Buying from distressed seller and becoming friends

[Thomas Harr]

Hi BP readers, I just closed on a small 3/1 here in Columbus, Ohio this week and wanted to share a quick story about how just being genuine and friendly can help you as an investor and businessman! I bought from a distressed landlord, who is an older man (ex-army). I picked this one up from an absentee owner list and direct mail. After reading Anson Youngs book and just dealing with more and more people in real estate I have learned to not jump right into the home but learn about the people and their lives (it makes the process much more fun). We had agreed on a price and my father is my partner. My dad was struggling health wise at the time, and had a small stroke as I was supposed to get the contract out and start the closing process. But because I built that rapport up front, he let me extend the dates back. That was just the beginning of what I now think is going to be a great friendship. I had to creative finance the place, bring in a family friend to fund the deal and get the ball rolling. I was starting my demo yesterday and the man came by because he saw my truck, he met my father and exchanged stories for about an hour and talked about some of the good food around the block. He swung by again today and brought me doughnuts. Who does that? I am 24 years old and he is mid 50s to 60s, but we have a great friendship starting, all because I offered to help him out and LISTENED to his needs. Hope whoever reads enjoys! Tom Harr