All Forum Posts by: Dannielle Givens

My fiance and I are beginning to search for our first home. I absolutely love the area that we're in. It's right next to Lake Michigan (I can see the lake from my room), the bus stop is right in front of my doorstep and the train is only a 7 minute walk. There are tons of shops and restaurants in a 5 mile radius. And then there was the house next door...

Literally right next to my apartment complex is a house that has been vacant for the two years I've lived in this complex. It's in between my high rise and another high rise to the right of it (and a Catholic Church in front). 

What I do know:

• Privately owned
• Last sold at over $600,000 in 2015
• Last assessment: 2016 at $128,752.1287
• Classification 2-09
• Tons of violations for poor upkeep
  • Rat investation
  • Poor lawn maitenance
  • Tons of trash

(doesn't seem like an issue at this time... no rats seen on the way to work)

What I would like to know:

• Would this be worth tearing down?
  • Is the value of my community something that I could invest in as a first time homeowner and someone who would like to make this purchase as if I were an investor?
  • How to find the value of my community?
• How can I find the whole history of the property?
  • Currently a single family home (pictures online look horrific), but approved for condo
• What steps should I take before calling the owner? Should I even call them? I have their information in terms of address, but I'm curious to know why no one has placed a bid on the property. 

Thank you so much in advance,

Dannielle

My fiance and I are beginning to search for our first home. I absolutely love the area that we're in. It's right next to Lake Michigan (I can see the lake from my room), the bus stop is right in front of my doorstep and the train is only a 7 minute walk. There are tons of shops and restaurants in a 5 mile radius. And then there was the house next door...

Literally right next to my apartment complex is a house that has been vacant for the two years I've lived in this complex. It's in between my high rise and another high rise to the right of it (and a Catholic Church in front). Is this worth our time?  

What I do know:

• Privately owned
• Last assessment: 2016 at $128,752.1287
• Classification 2-09
• Tons of violations for poor upkeep
  • Rat investation
  • Poor lawn maitenance
  • Tons of trash

(doesn't seem like an issue at the time... no rats seen on the way to work)

What I would like to know:

• Would this be worth tearing down?
  • Is the value of my community something that I could invest in as a first time homeowner and someone who would like to make this purchase as if I were an investor?
  • How to find the value of my community?
• How can I find the whole history of the property?
  • Currently a single family home (pictures online look horrific), but approved for condo 
• What steps should I take before calling the owner? Should I even call them?

Thank you so much in advance, 

Dannielle

@Jeff Burdick thanks for the suggestion Jeff! I was able to connect with someone at my local REA (i think this is the acronym) and they sent me a list all from Refin. I think this will prove to be a great start. My goal is to make my first investment in the next 18 months. Research is key!

It was great meeting everyone!

Thank you all, this information is helpful.  @John Matthews Thank you for the suggestion.  When driving through the city yesterday ( for breakfast :}) I did a few residence with multiple doors for sale or rent by a realtor. I am attending the local REA meet up tomorrow evening, so hopefully I'll receive some leads as far as realtors go. Thank you all for the responses and best of luck on your continued journey!

@Brandon Becsi I will definitely check out Trulia. I've yet to look into this website.

@Lisa Edwards I've yet to search those exact terms, but thank you so much! I will give this a try. 

Newbie to real estate (and Chicago) look forward to meeting everyone! In addition to bringing a notepad and pen/pencil, is there anything I can expect or should bring?

Thank you in advance,

Dannielle

Hi BP,

I am currently in Chicago and am beginning my real estate journey. I've become extremely interested in learning hands on when it comes to real estate through house hacking. After doing my research, it seems that a duplex would best fit my comfort level. Currently I've made searches leveraging Zillow, but find the results to be confusing and not as detailed. I've narrowed down searches through using the terms "multi-family" and "duplex". What tools would you leverage and how do you use them to find the best deal? I'm looking to purchase my first property (currently in an apartment, renting) within 18 months. 

Thank you in advance, 

Dannielle