All Forum Posts by: Carlos Aguilar

Dave,

I would look into finding an consulting with an experienced local agent. Hire the agent to do you a Broker Price Opinion(BPO). Instead of paying for an appraisal that will run you a couple of hundred dollars a BPO can run you $30-60. Another term is comparables. Some agents may do it for you for free. Don't rely on Zillows(ever). Then ask the agent for a rental comps as well. This will give a birdseye view of what the rents that are going for based on apple to apples in the immediate area. Run the info on hand through an ROI calculator , then use your better judgement to make a better informed decision. On the surface it sounds good but you would want to protect your self at all points. Do a home inspection, get a title report and make the sale contingent and subject to. Good luck.

Another point. If, and only if, you feel that agent worked hard for you, a concession or token for their efforts would be very appreciated. How much? Up to you. However, If he hadn't done anything expect for email you a few MLS listings , then your ok. No harm no foul in parting ways.

Pretty much. The real estate business is very tough for agents. Many agents try to get their clients under an exclusive working contract. Which really doesn't hold any water. Especially if the client feels they are not satisfied with the performance of the agent. So its easy to break. If you have signed agreement. If not , not much to worry about any ways.  The best thing to do is transparent and direct about your goals and ideas. That way you don't waste your time and others.   Let them know you found another avenue that suites your needs. Now, once you explored that and after that you may then realize that you may prefer to work with a professional. Its best to find someone who has the experience and knowledge that help reach your goals. Wholesaling , auctions,bid packages can be  challenging for the single and or the  beginning investor. Once you find that key agent stick with  them and let them do all the work for you. Building a working relationship can be profitable in the long run.  

@ Phillip Dwyer thanks for the complement. I agree with him. You definitely don’t want to get bog down with too much info. A lot of great responses here though. Yes, title companies are a good source. I am signed up with a select few that email me every month current real estate sales reports and stats. Other sources of data are your local KC business chamber. Try a local real estate investor club. Here a great source for KC real estate news:

http://realestate.einnews.com/state/kansas

Great question Andrew. National real estate market news is a dual edge sword. Often you need to know how to filter out the noise and see what is the usable data that relates directly to you specifically and locally. I don't pay too much attention to nation sales figures as it doesn't relate to me personally. I live in Las Vegas and I do play close attention to market conditions here. I look at all types of data like local economic trends ,how many people are moving in and out of town and any new legislative laws that have a direct correlation to our local real estate. Whats really important here is to do your own search. If you rely on others that promote their own interest by doom and gloom you will often be mislead. There is a lot of people like that. I have been in Real Estate for over 9 years.So I make it my business to know all there is about the area I buy and sell in. Trust in your self. Good luck!