Security Deposit: 2600Lease states no smoking/painting walls/no hanging things on wallsTenants have moved out and have left two truck loads of garbage to be removed.Damaged doorPainted walls which got on the ceiling and trim Lots of holes on the walls throughout the houseDamage from windows being left open constantly Weed was clearly smoked in the house (smell throughout the place) so we need to deep cleanWater bill wasn't paid so I had to turn back on utilityMissing keyQuoted costs:$450 junk removal (some furniture)$935 for damaged doors/windows, painting cleaning$30 for utility turn onTenants were only there for a year before moving out so a lot of this is beyond normal wear and tear. 

Buyers want patios, decks, and backyard spaces that extend the home’s livable area.

Basic staging with an agent usually means they give you insight into how you should:Declutter and depersonalize by removing photos and personal itemsArrange your furniture to improve the room’s flow and make it feel biggerAdd plants, move art, or re-arrange other accessoriesFull-service staging is another option if your house needs more hands-on attention.

One thing that I find frustrating is categorizing same year capital deductions (e.g. furniture that is able to be deducted in the same year due to 179).  

We drafted a short-term “use agreement” giving her a couple of months to find a new spot for her outdoor furniture and tools.

Spiderwebs were all over the patio, fireplace, basement and ceilings.

In some homes planting the front or placing pots could increase the curb appeal, in others it could be paint or furniture etc.

Here’s the context:The house appears vacant, with a large tree that has fallen on the property.From what I can see, the house seems full of furniture and might even be a hoarder home.I’ve skip-traced the property and found that the owner has unfortunately passed away.The house seems to be mortgage-free, and I’ve identified three phone numbers associated with the son, who I believe is the heir.I’d like to reach out to the son to express my interest in purchasing the property, but I want to ensure I do so respectfully while also gathering the right information.Here are my questions:What’s the best way to approach the heir while showing my condolences for their loss?

They'll typically leave behind mattresses, couches, broken furniture, rotten food, etc.

Focus on key areas first (like floors, walls, kitchen, or bathroom), which may help you handle the costs more gradually, even if it means moving in furniture or updating fixtures down the line.Also, since the tenant left it in rough shape, be sure to document all the damage (photos, receipts) in case you decide to pursue reimbursement through their security deposit or in court.