If there are gutters, make sure the downspouts are at the front of the garage.I wouldn't suggest any type of outside sump pump unless you absolutely cannot find a way to let gravity move the water.Otherwise, when you sell the property, advertise an indoor water feature.

I also have rentals and would never advertise like this to steal away a renter, but this is a different situation with buying a home.Anyone do anything similar for marketing or is this just a bad move?

I understand unless you have a RE license you can't get your property on the MLS, where else do you all advertise besides putting signs up at a few nearby street corners or hiring a realtor?

Hopefully it's the same timeline as advertised... what's the plan?

I have started advertising the place and have scheduled my first showing in Jan.

Creating relationship with sellers of REO properties, direct mail advertising, and working with agents who specialize in short sales are a few ways to do this.In today's market, short sales are the market so working these leads will result in deals, so long as you show persistence.

Advertise on the property.In How to win friends and Influence Others he talked about McDonald's not being in the burger business but being in the Real Estate (namely land) business.

As far as they're concerned it looks pristine like the day it was built ;-) I always use the afters for advertising.

While there are firms like Visiting Angels, a tenant of ours suggested advertising on, or checking Craigslist for a caregiver, as the hourly rate would be less.So while there is some peace of mind with a service like VA, the cost savings of an individual has some appeal.I was thinking of doing a check similar to screening a tenant...crimes, judgements, credit check, evictions, etc...Would you consider a private person or be more inclined to go with a firm, and if you did go with an individual, what kind of background check would you do?

Hey Jaime Nichols - I'd be careful about advertising how much you have to spend.