All Forum Posts by: Katie Fiola Jones

@Bill S.

Actually, Redfin is a little different. In the Associate Agent position, you get paid per showing, open house, etc. So it's not a commission based position. 

And I definitely understand that investing is very different than acting as an agent. I guess the reason I am considering it is because it is a way to stay somewhat active in the market here in Denver, while at the same time earning some extra money! 

@Russell Brazil

To your point about Walmart, the reason I wouldn't want to take a job at any kind of retail and would rather work at Redfin is that you get to set your own hours. 

Hi Ben, 

Welcome to the forums! 

Here are some tips that will hopefully help you out! 

I would pick a general area of the country to focus on first and start to narrow it as you do your research. See what people on BP are saying about your chosen area and maybe pick a couple of cities to do heavy research on. 

Once you have those cities chosen, you can use sites like USA.com to find out more info about the population. I like using Trulia to start getting to know neighborhoods really well. They have pretty comprehensive maps to see crime rates and different things. 

Start connecting with local agents, property managers, and other investors to set up some phone calls. Ask them what they recommend and what areas to keep an eye on. Talk to as many people as you can in order to get a full picture. I also like to look up the city in the Google new section to see what's going on. 

I hope this helps a little. 

https://www.google.com/maps/about/mymaps/
This is where/how they are made. 

I'm guessing someone made that for Indy to help other investors. Definitely helpful!

This looks like a map that someone made. 

Someone would have to do that with their own city. 

You can actually create a map like that through Google. 

Hey everyone, 

I used to work at a property management firm here in Denver as a licensed leasing agent and recently left for another job. My current job is not in real estate so I don't have my license hung anywhere at the moment. 

I have been looking into becoming a Redfin Associate Agent. I wanted to see if anyone here has had experience working for Redfin and had any feedback on them. 

I have technically been accepted into the Associate Agent position, and I'm leaning toward taking it and doing showings on evenings and weekends. The position is very flexible and gives me a chance to stay active in real estate - through my husband and I invest out of state so I'm not totally uninvolved. 

Thanks! 

Great post, Rick!
There is also a page here on BiggerPockets that has a bunch of hard money lenders listed

https://www.biggerpockets.com/companies/hard-money

My parents recently looked into purchasing a property in the mountains to use in the winter to go skiing, but rent out when they aren't there (they live in Michigan). But the numbers just didn't work. The property management fees are so high. 

@Mike Wilkinson could probably help you out! 

@Darrin Carey Thanks! I'll reach out to you in the next few days. 

I'm curious about the mileage as well. 

Is anyone using an app or a program to use that helps to keep track of mileage? 

Right now I'm doing everything manually through a Google spreadsheet and keeping receipts. But I have been wanting to upgrade to keeping receipts electronically so I don't end up losing anything.