All Forum Posts by: Angie Shires

Start finding one now! This is a great place to ask for referrals for someone that will match your needs. Hiring a CPA was the single best thing that we've done for our business. A good CPA will save you more money than you will pay them for their education and services! 

@Loan Tran our commissions are paid by the seller, but it’s built into the sales price...the buyer is the one that pays it...explain that to your client and they shouldn’t have a problem paying you for you time, knowledge and protection.

It’s never a hard sell when you actually explain it, although it sounds like it would be.

@Joshua Baker it’s worked for me, as well! Once the client sees your dedication, they usually return! 

I’m not sure about the Skype...probably depends on the agent! A lot of younger agents would probably love it! 

@Joshua Baker The fast response is really key for me! I actually prefer text for the most part, there are a few exceptions...those are the unusual circumstances. Texting allows us to multi-task. 

Catering is good, but at least occasionally they should pop their heads in the doors and talk to agents. We are all so technology based, but nothing replaces personal contact and relationships! It will also set you apart from the others. We tend to remember the people we meet more than the ones we only have online knowledge of! 

Maybe offering to be a back up lender for agents would work.  Sometimes things don't work out with the lender's we usually suggest. My #1 lender couldn't finance our personal home, so we had to use someone else. It might get your foot in the door.

@Joshua Baker for me, a great lender is one who answers the phone...including weekends and evenings. I try not to call after hours, if it can be avoided...but when I do call, it’s usually important.

Also, I understand that everyone has office staff, but I prefer to have a relationship with the person that sold my client the loan...not just the staff. I refer the same three lenders to every client, friend, fellow realtor or anyone who asks my opinion.

The way to most realtors heart is through food...as most everyone already knows! Drop donuts, cater a lunch meeting.

I’ve hosted buyers seminars and always ask a lender to help host. It’s a win for both of us! Most of the time, the lender will provide snacks or light dinner.

Success really has no shortcut. It’s all about getting out there and meeting people! Tell them not to be afraid of talking to the new agents! Some of them kick butt, and they are always asking who we use!

@Zachary Schimenz are you purchasing off market houses, or MLS listed homes? If the homes are on the MLS, then go ahead and find a buyers agent to work with. They can run all the numbers you need.

If you are doing off market, use Realtor.com...it is fed directly off the MLS and the most accurate for folks without access to the MLS.

@Kris Russell it’s ALWAYS price. If you are getting showing with no offers, then take a reduction in price. Has your Realtor given you comps? If not, you need them to make an educated decision in what to reduce the price to. If he/she hasn’t, ask them to do it. Not just a price per square foot...actual comps with pictures.

If you are getting showings, you might not be too far off. You know you are way over priced when you don’t even receive showings.

Professional pictures in your area should run between $200-$250. I know agents in your area that will help you get this house sold, if you decide you want to change (and from the looks of things, you might want to consider it). If you want to stick with your realtor, then they need to help you price better and make take better pictures!

Feel free to message me if you need any help or advice.

I'm not sure about the Austin area, but here in East Texas we have several lighting only stores. They have many options other than the typical box store options, they can be a little pricey though. I'll bet if we have them, Austin has them!

@Erik Pilon yes! A good CPA will pay for themselves in tax savings. It’s a good idea for you to also stay educated yourself on the tax laws, but you’ll never be able to grasp it all! Make sure you get referrals (BP is a great place to get them).

@Brandon Penn congratulations! That’s a lot of hard work and dedication!