How to Pick A Sure-Fire Real Estate Agent

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There are two types of real estate agents. The "seller's" agent, which is by far the best known, and the "buyers" agent. (Note! The information I am about to give you is in no way directed toward any individual person. I am only reporting my experience in dealing with real estate agents, and that of my friends and acquaintances. There are always exceptions to any group of people!) To find a creative agent, you will be looking for a buyer’s agent.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

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Step1

When you first contact an agent, which can be found in the phone book, and better yet, the classified ad section of your local newspaper, ask them if they will represent you on a future property purchase, that you haven't found yet. If they are slow to answer, or say no, then they are not what you are looking for. A buyer's agent will be quick to take your name and phone number to correspond with you later. If the agent does ask for your name and number, than ask if they have ever done an unconventional property transaction. Again, if they seam uncomfortable with the question, or answer no, follow up by asking if they would be interested in doing creative ideas on a property deal.

Step2

(Finding an buyer agent in the phone book (does anyone advertise there any more) or in classifieds is s sure way to end up with an agent representing a seller, whose job it is to get the best deal for the seller. The only right answer is yes! Most of the time, an agent who does creative property deals, has done creative property deals for themselves, as well as others, in the past. They will be quick to point out their past deals, with pride! They also will want to talk about how they did them Step2

Step3

When you finally find "your" agent, they will want to meet with you, to find out more about what you are looking for. Most of the time, the agent will probably have some homes of their own listed, which may fill your needs. This first meeting is very important to you, so you can see if this agent is someone you can work with (some people don't like other people just because). The agent needs you to be completely honest, and open, about where you stand on the following points: (A)What you need. If all you want is a home of your own, than tell him/her that, but if you want income property, say so. (B) Your present money situation. No money down can still reguire closing costs. If you tell an agent representing the seller your financial situation they will tell the seller. A good agent though, can work with-in the boundaries you give. So if you only have a little cash, tell them that. This won't stop a good creative agent! (C)How comfortable are you with risk? This can be very important to the agent in determining how much property to deal on for you. A good agent won't put you in over your head! Step3 Your agent should want to talk about your ideas. When you find a property, suggest ideas to your agent, from the ways in this program, that could make the deal work. Your suggestions can start the creative prossess working in the mind of your agent, which can lead to new ways of doing the deal. Talk to your agent often, esspecially when you find property your interested in. Always remember to use your agent, and them only, when ever possible. If you find a property listed with another agent that you want to submit an offer on, go through your agent, not the sellers agent. By doing business this way , you build a good working relationship with your agent, and they will always be looking out for whats best for you in all your deals. Finding an agent is a good first step but finding the right one what will actually advocate for you is not always a simple matter and should be done with as much research as you put into finding property to buy. You can find some additional info at www.naeba.org (there is a link to it from Suzi Orman's book too)