All Forum Posts by: Brandon Pelfrey

Thanks for the reply Shamus, that's a really good point about the potential of an investor being more of a repeat customer than a regular home-buyer would be. It seems from the responses I've gotten here that the best thing to do is to be as up front and clear as you can from the get-go about what you're looking to do and what your strategy is.

Originally posted by @Shamus Wheeler:

Hey @Brandon Pelfrey,

It's all about finding the right agent. I've found that it is best to be communicative about your strategy and what you are looking for. Some agents will see the value in you as a long term, repeat customer, and most will not. You will know when you find the right agent. I personally talked with 4-5 agents before I found one that worked will with me. I felt the same way as you - like I was bothering people and that these agents weren't interested in helping me (they weren't). When I finally found an agent that I could work well with, things started rolling quickly. Now I can get information about my market as quickly as I need to. It's all about finding the right person.

Now for how to find that agent, other people probably have better answers than I do. I just messaged agents on realtor.com who had listings that I was interested in until I found someone that I clicked with. I'm sure others on here have more tactful strategies like meeting agents at networking events. However you end up doing it, you will find someone. Good luck!

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I totally agree that you can tell that the agent knows what they're doing based on what they bring you and what questions they ask. Funny thing about the agent you mentioned here is that it sounds like he's all in to help you (rather than being 100% focused on the commission he'll earn) but yet you said he's the one that's worth every penny of commission he gets.

Originally posted by @BJ Ralphs:

Yep. many agents are not interested in doing a lot of the grunt work or don't understand exactly what it is that we as investors need.

In California I'm licensed so I can do my own grunt work, however, I just bought a property in WA. I worked with several agents until I found one who understands my business. Once I found the right person (you can tell by the type of property they show you, comments they make, information they provide, questions they ask you) we looked at lots of properties. (sometimes I wasn't in town and HE, looked for me, sending me tons of photos) but he has been a blessing as well as a world of information. Worth every penny of commission that he gets. - Also. I'm very clear with him - When I sell the property and many more to come in the future " You are my guy" - He is assured that he gets all of my business. don't mess your agent around. A good one is not easy to find but will work hard if treated fair - A good agent will make you money. Everyone wins. Good agents are out there. be picky.

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Thank you all for your input! Glad to see that there are others who understand the dilemma.

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@Don Spafford Thanks for the tip, I actually had another friend recommend MACU in IF as well, sounds like they do a great job.

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Any recommendations for a lender in the Treasure Valley with whom you've had a good experience with where they've exhibited a "find a way to get it done" type of attitude?

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I've never worked with an agent who has turned me down on going to check out a property, gather details from a listing agent, or any other kind of work that I ask them to do, however there's always a voice in the back of my head whenever I make a request that's asking me if I'm asking too much. Oftentimes I want to go walk a property or try to get more information on it even though I know that there's a good chance I won't actually be interested in making an offer, so I don't end up contacting an agent about it. Curious to get feedback from those who have good relationships with agents (or who are agents themselves) about how they feel about this.

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Great job Joshua, thanks for sharing

How much did you refinance for after the job was done (or did you refinance?)? How long did the rehab take?

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Same question but with owner-occupy, anyone know of good financing options?

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What was the number one thing that you did or that happened that got you over the hump to get your first deal?

(i.e. Did you pick up a side hustle to help you save up enough? Did you start making more money in another way? Did you change your mindset? Did you partner with someone? Finally find a great deal? Change the way that you looked for deals? Went "all in"? ect.)

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What does your water/sewer/trash bill normally look like for your properties? And do any of you require your tenants to cover that in addition to all the other utilities?

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All Forum Posts by: Brandon Pelfrey

Brandon Pelfrey has started 25 posts and replied 80 times.

Post: Wearing out an agent

Post: Wearing out an agent

Post: Wearing out an agent

Post: Recommendations for a lender with a "can do" attitude

Post: Recommendations for a lender with a "can do" attitude

Post: Wearing out an agent

Post: Two units in a desirable area

Post: 90/10 Financing for SFH and small multi-family

Post: Getting over the hump on 1st deal

Post: Boise: How much are you paying for W/S/T?