





Real estate consulting is a very useful service, as it represents a different model and a different approach to real estate practices. This can be observed in the varied functions of the real estate broker, who is basically paid depending on an outcome; and the consultant, who is mainly paid for his expertise. In other words, while the broker is paid based on results, consultants have no stake in the outcome. This is what makes the latter more objective and inherently more trustworthy than a traditional real estate salesperson.
Always remember that consultants are paid just like other professional advisors or service professionals, with a retainer regardless of the outcome. Thus, when you are looking to invest in a property, they can tip you off to developer closeouts and bulk opportunities, equity partnerships, and joint ventures, as well as some profitable turnkey investment opportunities. At the same time, they can provide insulation between you and the people selling the properties, as they are providing information and expertise. Furthermore, they can work out many of the details and business prospects before you meet with the salesperson. Consequently, you will therefore be equipped with information that would keep you aware of how to negotiate from a strong position.
Meanwhile, if you will be selling properties, a real estate consultant can help you create a strategy to sell the units before you will meet up with the actual salesperson. This way, you can deviate from making bulk sales, as the consultant can distribute the properties among several different sellers, leaving your profit in one piece.