Top 10 advice for real estate investors

1. Most real estate agents work on paid commission. Agents are not public real estate information provider.

2. Make an appointment, be on time and don’t expect an agent to drop everything to run out to show you a home.

3. Interview agents to find an agent with whom you are comfortable. Never interview two different agents from the same company.

4. Don’t call the Listing Agent if you are working with a buying agent. If you hire the listing agent to represent you, that agent will now be working under dual agency.

5. Don’t ask the open house agent questions about the seller or the seller’s motivation. Let your agent ask those questions for you.

6. Real estate agents are not CPA or Lawyer.

7. Always ask for and sign an agency agreement. It is solely a disclosure. It is not an agreement to agency.

8. Let your agent know how you want to communicate with you and how often, phone calls, fax, e-mails or by snail mail or all of the above?

9. Ask your agent to explain a form to you. It is our job. Many forms are very foreign to you, so ask for explanations until you are satisfied you understand or get advice from your lawyer.

10. If you aren’t ready to buy, you don’t need a real estate agent. Don’t waste an agent’s time if you aren’t ready to make a commitment.