All Topics / The Treasure Chest / Helpful estate agents – are they having you on?

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  • Profile photo of peterppeterp
    Member
    @peterp
    Join Date: 2003
    Post Count: 307

    In the course of phoning real estate agents in a town to which I’m planning a study trip, I’ve come across variations in the attitudes of estate agents.

    All have been helpful, describing what properties are available and telling me a bit about the property and rental markets, etc (I won’t rely on this info, but it’s useful background).

    However after I specified my requirements (approx 9% annual return, brick & tile, built after 1985, walking distance to everything, 2 or 3 br and a price range based on recent sales) one agent said ‘I’ll find you something for sure – just see me when you get there’.

    This set alarm bells ringing – was he being very very helpful (and therefore better than the rest), or was he trying to recruit me as a ‘sucker’ to buy a slow-moving property.

    I’m inclined to 1. Walk around the neighbourhood first. 2. See other agents first. 3. Then see him later. 4. To ensure I’m in control (and not him), I’d not want to make a decision here and then. Even if it’s a good deal and I want to go ahead, I’d still wander out, grab a quick meal break and come back in 30 min.

    Any other ideas?

    Profile photo of DavidUDavidU
    Member
    @davidu
    Join Date: 2001
    Post Count: 101

    Hi

    Maybe this particular agent gets plenty of calls from wannabe ‘out of town’ investors who end up being a no show and is quite willing to help ONCE you show up.

    Who knows?

    My thoughts are if it’s a good deal, it’s a good deal… Just do your research first…This will mitigate the majority of your risk along with a good building and pest inspector that YOU choose not the agent.

    Just my thoughts…

    Cheers

    David

    Profile photo of OPMOPM
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    @opm
    Join Date: 2003
    Post Count: 110

    I imagine the agent thinks you’re just shooting the breeze and will show you his/her stock when you actually prove you’re a serious buyer by coming to his town.
    No reason for alarm bells to start ringing – i’ve heard this statement said by many agents over the years – what they are basically saying is that you should come and visit them, and then they will show you any stock that fits your criteria.
    Just make sure that you’re not feeling pressured into making a written offer on the first day. Have a look at what’s available, do the sums, have a sleep and then consider submitting a written offer.

    Profile photo of Stretch_2Stretch_2
    Member
    @stretch_2
    Join Date: 2003
    Post Count: 19

    Yeah Peter,

    Real estate agents are like puppy dogs, dont let them boss you around. Take control of the situation. The agent will feel this and back off depending on his personality. Show little confidence and theyll give you the full sales pitch. Alternatively, your self confidence overrides their level of professionalism and they buckle at the knees.
    Our last purchase, the real estate agent ended up talking the vendor down to our second offer!! which was still $30K below their asking price!

    There are those that LET it happen, and there are those that MAKE it happen!!

    Profile photo of SooshieSooshie
    Member
    @sooshie
    Join Date: 2002
    Post Count: 974

    Hi,

    Offer him two free movie tickets, when he finds you the right house for the right price. That will throw him!

    Cheers

    A naughty Sooshie, who should be in bed sleeping. [|)]

    There are no problems, only solutions

    Profile photo of Steve McKnightSteve McKnight
    Keymaster
    @stevemcknight
    Join Date: 2001
    Post Count: 1,763

    quote:


    Offer him two free movie tickets, when he finds you the right house for the right price. That will throw him!


    [:D]

    It’s OK to be sceptical, but give the guy a go face to face and you’ll be able to tell how genuine he his.

    Bye,

    Steve McKnight

    **********
    Remember that success comes from doing things differently.
    **********

    Steve McKnight | PropertyInvesting.com Pty Ltd | CEO
    https://www.propertyinvesting.com

    Success comes from doing things differently

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