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Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Real Estate and Landlording => Topic started by: bearman on April 22, 2015, 05:19:05 PM

Title: Working with an Agent, found a FSBO, how to handle?
Post by: bearman on April 22, 2015, 05:19:05 PM
Hi guys - hoping someone with experience can weigh in. I have been working with a real-estate agent to find rental properties. We haven't turned up much on MLS or via the agent's channels, so I was already thinking about looking off-MLS (postcards, etc) and FSBO to see if I can find better prices that way. If I were to find an FSBO or similar situation where the seller doesn't want to pay an agent's fee, does it even make sense to have an agent? Basically, I am thinking that if I am going to do the work to generate leads on properties, how can an agent really even help? Or am I just working with the wrong type of agent? I've purchased two residences before without an agent and am comfortable with the process. The reason I started working with an agent in this case is because I am looking for rentals in a new market (that I don't live in) and was learning about the area. Since then, I've realized that MLS doesn't work for me, and I will have to hustle off-market to find what I want.
Title: Re: Working with an Agent, found a FSBO, how to handle?
Post by: apennysaved on April 22, 2015, 06:47:04 PM
Before I was a real estate agent, I befriended an agent who was willing to run comparables for sales and rentals.  She also was able to set up a search where I received an email if a new property came onto the MLS that would work for me.  In return, I sent her every referral that I possibly could.  I also took her to lunch or sent her a gift card if she went out of her way to help me.  If she ended up showing a property to me and helping me through the process, than I would pay her commission.  However, most of the properties I found on my own through non-owner occupied mail outs.  Eventually, we had enough rentals that I decided to get my real estate license, so I can easily do my own research and list our properties on the MLS for rent or sale.  I also do transactions for friends & family a couple times a year which more than covers my realtor costs.