All Forum Posts by: Lisa DuFaux

I keep reading articles about how companies are changing their plans to accommodate the, now common, desire to work from home. It seems this will have a huge impact on commercial real estate, which I would think could lead to some opportunities but I can't figure out what! The large corporation I used to work for has about 6 large buildings and I don't see how they can possibly continue to support that. Just wondering from those in the commercial space what you see happening.

This thread is really puzzling to me. It doesn't have to be one extreme or the other. Lot's of regular (non-investor) home buyers/sellers do need a Realtor. Many don't. Some investors have no need, some may benefit from having one. Why does it have to be so polarizing??

Ok, if you insist :) I am not spreading fake news. Here is your direct quote from the post about low ball offers: "So back to low balling when doing this you’ll get a lot of emails like the one I’m about to show you, this shows that 90-95% of RE agents have no clue how investors do business and they don’t care how investors work, but you as an investor always need to keep your cool and always be the nice guy because you never know that dumb agent might have the best deal one day and if he or she remembers you, you’ll probably get the benefit of the doubt."

I have read several of your other posts and found more of the same. I agree that a lot of agents don't understand investing. There are also a lot who do. In any case, I don't see how calling them dumb and saying they are only out for a commission provides any value. You are correct that this site is primarily for investors and I am one. That has nothing to do with your portrayal of the real estate profession. Your attitude is insulting, condescending and not helpful. No need to respond, we can agree to disagree. 

I agree with you that a Realtor isn't necessary for off market properties. I do find it odd that as a fellow Realtor, you mention "fat commissions." It's unfortunate because that is one of the biggest misconceptions held by the public. Sure, we make money for doing our profession just like everyone else but looking just at the commission doesn't give the whole story. What about all the money we spend to build our businesses, run the business and market properties. The commission isn't all profit and I think you do a disservice to our industry by furthering that perception.

It's interesting how many replies there are on this! My first reaction was about the comment that this person is insistent on renting the house. I have been in that situation twice and learned a hard lesson. Both times I rented to them and both times I regretted it. Usually when there is urgency, there's a good reason like they're getting evicted from somewhere else or no one else will rent to them because of background check. I would say the lack of transparency about who the actual tenants will be is a perfectly fine reason to decline.                           

Thanks, Scott, you're right. I just needed to read it from someone else!

Additional info, he has already ignored my last email asking for more info.

As a Realtor and investor for decades, I tend to think I know it all :) There's an 11 unit situation that I am very interested in but the listing agent isn't providing much info except an email that lists the rent amounts. How do I dig deeper without alienating him?

I agree with Jason. I used to live in Spring Hill and have flipped a couple of houses there. Over the years I have seen a huge boom in development. It is a little far for commuting to Tampa Bay area businesses but the expressway has helped. Also, from what I'm reading about the new work-from-home trend, thanks to covid, it might be less of an issue these days. I am a Realtor in the area so if you have any other questions or need help, please message me.