All Forum Posts by: Darren Klein

Hi Tony,

What type of agent do you want to be?
What do you need/want from your broker?
Training? Mentorship? Commission Split?

Be clear, you are interviewing the broker not the other way around.
The truth is you can get a job with any brokerage.
They never know which agent is going to make it (so they will take just about anybody).
(The industry fallout rate is about 80% in the first year (I could be wrong about that number, but the number is very high)).

When I interviewed, I brought a list of questions and went right down the list.

But finding the right fit is most important.
The industry is very difficult; you need skills to survive/succeed.
I think a broker with awesome training that fits your schedule that works at your speed and has room for you to grow your business is a good start.

I’ve been a realtor for 11 years and the past 4 years I’ve been with the same brokerage.
I work on a nationwide investor-friendly team, (teaching agents to become investor-friendly and to become investors themselves).
Working with investors allows you to work with fewer clients and do more deals.

If you have questions feel free to DM me.

Good luck - Darren

Hi Tyre,

Referral from friends and family is always a good start.
I would work with only full-time agents.
I think it takes at least 5 years to really learn/become an expert in any industry.

With these guidelines I would interview a few agents, have a few conversations, and whichever one you feel most comfortable with is the right one.

If you meet the agent and you don’t like him/her then try a different agent.
If you’re not feeling it on the 1st meeting, move on.
Don’t waste their time and yours if you don’t want to work with them.

But once you make a decision, that agent is going to put a lot of time and effort into helping you without getting paid (until you close).
Stick with them.

Good luck - Darren

Hi Raj, 

I am an agent in NJ and I hate when something like this happens.

Gordon is right, real estate agents have a fiduciary duty.
A buyer's agent must present all written offers the buyer would like to make.
A seller's agent must present all written offers to the seller. 

If you presented the offer to the seller's agent, the agent must present the offer in a timely fashion to the seller. (I always get confirmation that the seller's agent received the offer and can open. this conformation must be in either email or text).

If I don't get a response from the seller's agent within 24 hours I start calling and texting (so I have a record of my request).  
If I don't get a response from the seller's agent in 3 to 4 days I call the agent's broker.
(Life does happen, so I always give the benefit of the doubt, but I still have an obligation to my client to get a response.)

There is a form that my broker (I think all brokers have the same form in NJ so your agent should have it) that states the sellers acknowledges that the offer was presented.  
It's signed by the seller.  

Good Luck - Darren 

Hi Evan,

You might want to try becoming a realtor.
I've been a real estate agent for 11 years.
Some real estate brokers have excellent training and you'll have access to a lot of property information (which is key).
Past sales and rentals will help you learn how to price properties (before and after reno).
And much more. 

Good luck - Darren

Hi, 

These are my top two inspectors.  I'm a realtor and have recommended them both multiple times. They both have a lot of experience and they do a great time each time recommend them. 

Pinnacle Inspection Services 

iKenInspect Home Inspection

Good luck - Darren

Hi Mark,

It seems like once you get a new job, the banks are forgiving the gap in unemployment due to the COVID-19. (But I would double-check with a local loan officer.) I have a client that was furloughed for 3 months and once she got reinstated she qualified for an FHA mortgage.

If you think you can find a job quickly: What about a long term Airbnb?  I have a landlord friend that has one of his units rented out for the past 2 months.  He is charging a little more than a tenant with a yearly lease.  This might give you the flexibility you want/need. 

Good luck - Darren

Hi Janine, Start by picking a few towns, become an expert in those markets.  Don't rush, take your time, and learn. Determine the cap rate (High and low).  which will help you identify a good deal when you are looking to purchase.  Get your financing ready.  Find an agent to help you. When you are ready, make the move. Be conservative. Good luck, Darren.