At a recent investment seminar, an attendee raised an interesting question:
“I want to invest in real estate in the U.S. I studied there years ago and am quite familiar with the local environment. So, is it necessary for me to work with an agent, or can I just deal directly with property owners?”
There’s a well-known Cantonese saying: “Even a fierce tiger is no match for a local snake.” It means that no matter how capable an outsider may be, they’re still at a disadvantage compared to someone who truly understands the local environment. In real estate, local professionals are the “local snakes” — armed with extensive knowledge, strong networks, and firsthand experience. They have quicker access to the most critical information and market trends, often the most authentic and actionable insights.
For investors looking to uncover the best property investment opportunities in the U.S., an experienced local real estate agent is like a reliable walking stick for the blind — an indispensable guide. These agents are not only familiar with the latest data on property safety, structural integrity, and pricing, but they also have deep insights into the surrounding community — from crime rates and cleanliness to neighborhood demographics — all of which significantly influence property value.
For buyers based in Hong Kong, working through a reputable real estate agency offers an added benefit: access to a stable and vetted pool of listings. U.S. real estate agents often reserve high-value, well-priced properties for trusted partners to maintain long-term relationships. Entrusting a well-established Hong Kong agency is, therefore, an ideal first step toward acquiring a quality property.
Moreover, these U.S. agents understand the expectations of Hong Kong property agencies. They pre-screen properties based on the specific needs of Hong Kong investors and often negotiate more favorable prices, which greatly reduces the time and effort required for price discussions.
Because U.S. agents work directly with property owners, they gain access to vital information about both the property and the seller. This knowledge can be critical when determining the final selling price and forecasting the investment’s future appreciation.
In the U.S., Sellers Pay the Commission
When everyone has access to the same information, seizing the opportunity first can make all the difference. As investors, we should leverage the strengths of real estate agencies to identify the best investment opportunities.
Another advantage of buying property in the U.S. is that the buyer doesn’t pay the agent’s commission — the seller does. This means that bypassing an agent offers little to no benefit to the investor, and may actually reduce the quality of service and insight they receive.
Written by: Bonnie Wu, Founder of Capstone 72
Edited by: Yip Lai Man
Published: 2023/09/27 20:21
Last updated: 2023/09/27 20:21
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