This is a great point. I passed on an opportunity with a property that I had known well for a long time, and would loved to have taken forward as a profit enterprise. But I also knew well that the seller had deferred maintenance on absolutely everything. What she had been forced to replace over the years she did on the cheap. She didn’t face up to the effect on the property value then, or when she was selling.

Sterling, thank you for your video. There is a property that I really want to purchase. the seller is (HUD-Regional Housing Authority). I had an appraisal done to try and make a better decision about the purchase. The appraisal cited many things that was wrong with the property, but the final appraisal was based upon the After repair value (ARV), which was basically the same amount as the purchase amount the seller is asking for. I don’t know much about real-estate and I feel so helpless because the neighborhood is not that good, most of the homes are vandalized, yet the appraisal cited none of those properties as comparisons, but found homes that had sold (in other areas) after being fully repaired and used those as comparators. I have another property on the same street where I raised my children and a vacant lot that I purchased from the State and really wanted the property I am talking about. But, listening to your article, I understand that sometimes you have to “walk away.” To purchase and fix the property would nearly wipe out my budget. The seller is convinced that his Executive Director will take nothing much less than the asking price and I know in that neighborhood, I would never be able to recoup my money. My heart is broken and I am disappointed with the appraisal because I know its not worth the dollar amount that’s on that paper, let alone the hidden costs of repairs that I can’t see. Anyway, thanks for the video.

Hi Sterling, I have a quick question about this. Since you found this out during your due-diligence, this deal mean you lose the money for inspection as well as any earnest money you put up? I’m not sure. I’m asking I guess. I’m guessing you do lose something. It’s not completely free to walk away. Correct? If so, how do you avoid this going forward? I can imagine that the cost to walking away from a deal can also add up overtime. Though, I do understand that in this case, there was no other option.

Bring a snack?? I would suggest a video camera to take a video as you’re walking the property. When you enter a unit, say out loud the unit number so you know which one you’re looking at when you go back to review it.

Sorry to ask this question here but how do I upload a profile picture?