If you have selected from your list of possibilities a few properties that seem to be most suitable, you should begin to set appointments to view them in more detail. Drive-by’s are not very useful. It is best to reach the owner directly, or an owner’s representative who has an intimate knowledge of the property. Be sure he or she has plenty of time to talk and walk over the property as you need.

Do yourself the favor of being prepared for the visit, and you’ll come away with valuable information about the property for use in your planning.

Before your meeting, compile a list of questions. We do not recommend that you whip out the list and, in essence, make the seller take an “exam“. These questions should be asked in a conversational manner as you walk over the property. SEE “ASK PERTINENT QUESTIONS” (TIP #4 ON NEXT PAGE) FOR IDEAS.

You should go with the owner/representative to determine the boundaries (are these are according to survey or by deed description only?). Thank the individual in advance for his help in showing you around.

We mentioned that you would be walking and spending time: be physically and materially prepared to visit the property… Try to be well rested when you go, so you will naturally be more alert and observant. Your disposition will be more positive, too. Wear long pants and comfortable shoes, and it is a good idea to take a pen, notebook and a camera. Pictures or video can be especially helpful for later review.

Be prepared to make a deposit on the property- even if you don’t believe you will want to do that. Time and again buyers “lose out” on a property, when all they really had to do was leave some amount of money for the owner to “hold” the property while they worked out some details in order to complete the purchase.

Copyright 2004