All Forum Posts by: Kyle Bruns

Hello Andrew, 

Since this is an extremely targeted direct mail, I would try to get more specific. Tell him what your plans are for the house, why you want to buy it, (don't say to make money) talk about stabilizing the neighborhood. Try to get some background information on this person. Why do they own the property, and use that to let him know that you can solve his "problem". 

Good luck.

Wow Ashley, 

Congrats on your first purchase. Jumping in head first with no life jacket. When you knock on the door later today, I suggest you put a lot of thoughtful consideration into what you want out of this property. Do you want to keep the existing tenants and just sign a new lease. Is that even possible considering the last owner could not keep the house with the current tenants? Will you need to ask them to leave? I would take a move in/move out inspection form, and a camera.  Also a list of questions to ask about their former lease, and outstanding maintenance needs would be very useful. Speaking for myself, this would be a very stressful situation, and I would find comfort in having a plan written down that I call on when I am in a complete strangers kitchen telling them they need to find different housing accommodations. 

In the Air Force the each unit appoints a First Sergeant that is responsible for disciplinary issues that occur outside of normal duty hours. I am sure each branch of active duty has this official position, but I do not know what they are called in other branches. This is a special duty and is their only assignment during their time as First Sergeant. 

Try Bank of Edwardsville. I have found they are a bit more flexible than the big banks you listed. 

I suggest approaching this squatter as if they were in fact a real life person that has feelings, and emotions. You may find out a lot about them. You may find that they were in fact duped by a fake landlord. You may find that they have fallen on tough times, but could be reasoned with. Then again, you may also find that this is actually an animal and will require you to go the nuclear route. 

I live in Creve Coeur. I own single family homes in Lemay, Maryland Heights, St Charles, and duplexes in Benton Park, and Tower Grove East. My hard and fast rule is that I need to feel good about the property I own. If I can't go to the property after dark, I don't feel good selling an apartment to perspective tenants.