Belize Real Estate  Links  
Real Estate Information

Be Careful - A Real Estate Agent Could Lead You Astray


The real estate agent is a valuable source of potential deals for you as an investor. They have access to the multiple listing resources and of course, have a monopoly on this information so they have to be part of your game plan as an investor. Working with real estate agents can be difficult depending on the agent.

Some of the factors that you should take note of include the following:

  • When you want to purchase a property, offer them a short closing date.
    One way of getting an agent to take you seriously is to offer a fast closing date. There are a few things that make an agent more excited than the thought of getting their commission within the next 14 days. If the agent has another offer presented to him/her they will usually advise the client to take the offer and close than accept an offer that is higher in price. One of the reasons is because it is better to have "a bird in the hand, rather than two in the bush".
  • See if you can present a creative offer to the owner in person, rather than through the agent.
    If you have an offer that needs to be explained in a fashion to the owner which brings out all its great benefits, then you may have to assist on presenting the offer in person or with the agent. If you present that type of offer to an agent, it may not even reach the owner and certainly will be given less priority than other offers. Agents in general do not like creative offers because they are more interested in conventional offers from solid buyers.
  • Be suspicious of agents.
    Be suspicious of any agent who tells you what a great deal you are getting on a property. The fact is, if it is such a good deal, why he/she didn't buy it. Don't take their word as to value. Ask for a comparable sales printout to show what other properties in the area are selling for. If comparable sales information shows the same square meters as the house you are looking at, then take a drive by and see if it is correct. Don't leave the homework to your agent; make sure you do a little bit of your own assessment.
  • Don't be bullied by agents.
    Don't be afraid to speak openly with your agent if something is being done that is not to your advantage. Unfortunately there are some agents who are unethical, and work only to ensure that they get their commission. Sometimes they will refuse to present your offer to the owner when it is their obligation and duty to do so.

    Many times an agent will lie and tell you to your face that your offer has been rejected, when in fact, it was never presented. If you feel that this may be the case, don't be afraid to go over the agents head and see the owner of the agency. If you find a broker is uncooperative or not acting in your interests, then the best thing is to go to another agent. The new agent will approach the same owner on your behalf.

  • See some properties with the agent.
    Arrange to meet the agent and discuss fully what you are looking for. Do this before he/she takes you around to see some properties. Ask them to find a number of properties that will suit your requirements and make sure you are clear on exactly what you want so no time is wasted. The good agent will make an appointment for you to inspect properties very quickly so they can get a feel for what you are looking for.

    They will take you to all the properties and they will rearrange their times to suit your timetable. It is a good idea to take someone that you trust with you when you are looking at properties so you can get another opinion. Indicate to the agent that you are serious about your search and that if the right property is found, you would definitely be interested in proceeding. It is a good idea to take your check book with you so that the agent can see that you are serious about finding the right property.

    Sometimes buying a property from a typical agent can be difficult. Many of them will tell you not to call them by to check the properties from the advertisements that they place. These are the agents that would rather place an advertisement than call the right buyer so it might be wise to use other agents.

  • Note: The above points do not apply to all agents. We are talking about the disreputable minority out there. Most agents care about their work and they labor to represent their client efficiently and professionally. Those are the ones to look for.


    Copyright 2005 StartRunGrow
    http://www.startrungrow.com

    StartRunGrow (http://www.startrungrow.com) is a global online information organization that specializes in creating, developing and marketing business help information specifically with the aim of "making business easier" for entrepreneurs around the world. The StartRunGrow objective is to become a dominant player in the business help arena providing end to end solutions for the millions of small and medium businesses worldwide who continue to struggle daily with the difficulties of starting, running and growing a successful business.


    MORE RESOURCES:


    Annual Chicago Commercial Real Estate Awards Dinner winners
    REjournals.com
    by Illinois Real Estate Journal Reports The 22nd Annual Chicago Commercial Real Estate Awards Dinner took place at the Hilton Chicago last night. ...
    Tower, French market win big at real estate showChicago Sun-Times
    22nd Annual Chicago Commercial Real Estate Awards Dinner Recognizes ...PR Newswire (press release)

    all 6 news articles »


    Health Care Real Estate Seen to Curtail Economic Downturn
    CNNMoney.com (press release)
    Health Care REIT Inc. is an equity real estate investment trust. The firm engages in investment, development, and management of properties. ...

    and more »


    California public pension funds take new hits on real estate investments
    Sacramento Bee
    California's two big public pension funds took fresh hits to their troubled real estate portfolios this week, suggesting the fallout from the ...
    More real estate woes for CalPERSSan Francisco Chronicle

    all 4 news articles »


    Nantucket's real estate dip hits land bank
    Bizjournals.com
    The old whaling town turned vacation playground for the rich and famous experienced a sharp decline in real estate activity amid the recession, ...

    and more »


    Lime Wire (blog)

    Sunny Day Real Estate Planning New LP
    Prefixmag
    Recently reunited Emo OGs Sunny Day Real Estate have told Billboard that they plan to hit the studio to record a new album. ...
    Sunny Day Real Estate to Record New AlbumSpin Magazine
    Sunny Day Real Estate To Record New AlbumBillboard
    Inspired By the Weather, Sunny Day Real Estate Plan New AlbumLime Wire (blog)
    411mania.com -Examiner.com -MOG (blog)
    all 11 news articles »


    COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS
    Dallas Morning News
    Component Capital Group, a Dallas commercial real estate investment firm, bought a 49340-square-foot former Carnival grocery building in Carrier Crossing, ...

    and more »


    BigNews.biz (press release)

    Real-estate law: Use foreclosure time as your rebuilding season
    Orlando Sentinel
    You may also find that in some real estate markets, renting a home costs far less than owning it. So use that time to save your money to buy another home a ...
    Real Estate NewsGay and Lesbian Times

    all 56 news articles »


    bestattorneysonline.com Names the Best Illinois Real Estate Attorneys for ...
    Online PR News (press release)
    The independent authority on the best law firms, bestattorneysonline.com, released the March 2010 rankings of the best Illinois real estate law firms. ...

    and more »


    USAA Real Estate won Energy Star award
    San Antonio Express
    San Antonio's USAA Real Estate Co. has been honored for its commitment to energy efficiency by the Environmental Protection ...
    EPA Recognizes USAA Real Estate Company With 2010 ENERGY STAR(R) Sustained ...PR Newswire (press release)

    all 35 news articles »

    Google News

    home | site map | Colorado Log Homes | Homes for Sale in Denver Metro
    © 2006