Choosing the right real estate agent is crucial when you are investing in real estate. You need someone who is not only knowledgeable about the local market but is also investor-friendly. An investor-friendly agent can help you make the best decisions for your investments and can even help you find deals that are not on the market yet. Here are ten questions to ask when working with an investor-friendly real estate agent in Portland.
1. How many investment properties have you sold in the past year?
You want to work with an agent who has experience working with investors. While many can help their clients find deals, not all have experience in selling investment properties. As an investor, this is likely a skill you will want your agent to have. Ask them how many investment properties they have sold in the past year and what types of properties they have sold. You’ll also want to inquire about prices, timelines, and profits. This will give you an idea of their experience and expertise in the investment property market.
2. What is your experience with property management?
If you plan on renting out your investment property, you need an agent who is knowledgeable about property management. Ask them if they have experience managing rental properties and if they can provide references from clients they have worked with in the past. If they do not offer these services, they are likely partnered with a company that can handle these needs for you.
3. Can you provide market data and analysis?
An investor-friendly agent should be able to provide you with market data and analysis to help you make informed decisions about your investments. Ask them if they can provide you with data on sales trends, rental rates, and demographic information for the areas you are interested in. At Bridgetown Home Buyers, we specialize in developing these sorts of reports for our clients.
4. What is your strategy for finding investment properties?
Ask your agent about their strategy for finding investment properties. Do they have access to off-market deals? Do they work with wholesalers or other investors? A good agent should have a solid strategy for finding investment properties that meet your criteria. They should be versed in properties both on the MLS and off-market.
5. Can you provide referrals for lenders, contractors, and other professionals?
As an investor, you will need to work with a variety of professionals, including lenders, contractors, and property managers. Ask your agent if they can provide referrals for these professionals. A good agent should have a network of professionals they can recommend to help you with your investments. Having a professional and experienced network can make all the difference in your investment success.
6. What is your commission structure?
Make sure you understand your agent’s commission structure before you start working with them. Some agents may offer discounts or reduced rates for investors who buy multiple properties. Others may charge a higher commission for investment properties. Make sure you understand all of the costs associated with working with your agent before signing any contracts.
7. Do you have experience with 1031 exchanges?
If you plan on doing a 1031 exchange, you need an agent who is knowledgeable about the process. Ask your agent if they have experience with 1031 exchanges and if they can provide references from clients they have worked with in the past. The process can be complicated, so you’ll need to work with someone who knows what they are doing.
8. How do you handle multiple offers?
In a competitive market, you may find yourself in a bidding war for a property. Ask your agent how they handle multiple offers and what strategies they use to help you win the bid without overspending.
9. Can you help with due diligence?
Due diligence is an important part of the investment process. Your agent should be able to help you with due diligence by providing referrals for inspectors, appraisers, and other professionals. They should also be able to help you review contracts and other legal documents.
10. What is your availability?
Finally, make sure you understand your agent’s availability. How quickly can they respond to your calls and emails? Are they available on weekends and evenings? You want to work with an agent who is responsive and available when you need them. The best agents will be proactive, responsive, and genuinely focused on your best interest.
Choosing an investor-friendly real estate agent is crucial when investing in real estate. By asking these ten questions, you can find an agent who has the experience, expertise, and network to help you make informed decisions about your investments. Remember to ask about their experience with investment properties, property management, market data and analysis, their strategy for finding investment properties, referrals for other professionals, their commission structure, experience with 1031 exchanges, how they handle multiple offers, their availability, and how they can help with due diligence. It may seem like a lot of questions to ask up front, but getting the answers you need and choosing the right agent to help you will be pivotal in your real estate success. If you are ready to buy investment property in Portland, reach out to our team to find out what we can do for you! 503-765-9326