What you need to know about working with lenders

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If you are looking to invest in the residential property market in the U.S., you might be overwhelmed by your financing options. There are a lot of options available when it comes to investing in real estate, even without cash, but one straightforward and low-risk option is working with private equity lenders.

 

Let’s quickly break this down for you. 

Private: Meaning that it isn’t under a bank or large investment firm. 

Equity: The money.

Lenders: They let you use their money in return for a small cut/fee. 

 

Often you might hear these referred to as ‘mortgage lenders’ in Australia. 

Borrowing from private equity lenders is usually less rigid than having to take out a loan from banks, or similar institutions, because you’re borrowing from someone who has their own funds and, therefore, more relaxed terms. 

Private equity lending in the U.S. is pretty rampant, so you have plenty of choices when it comes to different lenders. You will need to do your due diligence and make sure you cover all options before choosing a trusted lender. 

So if the thought of working with an often rigid bank loan is putting you off, then why not consider a private equity lender. 

They are a great way for Aussies and Kiwis to unlock funding to invest in U.S. property. Investing in residential real estate in the U.S. is a great way to make profit as compared to Australian markets because there’s so many to choose from and the stamp duties and other taxes are either non-existent or incredibly low. 

What is a private equity lender?

Private equity lenders are also known as hard money lenders or mortgage lenders in Australia. They are usually private investors or companies that won’t hold you to the same repayment terms as banks or other lending institutions. They also exist out of public markets and exchanges. 

Traditional mortgaging can feel restricting, especially with rigid policies in place. Hard money lenders have more lenient criteria, despite some loan terms being shorter making it the quickest way to secure your funds. Perfect for if you’re in a hurry to invest. In just a matter of days (not weeks or months), you can get your money and seal the deal on your investment. 

If you are an Australian investing in the U.S. property market, getting a traditional loan can be complex. Hard money lenders often cater to foreign investors because they know how difficult it can be to understand a loaning institution’s policies from another country. Dealing with a bank can be frustrating in any country, especially one abroad. 

Private equity lenders are especially well placed for Australian investors looking to flip houses and resell quickly, due to their short-term nature. If you aim to renovate a property, sell it then move on to the next purchase, this option is definitely for you. 

As a foreign investor you can use the funds you’ve secured from a private lender in these ways:

  • Borrowing funds to purchase a property with a deposit or downpayment
  • Borrowing funds to renovate a property after having purchased it 
  • Refinancing capital back out of a flowing investment property 

4 points to note when working with a private equity lender


We’ve already touched on a few of the benefits above, but now it’s time to see exactly how beneficial private equity lenders in the U.S. can be for your property investment. Here are some points you want to note:

1. Loan to Value Ratios (LVRs) are lower for foreign investors

 

While interest rates are generally higher for foreigners, (they’re often up around 7-8% or even more depending on the loan and deal criteria), loan to value ratios are generally lower.  This can mean that you may need a higher deposit, but with more affordable markets. The good news is that deposits could be as low as $30,000 – $40,000 USD.


A loan to value ratio is calculated as a percentage and is used by lenders to assess the risk of accepting a loan application. The lower the loan to value ratio, the less the risk for the lender when it comes to handing over the capital. 

 

As a foreign investor, loan to value ratios can range around 65-70% of valuation compared to 80% or even as high as 90% for local residents with low FICO (Fair Isaac Corporation) scores. A FICO score calculates your credit and gives a clear picture of how likely you are to repay a loan. This affects how much you can borrow from a lender. 

2. “He who has the gold, makes the rules” 

 

Because the money belongs to the lender, they can make their own rules including lending criteria and decisions about who they lend to. They can be more flexible in terms of repayments, making it easier for you if your investment needs don’t fit a lending institution’s stringent payment schemes.

 

The lack of regulations may work in your favour but they can be a potential risk as well. It is still your responsibility to find a trustworthy lender. Do your research, conduct background checks and ensure that you find past client reviews and even get in touch with them personally so you have someone to vouch for them. Finding social proof around the lender will help immensely as someone else can attest to their professionalism and how they work. More experienced lenders might be a better option because they already have insight into the investment process. 

3. It makes investing in the U.S. quicker

 

Because you can secure funding quickly, your turnaround time will also be much faster compared to traditional mortgaging options. Faster renovations means securing profit much sooner, allowing you to work on more homes and rinse and repeat. 

 

Return on investment comes in more rapidly compared to high bank loans that can take a long time to be approved. Private lenders tend to have quick liquidity provided that you are someone they trust and you agree with their criteria. 

 

Depending on your arrangement, you can forgo monthly repayments and just pay in bulk when the property sale goes through. This way you can move much faster with more capital, giving you more time to focus on your residential property investment and getting renovations completed. 

4. They work with you and want you to succeed

 

Having a vested interest in your investment means that your investors will want you to succeed and they’ll want to help you out. Your success means they gain as well, so your growth is directly proportional to theirs. 

Private equity lenders may like to involve themselves in your decisions or offer their expertise. Some private lenders work with ‘fix and flip’ loans frequently so have an idea about contractors and work processes in the local area. A lender who fits with your schedule and whose personality complements yours, can make a big difference to your portfolio and help a smooth transaction for strong returns. 

Investing in residential real estate in the U.S. without cash can feel daunting, but it’s definitely not impossible. Hard money lenders are a great option for foreign investors loan to value ratios, flexible criteria and proven returns. Taking the time to research a trustworthy lender will pay off with fast money access meaning you can buy and renovate your U.S. property investment that much faster and sell it again for profit.

 

At Star Dynamic, we work exclusively with a private equity lender that specialises in foreign investment into the U.S. property market. 

 

We hosted a live webinar with them on last Thursday, March 3rd 2022. Click here to watch our replay. 

Why real estate is a good long-term investment

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If you have some extra money in the bank you’re probably feeling like it’s wasted, the bank’s low interest rates mean you are getting nothing for saving it, so how do you put those dollars to work? 

If you’ve reached a point where you’re financially ready for a long-term investment, how about an overseas investment option? Long-term investments are a good way to earn passive income to boost what you earn regularly and make life a little more comfortable, either now or in retirement. 

Where to invest is not a small decision, especially when there are several options in front of you:

  • Real estate – Buying residential or commercial property (or various types of property shares) for lease and resale.
  • Stocks – This is when you have partial ownership or equity in a company and can see your money grow as the company profits. 
  • Bonds – These are loans that a company lends to investors. A company is indebted to you and there is no equity or shares involved. 
  • Cash equivalents – This is the total value of on-hand cash and current assets. While cash equivalents are good for long-term investments, they’re not ideal for retirement plans because the return on investment (ROI) is pretty low. 

While all these options are viable sources of passive income, the most popular investment is residential real estate. Unlike many items on the list real estate investments come with minimal risk, great tax benefits, and consistent appreciation. Real estate is the long-term investment Aussies and Kiwis are jumping on, sending prices soaring, so it’s refreshing to know there is a ready and widely available property market waiting in the U.S.A.

There are a number of benefits to investing in the U.S.A. The perks for residential real estate there are very different to the investment setup you might be familiar with in Australia or New Zealand. 

For example:

  • There are little to no stamp duties 
  • Mortgage rates tend to be more long-term, giving you more time 
  • It’s more flexible in general 
  • Housing prices are significantly cheaper

Because the U.S.A has a denser market there are more residential properties up for grabs and more people actively looking to purchase and rent quality homes, making both flipping properties and leasing them easy sources of passive income. 

Prices are currently climbing with U.S.A residential real estate doing well, but it’s comforting to know that even if the spike slows down you’ll still have a stable source of passive income since even in slow periods your investment continues on a gentle climb. 

What makes an investment “long-term”?

Long-term investments are ones that are held for more than one year. To see a good return, the usual stance is: the longer the better with people holding on to their investments for decades, even lifetimes. It’s an investment strategy that’s best suited to those who don’t need fast access to their funds and are prepared to wait it out, (perhaps a decade or two) until their investment fully matures. 

This is different from short-term investments where investors expect their ROI immediately or within a few months. You can choose this option if you need to meet financial goals ASAP or need fast money to fund other projects. In most cases, these investments are high risk/high gain, while long term investments are usually more predictable rather than risky.

A smart investor understands that long-term investments aren’t going to pay off instantly. A slow rise in value is part of the long-term investment process. 

 

5 advantages to long-term U.S.A real estate investment

 

If you are already looking at options for residential real estate properties in Australia it’s well worthwhile considering the U.S.A market tool, the benefits will surprise you. While foreign residential real estate investment can seem daunting, these five advantages may help you “think abroader”:

1. Capital appreciation

Property gains genuine value with time in the U.S.A — whilst it can be generally mild compared to Australia and New Zealand, their market is currently appreciating rapidly as more people in the U.S.A are looking for housing and will pay the prices the market sets because of increased demand.

While some people are worried that the U.S.A market may crash, as it did previously during the infamous housing bubble of 2007, better measures have been put in place to control lending so that the property market continues to climb with genuine financial backing.

Investors are benefiting from the wealth effect of the U.S.A market and will continue to as long as demand for housing increases.  

 

2. Tax Benefits

A long-term investment in a U.S residential property comes with special tax benefits. Tax deductions apply on mortgage interest, insurance, property tax and cash flow from the properties themselves. 

Repairs, maintenance and even travel expenses can be eligible for tax deductions. While these are attractive, make sure you get a tax professional so you can ensure that you get the best possible deal. 

 

3. Passive income

One of the biggest benefits of U.S. Property.  Leasing out your property provides passive income all year round, so long as you keep the investment going and look after it. A big bonus with passive income is that it will keep ticking through without much effort or input from you. In terms of capital gains, the property will appreciate on its own, offering you a better ROI the longer you keep it, in addition to the lease payments every month.

 

4. Great returns (with minimised risk)

Real estate is considered one of the safest investments worldwide. Because it’s so stable and the population will continue to grow in the U.S.A, people will always be looking for housing, keeping those money wheels turning. 

Compared to other long-term investments like stocks and bonds, real estate offers certainty. Property rarely sees the sharp peaks and sudden troughs of the stock market, typically showing a slow and steady climb year-round. As well as traversing the ups and downs of stocks you also need specific skills in order to really get the most out of your investment. 

Real estate investment doesn’t require any special skills and it’s suitable for entry-level investors.

 

5. You’re the boss

A residential property investment is something you’re in full control of. Instead of relying on a company for shares and having them take control of what comes next, you’re the one in charge—you’re the boss. Unlike stocks, once you invest in property, you don’t have to worry about a volatile market that may cause your net worth to dilute overnight. You make your own decisions and take action when you see fit. If you feel a renovation needs to be made, you call the shots. If you want maintenance looked at, you’re at the helm.

Ultimately, it’s your decision and your team on the ground will carry it out for you. 

Real estate is an ideal long-term investment because of its steady pace and predictable appreciation with time. While it’s not for those who want instant gratification, it’s a solid way to grow your wealth slowly with the added benefit of passive income from tenants while you wait. 

 

If you want to learn how to start making money from residential real estate in the U.S, give us a call.

How to find good contractors

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As you build your team for your property investment in the U.S.A., each member will have different specialisations and corresponding tasks in ensuring that your property is managed properly. In a team where everyone has a role to play, it’s important to hire someone who can be the glue in the group and ensure that everything is running smoothly.

 

A general contractor in the U.S.A works as the manager of a project, whether the property is a new build or is in need of construction or renovation. They are responsible for the overall coordination of the build and will ensure that the project comes together under their supervision.

 

A general contractor is generally a qualified tradesperson so they will have the most hands-on knowledge and experience about the project and how the property is coming together. They play a critical role in seeing the build through because they oversee the quality of work by all the hired subcontractors while providing all the services and equipment that your property needs.

 

Taking the time to find a good contractor is important because you need someone that you can work well with and has the qualifications and experience to see the project through.

What is a general contractor?

 

Contractors are usually hired contractually per project within a specific time frame. They are skilled tradespeople who are knowledgeable about different aspects of construction including:

 

  • Masonry
  • Carpentry
  • Framing
  • Plumbing

 

This allows a general contractor to understand all the construction work in the project and communicate effectively with different hired labourers in the crew. While they possess excellent construction skills, contractors are hired for their managerial skills. They will often recruit specialised labourers called subcontractors and oversee their work to ensure the success of the project.

 

A general contractor is responsible for the safety and wellbeing of everyone they hire. So if a subcontractor accidentally snaps a floorboard or shatters a window, for example, it still ultimately rests on the general contractor because they are his people. 

 

Like registered builders in Australia and New Zealand, general contractors are also responsible for the following:

 

  • Acquiring building permits (if needed)
  • Site maintenance
  • Subcontractor maintenance
  • Property security
  • Disposal and recycling of construction waste
  • Cash flow for any subcontractors or other specialists they may have hired
  • Accurate recordkeeping

 

Unlike trade specific contractors, general contractors will be able to oversee everyone and have an existing pool of subcontractors ready. If you have a project manager for the property, trade specific contractors (i.e. separate carpenters, plumbers, and electricians who don’t all work together or under the same contractor) might be the answer.

 

However, a group of trade specific contractors who don’t have an established relationship may not work well with each other or with the project manager, making it harder for you since you can’t be on the ground. A general contractor can save you this headache because they already have a set of qualified people they can work with. 

 

You may come across non-licensed candidates in your search for a good contractor so keep in mind that general contractors are required to have a license. Non-licensed contractors may be working to get their licenses (others, however, don’t ever plan to), but it’s safer to hire someone who is licensed so you can have the peace of mind that the job will be done. 

 

Hiring non-licensed contractors runs the risk of an unfinished build or a complete one done poorly. Whereas a licensed contractor, who needs to maintain their quality of work to avoid getting their license revoked, will be invested in completing the build to the best of their abilities.

 

Contractors have a huge responsibility on their hands—they’re your eyes and ears on the ground while the build is ongoing—so having one you trust in your investment team and one who gels with you well can make all the difference. 

How to find a good contractor

 

Finding a good contractor takes a lot of discernment and a good process of elimination in order to find someone who will work best with you.

 

There are two popular methods:

 

  1. Searching – This doesn’t mean you should stick to the first Google search result you see. By using search engines, online testimonials, and even company pages, you can learn which contractors are well-recommended, have a good work portfolio, and have past customers who can vouch for their ability. Sites like Bigger Pockets or Angie’s List are good places to start.
  2. Advertising – By posting an ad online, you can have contractors come to you instead of you looking for them. This might help you better sift through candidates as they will have an idea about the project already from your ad.

 

It can be overwhelming to wade through different options, so here are some tips that can help you narrow down your search:

 

  1. Rely on companies more than individuals – It’s much easier to transfer payments to companies rather than individuals and it can give you peace of mind knowing that it’s a more professional transaction. 
  2. Ensure there is insurance in place – There needs to be safety measures for your property and for your contractor and subcontractors in case of accidents during the build.
  3. Find people who are permit-savvy and accept payments in installments – Installments ensure that contractors will have the funds they need to purchase the necessary materials and equipment for the build while giving you time to save up for the next payment. 
  4. Contractors who take comprehensive photos and videos are usually reliable – Good documentation is important so that you know how things are progressing over time. You can see how the property develops and can make changes if needed before the construction is completed. 
  5. Referrals are important – The members on your investment team may already know some good contractors that you can all work well with. Your team are the experts in the field, so they may have contacts you can use. 

Hiring a contractor

 

Putting together a good team is part of making your investment property a business, which helps you maximise profit and success. Running an investment property like a business helps you make the best of it as it keeps you on top of everything, which includes being discerning when it comes to who you’re bringing into the team. 

 

Following these steps can make your hiring process more efficient and help you find a contractor who works best for your investment:

 

  1. Research – Find candidates (whether through ads, searching, or referrals) who fit your style. Remember that it’s important that they work well with you. There may be good contractors, but not all of them will be good for you. They may have different work hours, communication style or even work standards from you. Find someone you think will be easy to work with.
  2. Go through resumes – Be meticulous when you look through a candidate’s credentials. Check if they have referrals you can call and verify the information with. This will ensure that you’ve got the very best on your team. 
  3. Conduct interviews – Face-to-face interviews are the best, but as a foreign investor, you won’t always have that option. If you can at least interview them through Zoom, Skype, or any kind of video conferencing system, that will suffice. Avoid tests or emails as communication is more than just words being said. 
  4. Welcome them to the team – By welcoming your contractor, you open up communication and camaraderie in the team, which can help everyone work better together. 

 

Good contractors will ensure that construction for your property is on track and that your property is in tip-top condition. They are an essential addition to your team and will help you make the best of your investment because of their construction skills and managerial skills, ensuring that you have someone you can trust on the ground. 

 

If you want to know more about finding good contractors, we have an exclusive training kit on this topic!  Click here to get yourself a free copy.

How to find a property manager you can trust

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As an Australian  or New Zealander, investing in property in the U.S. has so many benefits. But having to coordinate with renters when you’re not even in the same time zone can feel impossible. What if they have urgent concerns? Coordinating a solution for them might take days with time zone delays, or might mean you need to be on call 24/7. 

 

This is just one scenario that could easily be solved if you have a property manager you trust on the ground. A property manager will handle your property for you and take care of rentals on your behalf. Having someone on the ground in the States will make it easier for you and relieve you of the burden of having to oversee the property from a completely different continent. 

 

A trustworthy property manager will also keep you updated on the status of your property and be able to step in if there are rental prospects. On the flip side, if you employ someone who isn’t loyal or dedicated to the job, you run the risk of not knowing what’s going on with your property and being on the back foot when it comes to repairs, maintenance, and troubleshooting issues, potentially affecting your return on investment (ROI).

 

To know how trustworthy a property manager is you’ll need to go through a thorough screening process, reviewing references and past work in order to find someone who’s not only outstanding in their field, but also someone reliable. 

What does a property manager do?

 

When you’re unable to manage the property yourself (i.e. it’s far from your location, you work full time, or you live overseas), you’ll need to hire a property manager. They’ll oversee the daily operations and, if vacant, will hold onto the keys until a renter is ready to inspect. At this point they will screen potential tenants for you and help you decide which tenant will be a good fit and take care of the property as if it was their own.

 

Landlords who are available and in close proximity to the property can still find great benefit in hiring a property manager because it takes a lot of emotion out for the investor. A property manager is a trained professional who can handle communications calmly and knows how to find solutions to property problems because they’ve done it before. 

 

Even the best tenants may have complaints or need to bring something to your attention from time to time. It can be a great thing because it means you get to know about improvements that can be made. A property manager can look after these situations with faster turnarounds because they are close by, and can talk to the right agents to get the job completed, because they know the property and the industry so well.

 

Finding a good property manager means you can feel reassured by the fact that they have your best interest in mind and will apply their experience with overseeing your residential real estate investment. 

 

Property managers also supervise any maintenance or changes you need to make to the property. In case the property needs repairs or upgrades, they’ll be your eyes and ears on the ground to coordinate with workers and make sure everything is finished to the highest quality. While technology makes it possible for you to see what’s going on via calls, it’s better to have someone physically present in order to make quick decisions on your behalf.

 

Rent collection (AKA your passive income), also falls into the property manager’s hands. They will make sure that rent comes in promptly every month. They’ll communicate with you right away in case there are problems with rent and help you decide the best way to resolve any issues.

Why a good property manager is necessary when investing in residential real estate 

 

Property managers take care of everything property-related for you, which is necessary when you can’t jump on a plane and fly over to oversee a burst pipe. 

 

With a property manager on your team, you’ll have someone to oversee your property, provide feedback, and help with decision making using local knowledge and resources. They have your best interest at heart and will follow through with your vision despite how far away you are. 

 

Having that proximity to the property makes it easier on both of you. In case anything unexpected happens, they can be there in a heartbeat. If a tenant needs something, your property manager is ready to deal with them personally and without having to call you in the middle of the night.

 

Enforcing policies for the tenant is crucial too because it keeps the property well-maintained. Property managers are important in this aspect because they can keep a close eye on tenants and get back to you if any policies are in violation or there is any behaviour you need to take further action on. On the flip side, they also take care of any requirements the tenants have, to ensure you are in compliance with policies as the landlord as well.

 

Due diligence on your property manager’s history is essential to avoid difficulties, or even financial troubles. While we pride ourselves on exceptional hiring and overseeing of property managers, from time to time a bad apple does pop up.

 

We’ve had instances in the past where bad property managers didn’t do their job. In one case, there was just no communication, we had to constantly chase them for monthly statements and rental payments. In that case, the tenant even vacated the property and no one was informed. 

 

On another occasion, a property manager consistently charged for repairs and call-outs to a number of properties when the properties were all fully renovated prior to tenants moving in. We couldn’t necessarily prove these were illegitimate expenses, but we chose to change managers anyway.

 

Finding a good property manager is important to avoid these situations and bring about the best possible environment for everyone involved with the property. They handle the most important aspects of the property so having an experienced and trustworthy manager will ease the pressure off yourself and increase the likelihood of success. 

How to find a good property manager

 

Potentially, the most difficult part of this process is not finding a property manager (there are hundreds available) but finding the right property manager for you. There are hundreds of people who may fit the description on paper but they won’t always be compatible with you or your preferred management style. You may not like how they screen tenants or how they oversee operations, so being selective is important at this stage.

 

Here are some steps you can take to find a good property manager: 

 

  • Find reputable property managers in the area 
  • Visit their other properties
  • Ask friends and family for referrals
  • Research online
  • Interview more than just one person for the job

 

Remember that we can help you with this process as we already have a wide network of property managers, real estate agents, and maintenance professionals we can tap into who have proven track records of work done with us previously.

 

Once you’ve shortlisted some people for the position, you need to know more about them and their management style, such as:

 

  • Their experience with handling residential properties
  • Their screening process for tenants
  • How they will go about contacting you (and how frequently)

 

Finding a property manager you can trust who can represent you at a local level and tend to your U.S. residential property is essential for maintaining your investment and your peace of mind. It can feel daunting to have to leave your property to someone else and hand them the keys but, if you find a reputable person for the job, you can rest easy knowing that it will be taken care of for you.

 

To get more in depth information on finding a good Property manager, we have a training guide on exactly this topic!  Click here to download a free copy.

How to find a real estate agent you can trust

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You’ve fully renovated your newly purchased investment property in the U.S and you’re gunning to sell for an outstanding profit or bring in some quality tenants – but the onslaught of marketing and fielding questions from interested parties is becoming a struggle.

 

Not only is the distance a problem, but the significant time zone differences between Australia and the U.S can affect the urgency of your communications and document signing. A potential buyer can only stay interested for so long before being lured by a more enticing property, leaving you at a disadvantage as an Aussie/NZ vendor. 

 

This is why you need to hire a real estate agent in the U.S.A to help take your residential investment property to the next level. 

 

Having a trustworthy real estate agent that potential buyers and tenants can contact and meet up with in person gives a property instant credibility as well as open communications for smoother transactions. A trustworthy real estate agent will also look after your marketing and advertising campaigns, putting in the work to engage interested parties and get the word out for you. 

 

If you hire an agent you don’t trust or one that has a poor reputation, you risk the selling process for your property, leading to bad sales and a poor return on investment. 

 

Investing in the U.S.A is more than just wiring the money over and waiting for profit, it’s about building a business around the investment and hiring the right people to get the job done, no matter how far away you are. 

What does a real estate agent do in the U.S.A?

 

A real estate agent is someone who is licensed to buy and sell properties, negotiate on your behalf, and list the property for you. Since they’re experts in their field they know where to publicise your property, how to market it, and determine its value for the best possible sale result.

 

A real estate agent is the face that the buyer sees and interacts with and they will be the person who will see your sale through from beginning to end.

 

Home showings are a big part of the selling process. A good real estate agent will make sure that everything is in tip-top condition and give interested parties an informative walk through as they view your property. They’ll be able to frame the most attractive features of the home to gain attention from more buyers and get some competitive offers started.

 

Even though some people use the terms interchangeably, real estate agents differ from brokers or realtors. Brokers have acquired extra licensing through supplemental training that allows them to hire real estate agents. While they have many of the same duties as real estate agents they can operate independently, with added credibility. 

 

A realtor is a licensed member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR). A realtor can have any profession under the real estate umbrella, like being a salesperson, property manager, or even a real estate agent or broker, too. 

Why a real estate agent is necessary when investing in and selling residential real estate in the U.S.A 

 

When you’ve successfully refitted the property to your standards, it’s time to think about selling it. You’ve upped its value significantly with the work you’ve carried out but the difficulty is determining its price, as you may not be familiar with the area or prices of similar properties.

 

A real estate agent knows these things as it’s part of their skillset. Their hands-on knowledge, along with additional research allows them to accurately value a property and price it so that you can maximise your profit. Because they’re expert negotiators and salespeople, they can boost your property listing to make them stand out from those around it. 

 

They’re also in the best situation for home showings and to answer questions that potential buyers have. It’s just more convenient as they can make the quick drive over to the property and keep you in the loop.

 

Selling your property will be much easier with the help of a trustworthy real estate agent who has your best interest in mind. 

 

Once the sale is made, your real estate agent can then help you find a quality new property to invest in, prolonging your business relationship and increasing your cash flow. Because of their experience, market knowledge and property access, they can become a de-facto advisor you can rely on for your next residential property investment. 

How to find a good real estate agent in the U.S.A

 

While it may be tempting to hire any real estate agent listed online and get started quickly, you need to remember that the profit you earn from this property weighs heavily on how well your real estate agent performs. 

 

It’s worth putting extra effort into finding the right person for the job. They need to have proven credentials, experience, and skills to help maximise your return on investment.

 

Start by asking friends, family, or other associates for any real estate agents in the U.S that they recommend. Someone in the industry (or even already in your business team or network) may already have connections and can recommend a real estate agent they think has the skills to help you. 

 

Look for someone who has proven long term experience in the same local area as your property purchase or sale. The more they know about that particular neighbourhood and the history of the property, the better. They’ll have a clear reading of local property value, market trends and desired property features to make comparisons and price approximations for you, as well as be able to emphasise community benefits to those looking to buy. 

 

Once you’ve found a suitable agent or shortlisted a few people, do your research. It may be an extra step, but it’s crucial to help you single out the best choice. Find out what properties they’ve worked on, who they’ve worked with and how they operate. This will paint a better picture of how compatible they are for your investment needs. They may be a brilliant agent, but if they can’t work or communicate with you, you won’t find any value in their services. 

 

When you are satisfied with your research results you then need to hold an interview. Ask questions like:

 

  • How much experience do you have?
  • How familiar are you with the local market?
  • How many properties have you dealt with? 
  • What do you think an investor can do to improve the home and raise its price?

 

Following this process will help you to secure a trusted agent that has your interest in mind and will put their best into your property sale.

 

A good real estate agent can be difficult to find but it’s not impossible. The U.S.A is full of experienced agents who are keen to work with you. All you have to do is whittle down to the ones you’re most eager and most comfortable to work with. Save yourself the headache and stress and make sure it comes down to an agent you can trust.

If you are looking for an experienced and trustworthy real estate agent in the United States, we’ve got plenty in our network ready to help, download our training kit for free here.