Estimating Rehab Costs on an Auction Property

[Andria Kobylinski]

Hi, I am looking for some advice on how to estimate rehab costs on an auction property. I will not be able to access the property before the auction. Is there a way to find out if it is occupied? Do you use a price per square foot model? I'm guessing wear and tear on the outside will mimic the condition on the inside. Advice? Tips? The property is in Richmond, VA.

[Account Closed]

Originally posted by @Andria Kobylinski:

Thank you @Ellis San Jose and @Matthew Paul. Both good advice, You've confirmed what I was thinking. Just looking for those extra little due diligence items I can do. Checking the meter is a great idea. 

Before you go trespassing on other people's yards, you can usually just call the utility company and ask if there is service on. I usually tell them I am "planning on" being the new owner and just want to check.  The water department is most likely to tell you, from my experience. In some places the water bill follows the property and can be sizable if the previous owner hasn't been paying, so that might be another good thing to check.