All Forum Posts by: Mat Lewczenko

Bryan,
Not many sellers who do flat fee are as smart as you. You see the value in the agent, compensate accordingly to get traffic, and I'm sure you do more to market than a regular FSBO seller. Still only saving 2points. If you don't mind the work, great, all for it.

My point is, your biz is REIA, so selling a home is an extension of what you do, Flat fee works for you. Someone who thinks that doing FSBO, in this market, with all the inventory out there, without a marketing plan and prequalified buyers is gonna get stressed out and probably list anyway.

Yes, I'm licensed, to help my investing side, but the same reson why I contract out my work is the same reason why a seller, who is not a RE pro, should let a pro handle it.

Back to OP, go FSBO, if you hate it in the first month, PM me and I can refer you to a market pro in your area to get it sold for you and move on.

Here's my .02

Marketing and Liability Coverage is what an agent can bring to the table. Along with a zero hastle.

Go to work, do what you do best, let other agents shlep their buyers through your property. More eyes through the door, means more opportunities. In this market most agents are only working with qualified buyers anyway.

Word of advice on flat fee MLS, many agents don't even put them on the list to show thier buyers, there is an unofficial stigma with discount listings.

Another thing to consider, even if you price competitively with other listings in your area, the person knows you are making 6% vs a listing so you already start off with a 10% or lower offer anyway.

I'm assuming since you are on bigger pockets you also invest in real estate, well who are the first individuals most investors target? Fizbos. So you have investors asking you what you would take if "They could pay cash and close on Friday(i.e. ARV less 30% less repairs less wholesale fee)." tire kickers, and hopefully the neighbor walking your block.

Meanwhile those buyers who CAN buy, and are prequalified, well, they are all working with agents, and they just drove by your home.

If this is not your business let someone sell your home for you.

Here is a link with some more info:
http://activerain.com/blogsview/820933/for-sale-by-owner-vs-realtor-the-age-old-question

Is there any coincidence to his resemblance to Chuck Norris?

And also his sayings?

I think not.

Chuck and his essence is global.

I'm fairly Sure that if He and Chuck Norris got into a fight, the space time continuum would disintegrate.

Also, I don't always drink beer, but when I do, it Dos Equis.

Side note, who do you all think would win in a fight?

The Most Interesting Man in the World or Chuck Norris?
(maybe I need to post this in a new thread)

Jason,

Absolutely no disrespect taken. I think you pose a phenominal question (posed quite provocatively I may add, kudos). One that definitely needs to be asked.

I only became an agent this past year, because of my personal path through REI. As we all know, there is no "one" way. I have been interested in investing for years, so getting licensed was my path. I guess I should have switched the term from "find an agent" to find a "mentor, in your market".

I am interested in reading some of these responses as well so I will shut up, and let those who bought some courses chime in.

-Mat

Not a tile expert in any way (only about 40 boxes of tile installed lifetime) but I had a friend who had a partial roll of the Ditra that I used in a bathroom and it was indeed the easiest and fastest underlayment prep ever.

Cuts with a utility knife in place, then thinset under, and you can begin to work immediately on top of it.

If it's in the budget, USE it. I really hate screwing down cement board. To me that's the worst part.

Disclaimer: I apologize, this is not a course review, but something to consider even BEFORE you spend a dime to get a course.

Same thing I recommend to all people interested in RE investing.

If you have 2-5k to buy a course you need to step away from the Hard Sell, find an agent in your market that specializes in whatever you are looking for - rental or flips - and glue yourself to that agent - ask all the questions you can, and actually get a Property and not a fance 3 ring binder with some DVD's and glossy testimonials ....and an invitation to a VIP Platinum - Molybenum Level, Membership Only, Private retreat where all the REALLY super secret info is given for only 10-15k more!

All the blogs out there have all the information every single course has, and it's current, these blog writers are doing deals TODAY. the best information is often times FREE, well, at least it may not cost money, it just costs time and energy, a willingness to learn, ask questions, humble yourself and follow those who are doing it.

I still have 4 people I call almost dailiy to iron out something I have no clue about and read voraciously about what is working and what is not.

Punched my roommate in the face when he said "Dude! You know you can take out the Max on student loans and live on them and not have to work!"

That was so dumb. I would do anything to have started at zero right out of school.

But I am here because of those days, so I can't complain!

"Secrets of the Millionaire Mind" - will help you "reset" your financial thermostat.

"Peaks and Valleys" - will enable you to change your Valleys into Peaks.

"The Success Principles" - is basically the Chicken soup for the Motivational/Goal/Mindset soul. (Jack Canfield)

I feel like Mindset, a positive one at that, will enable the rest of it all to work. You can know all about financing, cash flow, creative strategies all day long, but if you can't turn a setback into an opportunity to learn, then your road could be very short.

I feel like so many things are out of my control, trying to keep a deal from falling apart right now, that I have two choices - get pissed off, give up and walk away, or get creative, ask for help, be the hero and come up with a solution. I choose the latter (with a smile).

-Mat

Bingo, Frank is right, that is how we are closing 3-4 transactions a month as a realtor.

Right now, most calls off my bandit signs are not good investor deals, no spread or equity, not enough motivation. These sellers just want to move, don't have much(if any equity) and need someone to help them out of a situation. That's where you come in as an agent. List it as a retail sale, or work with them on a short sale, put 8-12 of those in your inventory and you will have consistent closings after your first six months.

I now never have to refer thin opportunities to other agents, I just list them myself, pick up a few 2-4k checks a month, rinse and repeat.

Then you can cherry pick your wholesales and flips.

Best of luck to you, get out there and just have fun, help as many people as you can, be honest, and deals will find themselves to you.

-Mat

Well played sir, well played.