When hiring an investor-friendly real estate agent, it’s essential to ask the right questions. Purchasing investment properties is a distinct venture, and not all real estate agents are equipped to assist with it. To help you make an informed decision, here are 17 questions you should ask a potential investor-friendly real estate agent:
1. Are You a Full-Time Agent?
Full-time agents can provide more dedicated attention to your real estate investment needs.
2. How Much Experience Do You Have?
Experience is crucial. Ask about their track record in buying and selling investment properties. Make sure to ask how long they have been in the industry and how many homes they have sold.
3. How Many Clients Are You Working With?
Ensure they can handle the number of clients you expect without compromising service quality.
4. Are Your Clients Mostly Buyers or Sellers?
Choose an agent that aligns with your investment goals, whether you’re buying or selling properties.
5. Do You Invest Yourself?
Agents with personal investment experience can offer valuable insights. Oftentimes they have a more of a “behind the scenes” type of view.
6. What Sets You Apart From Other Agents?
Learn about their unique strengths and specializations to determine the best fit for you.
7. Do You Have a Team? If So, What Role Do You Play in the Process?
If they have a team, understand the agent’s specific role and their level of involvement in your transactions.
8. How Well Do You Know the Local Market?
Familiarity with the local area is crucial, especially if you’re investing in a new location.
9. What Is Your Purchase Price to List Price Ratio?
This ratio can indicate how well the agent negotiates deals. Consider it depending on your buying or selling goals.
10. What Fees Must I Pay?
Clarify all fees involved in the transaction and inquire if their commission fees are negotiable.
11. How Many Clients Have You Helped Purchase Investment Properties?
Assess their expertise by understanding their track record in handling investment property transactions.
12. Can You Provide References From Past Clients?
Hearing from previous clients can provide valuable insights into the agent’s performance and client satisfaction.
13. Do You Find Properties Other Than Those Listed in the Multiple Listing Service?
Discover if the agent has access to off-market or alternative sources for finding properties.
14. What Is Your Marketing Plan?
Ensure the agent’s marketing strategy aligns with your investment goals, whether buying or selling.
15. Can You Help Me Find Other Professionals?
A strong network of professionals is essential for a successful real estate investment, so ask if the agent can recommend others.
16. How Often Will I Hear From You?
Clarify communication expectations to ensure they match your preferences and the time-sensitive nature of real estate.
17. Why Are You a Good Fit for Me?
Ask the agent to articulate why they are the right choice for your specific needs and goals.
Kyle Alfriend and the Alfriend Group
Kyle Alfriend was initially licensed in 1989 and has been representing buyers, sellers, and investors in real estate continually for 34 years. He manages the Alfriend Group at ReMax, a professional team able to serve all the needs of their clients. Their clients are currently split 60%/40% between sellers and buyers respectfully, with about 35% of each being investor clients.
Kyle began personally investing in real estate continually in 1986, purchasing and selling land, long-term rentals, short-term rentals, flips, and private mortgages. He has actively invested through virtually every economic condition in multiple states.
Kyle is actively involved in the local market as both an owner and investor. He has also represented over 3,000 satisfied clients, including over 900 active investors. These clients have provided us with wonderful reviews, and many are available to provide additional references.
The Alfriend Group at ReMax is a full-service team, handling all aspects of the transaction, and providing detailed weekly market updates, daily updates once in contract, and availability seven days a week. Kyle is the lead on all negotiations and market analysis, while his team handles all the transaction details, compliance, and paperwork, and details. All responsibilities, expectations, and fees are clearly spelled out, along with a detailed marketing plan, at the beginning of the relationship.
The Alfriend Group also owns and manages several properties and therefore has all the needed resources for their clients, including contractors, attorneys, accountants, and lenders. Because of their long-term active involvement in the real estate community, they also have access to many off-market properties.
Every real estate team has its unique set of strengths and the ideal client that matches those strengths. To see if the Alfriend Group is the ideal match for your needs, please reach out to us for a personal consultation.
It is through asking these questions that you can better evaluate the qualifications and compatibility of an investor-friendly real estate agent, helping you make informed decisions in your real estate investment ventures.