Skip to content
×
PRO
Pro Members Get Full Access!
Get off the sidelines and take action in real estate investing with BiggerPockets Pro. Our comprehensive suite of tools and resources minimize mistakes, support informed decisions, and propel you to success.
Advanced networking features
Market and Deal Finder tools
Property analysis calculators
Landlord Command Center
$0
TODAY
$69.00/month when billed monthly.
$32.50/month when billed annually.
7 day free trial. Cancel anytime
Already a Pro Member? Sign in here

Join Over 3 Million Real Estate Investors

Create a free BiggerPockets account to comment, participate, and connect with over 3 million real estate investors.
Use your real name
By signing up, you indicate that you agree to the BiggerPockets Terms & Conditions.
The community here is like my own little personal real estate army that I can depend upon to help me through ANY problems I come across.
Buying & Selling Real Estate
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

Updated almost 7 years ago, 12/15/2017

User Stats

312
Posts
363
Votes
Eric Teran
  • Architect
  • Alexandria, VA
363
Votes |
312
Posts

Two weeks after house burned is it ethical to make an offer?

Eric Teran
  • Architect
  • Alexandria, VA
Posted

My wife and I were walking in the neighborhood and we noticed a home boarded up. Perfect opportunity to make an offer. However, we soon discovered this was the home that was burned down about two weeks ago. The interior is completely ruined by the fire and water. The exterior looks fine but who knows. 

My question is how ethical is it to contact the homeowner if they are willing to sell the home?

Is two weeks enough time? Is one day enough?

Do I contact them and say, "I'm sorry for your situation. I'm glad you are doing okay. If you are looking for options for your home I would be happy to make an offer." They get the money and don't have to deal with the stress of building a new home or fighting for insurance money. Maybe this offer is an acceptable solution for them. I understand that it also depends on how the situation is approached. We don't want to be an a**hole developer.

With so many natural disasters as the hurricanes and California fires, offers can be made on those properties as well. Is that a different situation than an isolated home that is damaged? 

Do these situations fall within the same lines of when a relative becomes the owner of the property due to a death in the family? Is there a too soon?

I ask the BP community, when is it ethically acceptable to contact/make an offer to a homeowner when they have lost their property due to devastating circumstances? 

Loading replies...