Buying your first rental property can be a challenge, especially for those who are just starting out in the real estate business. The good news is, there are always professionals there to help you out. A skilled residential real estate agent can be the difference between success and failure when buying an investment property.
The key is to know how to find a real estate agent. So, here are 11 different ways of finding a residential real estate agent for buying an investment property.
#1. Ask Your Family and Friends
If you look around, you most probably know someone who has bought a house recently. Ask these people for references and see why they think that is the best real estate agent for your type of transaction. Believe us, you will find out a lot about an agent if you talk to people who have worked with them. That’s why referrals are the best way to find a residential real estate agent, especially if you are purchasing a property for investment purposes.
#2. Check Out Real Estate Websites
Finding a residential real estate agent should not be a hard task if you know what websites to check. Therefore, we recommend that you check out real estate websites which can refer agents to you. These sites usually work with the top real estate agents in certain areas. Still, be sure to research the agent before making a final choice.
Related: 10 Best Real Estate Investor Websites of 2018
#3. Go to Mashvisor
Being a real estate investment website, we’ve got your back on this one. Searching for a specialized residential real estate agent might be a challenge, but that’s not the case with Mashvisor. All you have to do is visit the Mashvisor Real Estate Agents Directory. You can filter the location where you want to find a real estate agent by state and city. From there, you’ll get a list of the top real estate agents in that area.
So, why wait? Click here to conduct a manual search. Or, you could schedule a quick call and we can connect you with top performing agents in your local housing market after learning exactly what you’re looking for!
#4. Search on Google
Another way to find a residential real estate agent to buy an investment property is the traditional Google search. All you have to do is to activate locations services and type in ‘real estate agents near me.’ The moment you hit ‘enter,’ you will have a list of real estate agents around your area.
After that, you can check their real estate agent websites and review their profiles. Otherwise, you will have to call or interview them to find out whether they work with residential real estate investors or not.
#5. Post It on Social Media
Social media has changed the game of investing in real estate. A simple post on your page or a local page/group could get you what you want in a matter of a few hours if not a few minutes. All you have to do is post your requirements for a residential real estate agent and leave the rest for people on that platform. It’s simple! So, why don’t you use this platform to find the best real estate agent for buying an investment property?
#6. Real Estate Investment Networks and Clubs
Real estate networks and clubs are the best when it comes to building connections in the real estate investing world. It’s the perfect opportunity to ask your fellow real estate investors for recommendations on the top performing real estate agent with whom they did business. If you find successful real estate investors, then it’s likely their referrals will be top-notch, so be sure to get contact info right away!
But, one thing we would suggest is to make sure you get referrals from someone who is investing in residential real estate properties. This could make a huge difference since it is better to work with a specialized agent.
Related: 5 Reasons for Joining a Real Estate Investment Club
#7. Ask Your Bank
We know banks are a great source for investment property financing. But did you know they can be a great source for finding real estate agents? Asking the bank you are dealing with for referrals is a great way to find a residential real estate agent who will hunt down the best real estate investments for you. After all, a bank won’t work with an agent unless they have experienced their level of professionalism.
#8. Look for Signs in Your Area
Another traditional way to find an agent would be keeping an eye out for signs in your neighborhood. You might find a real estate agent’s ad or even an ad for a brokerage that is located right around the corner.
#9. Check in the Real Estate Section of Your Local Newspaper
If your local newspaper has a section or a specialized real estate magazine, then go pick it up. You can easily find a residential real estate agent in this way.
#10. Ask Local Real Estate Companies
Check for real estate companies in your area. They work with real estate agents all the time and they should be able to refer you to a reliable one.
#11. Go to an Open House Event
One of the best opportunities to find a residential real estate agent is an open house event. An open house in real estate is when you open your home up for buyers to stop by without an appointment to check out the property. Find open house events in your area and attend a few different ones. You’re likely to meet residential real estate investment agents who will help you with the process of buying a property.
One tip we would give you to keep in mind when attending an open house: Do not fall for the seller’s agent. After all, he/she is representing their client’s interest and not yours. So remember that you are looking for a buyer’s agent.
Related: Dual Agent: Should You Consider Working With One?
To learn more about how we will help you make faster and smarter real estate investment decisions, click here.