First time deal and not sure what to do

[Kwangmin Kim]

Hi real estate savvy,

Recently, I am scouting to buy a small property around metro Detroit area and I found a property at River Rouge. I met the owner and he is asking me $2,000 certified check in prior to closing out. And he asked that he can live there 30 days even after the closing. As a beginner, I am not sure this is common practice when dealing with owner sale. 

And another concern is that he asked me to come his title company and he doesn't have a driver license by excusing that he wouldn't get the new one because he did a small surgery on his face and don't want to have such photo in his ID.

And more, he did want to get the inspection although I am going to pay when closing and house is built in 1916 although it looked well maintained.

In such case, I am not 100% sure, I can trust this case or not. And I know that my 1st deal would be very difficult. 

I would appreciate your advice from your rich experience. 

Andy(Kwangmin) Kim

[Shawn Ackerman]

@Kwangmin Kim start with the numbers on the deal, then consider the area.  Metro Detroit? C or D class neighborhood?  This owner has alot of moving parts....Do not write any checks to him or anyone else other than the title company you choose.  Lastly, I would not allow the owner to stay for 30 days, If he needs 30 days then set the contract to close 30 days out.  You'd want to spell it out in the contract that the house will be delivered VACANT.  Make your terms known and put them in writing.  You can't make a deal where it doesn't exist and you should not have to bend more than your comfortable with.  Best of luck!