Absentee owners, how do I get access to the house?

[Gustavo Mendes]

Ok, so I got a lead on a absentee owner property with a owner living out of state, how does it work for me to have access to the house so I can appraise it, so we can negotiate a price, and then to show it to investors? Do I just ask them to mail me the keys?

[Mitch Messer]

Hi @Gustavo Mendes! Assuming the absentee owner has no local management (which is a great indicator of motivation, by the way), have them send you the keys so you can put the keys in a combination lockbox on the front door of the house.

That way, you and your contractors, inspectors, and potential investor/buyers can all have access (when you give it) whenever they need it. Give the code to the owner too, if it makes them feel better.