Your real estate agent is a resource for more than buying/selling property

Most people understand the obvious value of your real estate agent, but did you know that there’s a lot more to that relationship you can exploit?

While not all agents approach business the same way, we are obligated to work to the best of their ability on your behalf for all real estate transactions. We position, search, negotiate, network, and in some cases create deals not even on the horizon through strategic pitch work. (For example, you are DYING to have a house in, say, the Sleepy Hollow community, an agent might launch a campaign to certain homes in the neighborhood to determine if they’d be willing to sell. Someone raises their hand and BOOM, you have a house. SWEET!)

But aside from buying and selling, did you know that your agent is a valuable resource for the industry as a whole? And not just in your community—THE WORLD. {cue maniacal laughter}

Jokes aside, real estate is no different than other industries. We all have that family member or friend who is in an industry that comes in handy. Like IT. When you have an issue with your phones, desktop, printer connectivity or even Alexa oddities, I bet you go right to that person, don’t you?

My husband is everyone’s IT guy. Laptops. Phones. Internet. You name it, and he has helped someone get passed some nonworking tech. Funny thing is, he’s not really in IT; he’s a software engineer. But he does know about technology. That means it’s close enough!

You can use your real estate agent in a similar way. If one thing is true in real estate is that no two transactions are alike. That means that, just through experience, your agent has experienced a lot. And if we don’t have first-hand experience, odds are we know someone who does.

Below are some ways that you can use your real estate agent to benefit you.

“Nothing makes us feel any better than a friend, colleague or client tapping us on the shoulder for advice.”

Investing guidance

Perhaps you’re looking to diversify your portfolio by adding real estate investments. Maybe you want to try your hand at flipping, or even being a landlord. Great news! Your real estate agent can lean in here if you need it.

Aside from showing you property, we can point you to areas where we know are “in bloom,” or suggest, based on available market data, certain types of buying trends. Real estate agents have a vast network, so if you’re looking for an off market deal—or even an auction or a foreclosure—odds are they can provide assistance.

Auction representation

Speaking of auctions, it’s a nutty world out there, and you don’t have to brave that alone! (Trust me! I’ve been there.) Auctions can be good avenues to find deals—depending on the structure.

If you haven’t gone this route before, I recommend you having a chat with your agent about the pros and cons of buying from an auction. Like all home buying experiences, buying a home via auction can be a fast process, and it’s important you understand the tradeoffs going in. There’s nothing worse than getting into a deal realizing it wasn’t a deal after all. (*cough* buyer’s premium)

Most auction houses are used with working with agents. So having an agent with you on a walk-through or at a live bid isn’t foreign. (And even if it was, who cares!) If this is an investment property, we can sit with you and discuss future valuation or how to maximize renno dollars for faster resale. And like traditional deals, we can represent you throughout the transaction.

Design consultation

While not always every agent’s forte, many agents get into the business because they love homes—including decorating and staging their own home. Nothing makes us feel any better than a friend, colleague or client tapping us on the shoulder for advice.

As a blanket rule, we’re delighted to share our thoughts about anything design: whitewashing your brick fireplace, replacing that mid-century green tub, changing the layout of your kitchen. We love that stuff! And we’re happy to go down a rabbit hole with you on light fixtures. Between colors, sizes and styles, it could certainly drive someone to the brink.

And while sometimes it seems the answer would be obvious, knocking down a wall doesn’t suit every house. Neither does whitewashing a fireplace. (Though, GAH! It does look nice.) If you’re not sure the right moves for your home—and you’re thinking about the future reseale—shoot us a text. We’re happy to talk design anytime.  

“Finding an agent experienced in rehabbing or flipping can be as easy as a quick phone call.”

Craftsman help

If and when you decide to undergo a reno project, there’s a good chance that we have several go-tos for virtually everything. See, Realtors® have an extensive network to help us get houses bought and sold. Quality craftsmen are a huge part of that success. When we find a company who goes over and beyond, we never forget. EVER. (We also never forget the companies who %$#@ stuff up!) So it definitely behooves you to check with your agent buddy. They know—or can find out—the folks you need to help get the job done.

Rehabbing or Flipping

If you’re interested in rehabbing or flipping a home, your agent is a good first stop. Clearly, as in the above, the agent network can help you find good craftsmen resources to help you execute the work.

Many agents dabble in various types of real estate endeavors. Finding an agent experienced in rehabbing or flipping can be as easy as a quick phone call. And is immensely helpful if this is your first project. While those HGTV specials make it look easy, the process of rehabbing isn’t something that can be adequately squished into a 30-minute episode. Learning from your agent’s experience could set you up for success. (The devil you know is better than the devil you don’t.)

Buying/selling in other locations

Here’s the misnomer. Your real estate agent lives in Richmond, Virginia. So he/she can’t possibly help you buy/sell in Manzanita, Oregon. FAKE NEWS!

Real estate agents have a wide network of contacts across the country. There’s a good chance we know someone in that area. Or it’s also possible the brokerage has an office close by. Regardless, we’ll work to find you the right agent by vetting to ensure it’s a good fit. (We have a standard for our clients that agents must meet, after all!)

If your Realtor® does recommend someone you end up using, your agent can earn a referral fee. In that case it’s a win/win/win.

Many agents have solid experience you can tap into.

For example, I’m an investor, a landlord and a landowner. I like to maximize my effort when rehabbing homes, to get the biggest bang for my buck. I also do a lot of business with out-of-state clients, which requires a much different level of support and communication.

So if you’re reading this and are thinking about rehabbing, investing or becoming a landlord, we should have coffee. If you’re out of town, a Zoom coffee date works just as well.  

And as much as I’d like to think I’m a unicorn, I’m not. Many agents have unique experiences you can tap into. Are they the expert of modern architecture? Do they specialize in new home builds? Are they the agent of [fill in the blank]. Do they specialize in rural land acquisition? Or multi-family units?

So if you’re considering any one of these, reach out to your agent. Or reach out to me!

I haven’t met a challenge that I didn’t like. (Expect for removing wallpaper. That challenge, I did not care for at all.)