Walking my Target Neighborhood this Weekend...Tips?

[Jerad Casto]

I will be walking my target neighborhood this weekend. I'm looking at a duplex to be my first purchase. Any tips on what I should be looking for besides obvious vacancies?

[Mindy Jensen]

Hi @Jerad Casto.

Keep an eye out for old and ugly. Does your target neighborhood have a lot of duplexes? If not, then just note every single one of them that you may come across. Look for deferred maintenance, like curling roof shingles, rotting window trim. Properties that need a fresh coat of paint. 

Things to take with you: Camera, note-taking device, business cards if you have them, generic letters that say you'll buy their house. A good smart phone will work for the camera/notes. Just make sure to remove any images on the camera so you have a lot of room to take pictures. 

Dress comfortably, but nicely. Look the part. If you dress like a bum, no one is going to believe you can buy their house. 

Talk to anyone you meet on the street. "Do you know anyone who is thinking about selling their home?"