings or "get the best deals before anyone else".  My first requirement is to meet them in person for coffee, lunch or at my office. If they are out of area, this is a 30 minute video chat. 

I want to hear about their goals, the properties they are looking for and understand their financing. If there is anywhere I can help in the planning process, I am happy to do so. But, 90% of the time when I ask for in person meeting, they don't want to take the time to do it. Yet, they want me to spend hours researching and favor them over my existing clients. When an investor or company puts time and energy into building a relationship with me and brings something to the table, values my time and shows me there can be a win-win for both of us, I am going to pour a lot more than just a 15 minute CMA into that relationship.

I can create custom off market property searches and do the leg work like a wholesaler to bring you deals that meet your needs. Before I invest that kind of time into an investor, I would want to know it's mutually beneficial. Start by building a relationship with just 2-3 agents and really share your goals and how you might be able to work together. You might find them much more motivated. Hope that help! Happy Investing! 

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User Stats

199
Posts
155
Votes
Kim Knox
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Jacksonville, OR
155
Votes |
199
Posts
Kim Knox
  • Real Estate Broker
  • Jacksonville, OR
Replied

Good question @John Ma

If an Agent gives out their login credentials to the MLS, they should lose their license. That would give you access to security codes and gate codes, along with other confidential info. A big no-no.

Smart agents prioritize by opportunity to earn commission. Taking time to do a $50 report or taking a lunch, when that agent could be earning a commission is a bad financial decision. If I had some random person tell me they would compensate me for a CMA, I would turn it down. I would definitely turn down being compensated with lunch!

If you want a (smart) Agent to invest time into your goals, you should use them as your commissioned agent. An Agent can make you money and help you with making crucial decisions. I work for a few strong investors, who involve me in transactions even if I didn't procure the sales, and they do this without my insistence. As a result, they find me eager to help with them as many CMA's as they need. I would skip Thanksgiving dinner to help them. =)

Here is a suggestion, once you find a good Agent.  You can help your Agent earn commission.  It sounds like you are locating the deals yourself.  If you don't find the deal workable for you (for whatever reason) , tell them you will have your Agent call them to arrange a meeting, saying something like "you need a good Agent, and she will help you figure out what to do."  You can also refer your friends and family.  If an Agent is helping your business, you should probably commit your business to them.      

Busy Agents will extend their workdays to help valuable Clients, trust me. You just have to find the right Agent, interview several and create a mutually beneficial relationship.  

User Stats

1,856
Posts
656
Votes
Mary B.
  • Real Estate Investor
  • Lansdowne, PA
656
Votes |
1,856
Posts
Mary B.
  • Real Estate Investor
  • Lansdowne, PA
Replied
Originally posted by @Lynette Braun:

I'm a realtor in San Diego specializing in Luxury & Investment. I often get e-mails or calls from individual investors or investment companies looking to purchase pocket listings or "get the best deals before anyone else".  My first requirement is to meet them in person for coffee, lunch or at my office. If they are out of area, this is a 30 minute video chat. 

I want to hear about their goals, the properties they are looking for and understand their financing. If there is anywhere I can help in the planning process, I am happy to do so. But, 90% of the time when I ask for in person meeting, they don't want to take the time to do it. Yet, they want me to spend hours researching and favor them over my existing clients. When an investor or company puts time and energy into building a relationship with me and brings something to the table, values my time and shows me there can be a win-win for both of us, I am going to pour a lot more than just a 15 minute CMA into that relationship.

I can create custom off market property searches and do the leg work like a wholesaler to bring you deals that meet your needs. Before I invest that kind of time into an investor, I would want to know it's mutually beneficial. Start by building a relationship with just 2-3 agents and really share your goals and how you might be able to work together. You might find them much more motivated. Hope that help! Happy Investing! 

^^^^If only there were many more agents like this!^^^^ 

Kudos,

Mary 

User Stats

22
Posts
29
Votes
Lynette Braun
  • Rancho Santa Fe, CA
29
Votes |
22
Posts
Lynette Braun
  • Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Replied
Originally posted by @Mary B.:
Originally posted by @Lynette Braun:

I'm a realtor in San Diego specializing in Luxury & Investment. I often get e-mails or calls from individual investors or investment companies looking to purchase pocket listings or "get the best deals before anyone else".  My first requirement is to meet them in person for coffee, lunch or at my office. If they are out of area, this is a 30 minute video chat. 

I want to hear about their goals, the properties they are looking for and understand their financing. If there is anywhere I can help in the planning process, I am happy to do so. But, 90% of the time when I ask for in person meeting, they don't want to take the time to do it. Yet, they want me to spend hours researching and favor them over my existing clients. When an investor or company puts time and energy into building a relationship with me and brings something to the table, values my time and shows me there can be a win-win for both of us, I am going to pour a lot more than just a 15 minute CMA into that relationship.

I can create custom off market property searches and do the leg work like a wholesaler to bring you deals that meet your needs. Before I invest that kind of time into an investor, I would want to know it's mutually beneficial. Start by building a relationship with just 2-3 agents and really share your goals and how you might be able to work together. You might find them much more motivated. Hope that help! Happy Investing! 

^^^^If only there were many more agents like this!^^^^ 

Kudos,

Mary 

 Thank you @Mary B! :D :D