Walk-throughs & offers with absentee owners

[William Morgan]

Hi All,

So far all of my deals have been with local sellers however my latest marketing has targeted absentees. I'm curious of how you handle absentee owners (sellers) when it comes to doing a physical walk through and/or offer?

Most far away sellers have a means for me to enter the property for me to inspect and estimate repairs without them being there. Alternatively I could try to delay it until they are able to make it there in person. My instincts say to not let the deal grow cold due to logistics so I'm inclined to get in there size up the property and make an informed offer.

Q: What do you do? Do you insist the sellers is present at the walk-through?

Q: Regarding making an offer. If the owner is not in the area how do you handle it?

I have considered sending a packet including my inspection sheet (with repair estimates), pictures of problems, comps, etc. and then discussing an offer on the phone, following up with a contract via fed-ex.

Anyone have a better way ?

Thanks for the insight.