Investing in real estate can be lucrative. It can also be quite time-consuming, which is why many investors hire a real estate agent investor to help them find properties, negotiate prices and terms and connect with other industry professionals on their behalf. When evaluating potential agents, investment property buyers should look for these traits to ensure they’re a good fit:

They Talk the Talk

According to Neva Williams, a real estate agent who invests and hosts the popular Bigger Pockets YouTube channel, investors want an agent who can “talk the talk.” She notes that investment terminology is jargon that most agents will not know or use on a regular basis. If an agent uses these terms incorrectly, it’s a red flag that they don’t understand the investing side of the business.

Real estate investor clients expect their agents to be able to provide them with accurate numbers on renovation costs, rental income and other factors that impact their investment decisions. Having an intimate understanding of these numbers is vital, and it’s also an indication that the agent is a true partner rather than merely a service provider.

They Have Local Investor Connections

When working with investors, agents need to have a network of contractors, inspectors, appraisers and lenders that they can tap into to complete deals quickly and efficiently. Having this network can help them access off-market properties and negotiate more competitive prices on existing listings.

Additionally, successful investors will often share their lists of preferred vendors with their agents, which can further boost an agent’s negotiating leverage and speed up the overall process.

In addition to having a network of preferred vendors, an investor-friendly agent should have a thorough understanding of local market trends and fluctuations. This includes the ability to identify zoning changes and other developments that could affect an investment property’s long-term value.

They’ve Worked with Investors Before

In working with investment property buyers, it’s important for agents to have experience negotiating deals that meet the financial goals of these types of clients. When interviewing an agent, investors should ask them about the successes and challenges they’ve faced in helping other clients achieve their investment goals.

While many investors will be hesitant to work with an agent who they’ve known personally, it may not always be necessary. In these cases, they should draw names out of a hat or have each investor put a name in a hat and then randomly choose someone to be their agent. This method allows them to avoid a conflict of interest that can arise when working with friends or family members. They can then explain to others that they picked the agent by drawing a name and not for any personal reason. This is a good way to get started and build a strong relationship with an agent who can be beneficial to you as an investor for years to come.