How can I buy duplex with no tennants in place

Question

Looking to buy a dulpex but most sellers are selling with tennants in place. Im using an FHA loan so I have to live there for at least a year. Is there a way to have the seller to sell without tennants or something I can do? Thanks

Fernando Limon · Answer

@Michael Dumler

Thanks, sure does help

Fernando Limon · Answer

@Will Fraser

Thanks

Michael Dumler · Answer

@Fernando Limon congratulations on taking action in your search for real estate house hack deals. You bring up a great point and you're correct, I've noticed as well that most 2-4 unit listings are tenant occupied. There are a couple avenues you can take to ensure owner occupancy. If the current tenants, or at least one tenant is on a month-to-month lease, add a stipulation in your offer asking for the unit to be vacant by closing. Adding the stipulation will put pressure on the seller to give notice to the tenant to vacate respectively. Depending on your market however, don't expect an offer to be accepted right away. Home sellers have the upper hand in this market, I believe your best approach is to consistently put in offers and see if one lands. Hope this helps!

Will Fraser · Answer

Hi @Fernando Limon!  Good idea!

If you'll ask your lender to clarify this, I think you'll see that you'll need to move in within X months (usually 3 I think).  So, what you need to find is a duplex with at least one of the tenants on a Month To Month lease, which can be made vacant without 90 days as needed.