OfflineThis latest wholesale flip I did had $3,500 in code violations. Which means thats a lot less money going into the sellers and/or my pocket. But thats probably why he was so motivated. I got the house on contract for $3,000
Im thinking, this could be a great niche, I called the code enforcement division in my city and talked to the main guy. He tells me they dont have a list of all the violation properties, and it wud probably be a lot of work to compile one. He took my number and said he wud let me know. I dont expect any calls soon.
Shud I have offered to pay him for that list? In a big city my size ther cud be hundreds. I can guarantee ther wud be some motivated sellers ther.
I'm also wondering if I shud have tried to negotiate the violations down on the house I just sold.
Anybody have experience in this area?
Rando
What you can do is clean up the place. What are the violations for?? Is it trash, debri, etc. I have had them reduced or removed by simply going to the property after I have a signed contract, and cleaning and removing the trash and debri. Then I call the office and have the code officer re-evaluate the property. It works in California. Most just want the violation cleared and taken care of. Ask the officer since you already have contact with him. Doesn't hurt to try. You also allow more spread in the deal.
To get something you've NEVER HAD
DO something you've NEVER DONE.
I actually never go out to look at these properties. From the photo It looked cleaned up, no shrubs or weeds overgrown. It was boarded up and had a fire inside. Must have been that way for yrs to accrue those fines. I sssume the violations were for public safety, public nuisance. I'm here in Fresno CA, this city has so many boarded up houses and distressed sellers as does the surrounding areas. I also heard that a list of fire damaged houses cud be a gold mine with highly motivated owners. Let's make some MONEY Rando
Rando
Rando,
I asked the same question to a code inspector about a list, while he was their inspecting a house before closing.
He also said that they really don't have a list but You can go to the Township building and fill out a paper that is called A RIGHT TO KNOW!
Meaning you have the right to know if their is a code violation in your township. Check it out.
Jay C
Jay C
I have pulled a list for code violations offline before for LA County.
I think that there IS usually a list, you just have to dig around and find out who is the right person to ask. Try asking the fire department.
Karen
"You're never too old to be what you were meant to be!"
www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59128/day-for...
"Shining Like a Star & Dancing on Sunshine"
"Shoot for the moon! Even if you fall short, you'll still land among the stars!"
good idea Karen
"Don't tell me I can't, Tell me how I can."
I think that there IS usually a list, you just have to dig around and find out who is the right person to ask. Try asking the fire department.
Karen
When checking the fire department, you will have to go to their "main office" which is usually at the city hall. They DO have lists, most people are just not aware of them.
Karen
"You're never too old to be what you were meant to be!"
www.deangraziosi.com/real-estate-forums/investing-journals/59128/day-for...
"Shining Like a Star & Dancing on Sunshine"
"Shoot for the moon! Even if you fall short, you'll still land among the stars!"
Rando,
I agree with Jac_C; here in Houston, Code Enforcement does not maintain a "list" that is compiled and just available....however if you visit the CE offices you can gain access to information on properties that are in violation of city ordinances (i.e. the property address, owner's name, etc.). So yes the CE office does know which properties are in violation and the accompanying fines....but they do not compile and print (or e-mail for that matter) a list of properties for disbursement to the public; you have to go to their offices and then gain access while you are there.
As the saying goes...."there's riches in those niches...".