All Forum Posts by: Alice K.

Thanks Gonz!
I spoke with several boutique brokerages and agents in town, and it seems KW works well in the suburban markets and rocking Texas but not very strong in SF proper.
It doesn't really surprise me due to the price points and our market. Most listings are handled by a variety of boutiques and a few teams with big brands.
Their team leaders seem very friendly though and my other agent friend 50 miles away loves them.

@Gonz Trevino Does KW offer extensive online classes? I have a full time gig so can't attend their day training, which is a bit sad. Thanks in advance!

@Neil Huck -- Love the advice. Everyone has been saying "get training"! But, honestly the best people are my friends doing RE things. And, the many books I've read over time. And, my own experience. In CA you must start as an agent, which is quite the drag.

How do you handle referrals? I have a gut feeling most of the folks I speak with will be looking in other areas as well as we San Francisco people tend to live / purchase all over NorCal and some out of state. 

@Barry Smith That is great to know-- thank you for the comment!

@Denny Robert Thanks for the pro tip! This is what I was thinking. 

@Steve Olson /

@Becca Summers Do you happen to know anything about referring to other agents out of state? Can that only happen between the same brokerage?
I was looking at a little brokerage, KW, Coldwell, and Vanguard (big in SF) and was really loving the responsiveness of the small one just starting and he was a real go-getter, but I feel like I could use some big-firm training before I go off on to a local one. 
KW has quite pricey fees for the area 290/mo fees. The steepest I've heard of the few I've asked.

Welcome @Christopher Moore!

1. Meetup.com is my go to for meetups of this nature. @J. Martin and @Ryder Meehan and @Johnson are all awesome hosts.

2. Ryder knows his stuff really well in Dallas. @David Greene knows northern Florida well. If you have any questions on Washington or around here, feel free to reach out anytime.

3. Like J said, you don't need an LLC but you definitely want great liability insurance. When you get bigger and more serious, then you can consider that (just my opinion). S-Corps usually are done by flippers. (You definitely want a CPA + attorney for this one)
4. I think this was said already, but confirming @David Greene for building teams, pro from dover. he also knows a great deal about rehabs.

@Ryan Landis I rarely talk with anyone originally from the area! During my very early childhood, I lived on a boat in Brisbane. It's funny that some things, like that home and Brisbane, never change. 

@J. Martin That URL one is a good one. 
Do let me know when you change genders! The "Women in Tech" scene has exploded. I don't know about the Men in Tech though. Haha. Imagine such a program. 

Would love to be involved. Keep me posted! :)

I have purchased sight unseen with help. Here is my recommendation:

• Get an agent you trust (you're a buyer, so you should really get someone who knows the area, especially since you usually will not pay them). When I was a new, I really appreciated someone else taking care of organizing escrow, etc. Ask them for their own photos / videos as you mentioned (staged ones tend to look far different from reality)
• Make sure to have the inspection contingency (the inspector should be better than you or I at assessing the actual space) I don't do the neighborhood assessment contingency, because you can look that up / ask ahead of time.
• If you have a relative with time on their hands / near the area, ask them to look. I have paid for trips for my family to visit as they are retired.
• Get multiple opinions 
• As @Clayton Mobley mentioned, make sure the numbers work. (You can research that online and I could rant forever on it.)
• Know the area / ask people. I recommend going to the area at least one time and thinking in the shoes of a potential tenant-- Where do you feel safe? Where are the jobs? How is the parking? Transit (if usual for that area)?

Congrats again Minh (and your partner)!
I still laugh at the thought of you dropping the jaw of your agent. Watch as we all drool with envy.

Several people have come to me seeking deals and advice, yet are still on the fence. I have explained the math several times but heck, I'll just show them your posts.

Also, I still owe Minh lunch. Definitely need to catch up with you all and @J. Martin again when I'm back in town from this Houston "Women in Tech" event.