Being able to identify distressed properties is one of the most effective ways to find off-market deals and an untapped supply of motivated sellers.
In this post, you will learn the 6 common signs of distress, be provide multiple examples of each, and understand how to identify them when researching your market.
Observing a propertys grass condition is a quick and easy way to identify a distressed property situation. If you come across a property that has tall or dead grass, it may have an absentee homeowner that is motivated to sell.
Finding a property with broken and/or boarded up windows is certainly a sign that the property is vacant. Also, it is likely that a property with broken or boarded up windows will show other signs of distress (grass, vegetation, deferred maintenance, etc.).
The overfill of mail or newspapers are subtle signs of distress. Out of all the signs of distress listed, this is probably the most difficult to spot. It can mean one of two things: the homeowner is on vacation or the property is vacant.
There are many types of code enforcement signs and sometimes they can be difficult to spot. The majority of the time, they are posted on the front door or front window.
Overgrown vegetation is similar sign as tall or dead grass, but the property has probably been sitting for a much longer. Properties with overgrown vegetation are impossible to miss.
The deferred maintenance referred to here is external, since you obviously wont be able to easily see inside the property. But if the outside shows signs of wear, the inside is likely equally as bad or even worse.
Here are some properties that have been through a lot. These properties should be avoided at all costs, unless you are interested in knock downs.
The 6 most common signs of distress are: 1) tall or dead grass, 2) boarded up or broken windows, 3) overfill of mail and newspapers, 4) code enforcement signs, 5) overgrown vegetation, and 6) deferred maintenance.
Now that you know what to look for, it s time to put it into practice. Keep an eye out for signs of distress on your way to work, the gym, the grocery store, etc., record some addresses, look up the owner information on the local countys website, and start sending out letters.