The expression “Secret Real Estate Agent” almost looks like it was borrowed from some action movie. In reality it is a little bit less spectacular but, without a doubt, equally exciting.
What is a Secret Real Estate Agent?
“Secret Real Estate Agent” – does not mean you do this profession without being registered. Of course, also a secret (real estate) agent has to be registered and fulfil everything that is required by law. By “secret” we mean, that the agent is not publicly advertising a specific property he or she was asked to sell. He/she may not even have a website or advertise the business and in many cases the main profession is another real estate related profession, such as architect or engineer.
They are usually approached by a client who asks if they may know someone who would be interested to buy one of their properties. And that’s the only way there are allowed to sell it, by offering it directly to someone.
This might seem strange at first, but among certain groups that is exactly what they want. The best to explain this is by giving an example.
Seller doesn’t want to look like he needs money
In many cases the properties in question are from rich families. Having a certain popularity and their place in society they like to give no reasons for gossiping.
Huge estates can cost a lot of money in maintenance, tax and so on… If they actually don’t use it anymore it makes sense to let it go. This is regardless of their financial situation – nobody likes to throw money out of the window, no matter how rich you are.
Of course, if people see the big family estate for sale, the first thing they may conclude is that the family is in financial difficulties – that’s how people start talking…
That’s why it is better to sell it secretly – through a secret real estate agent of course.
Or in another case, the seller might be having an apartment block for sale and he doesn’t want his tenants to find out. Also, he would approach such agent, who will then go and talk directly to investors who may be interested to buy.
How does a Secret Real Estate Agent sell?
The only way you are allowed to sell it, is by offering it directly to someone. Or in some cases you are allowed by the seller to advertise it in another country. Like this you can get a foreign buyer.
It is a far more difficult job than a regular agent. You need a pool of good contacts, including millionaires, investors … etc. But of course, it pays off big time as the properties that are sold this way usually have a high value. You can find foreign buyers by listing real estate internationally.
Are you one of those agents? Then drop us a line and let us know how did you get started? Do you have any advice?