First walkthrough with homeowner

[Lauren White]

What was your first off-market walkthrough like? 

I have my first walkthrough of an off-market house this week. It's currently vacant (has been for about 2 years) and mid-updating. 2018 photos from the last listing show subfloor and trim missing in some of the rooms and when I spoke with the current owner they mentioned they had updated countertops and removed popcorn ceilings. I'm anxious to see what else they have updated compared the old photos.

Owner mentioned they had a pipe in the kitchen freeze last winter and that they fixed it but the flooring in the dining room would need replacing because of the water damage. So water damage is something I'll definitely keep an eye out for an consider in potential offers. 

It's in a great neighborhood, built in the late 80s and appears to be in good shape. I'm a little nervous but mostly excited to make real steps in REI. Lots learning and getting things set in place while I've been house hunting for my first investment.

[Lauren White]

@Aaron Parkan Sure! 

It is a vacant house in my neighborhood—knew it was vacant thanks to yard overgrowth. I found the owners through public record (I used Beacon because I knew the address but then researched the title history a little through county record searches after I had the owners names). I wrote them a letter (sent to their home address), maybe early summer, saying I was interested in talking if they wanted to sell it since it had been sitting vacation for so long. Didn't hear anything until late November when they emailed me mentioning they remembered my letter from the summer and if I was still interested they may consider selling. 

So it's not a super motivated seller—based on a quick phone conversation they aren't in NEED of selling it—but after several more months of them not finishing the rehab they were at least motivated enough to reach out to me.