All Forum Posts by: Gina Birdsong

Hi Linda

I'm not sure how it works in your area. I am a Real Estate Agent in West Texas. We have to pay dues in order to use the MLS.

You might want to consider seeking out a local agency that doesn't have franchise fees or even researching some agency that are not members of the MLS to see how they advertise their homes. It isn't uncommon for farm and ranch brokers in my area not to be Realtors.

@Account Closed absolutely! Thank You 

@Andrew McManamon grow your SOI, network I attended a lot of luncheons, birthday parties, Tupperware parties... you name it, my first year in Real Estate. I would work the room and try to meet as many people as possible. I would go home and add them as friends on my Facebook and even look some up on the tax appraisal website and send them a note about how much I enjoyed meeting them. 

Expand your idea of an SOI I sent business cards to my doctor, dentist, pastor and veterinarian. 

I thought I knew a lot of people but I've easily tripled my number of contacts in the past couple of years. Do some lunch and learns with other Realtors,lenders, insurance agents in your area find out what is working for them. 

Facebook has also been a big part of growing my business social media allowed me to create the perception that I was busy and in demand before I had a lot of clientele. 

Good luck! 

@Mark S. Will do! Thank You 

Thanks @Tj M. I'll have to look into Ally bank

Thank you @Jim MacBean I have my first rental property under contract. My plan is to transfer the funds to my local bank account a week before closing. Hoping I do not have any hiccups!

@Caleb Heimsoth  @Logan Allec Thanks for the input I'm finally ready to make an offer on a house next week! I'm trying to make sure all my finances are in order. I wonder if they have a cap on the amount of money that can be transferred? I'm thinking I can keep my cash there until I need it and just transfer to a linked account. 

Hello everyone

I have been saving in a Capital one 360 account that yields 1.0 APY  I opened a business checking and saving account at a local bank that I would like to build a relationship with for investing. I cannot believe the different types of fees. It seems like they penalize you for everything. Should I keep the money I have saved for down payments in the Capital One account and just move it when I need it or am I focusing on the pennies instead of the dollars? 

@Russell Brazil No sir i didn't. I took it as a life lesson. Unfortunately the mistakes that taught me the most also seem to cost the most money. I appreciate the advice I will have to keep that in mind if I ever find myself in that situation again. 

@Luiny Tavares I'm going to chime in as the newbie.  You really need to build a relationship with an agent you know and trust.  I have been a Real Estate Agent for three years. I jump at the opportunity to submit offers if I'm going to learn something new but I also have an interest in investing. I know most of the agents in my town are just trying to make a sale so they aren't going to waste their time submitting low ball offers. That being said I'm much more choosy about my clients now days. I've had my share of experience with people that would use me to show them houses and run comps but would submit the offer with a more experienced agent. Find an agent that has a passion for investing not just selling houses and you need to have a mutual respect of each others time. I don't take phone calls at 9:00 on Sunday nights but my clients know that. I'll gladly refer them to someone else if it is a problem.