Property Walk-Through: How I Evaluate Homes
When you’re investing in St. Louis real estate—especially from out of state—you need more than listing photos and a basic agent opinion. You need eyes on the ground. You need someone who will walk every room, test every major system, and give honest commentary so you can make a confident decision.
That’s why I film full walk-through videos with detailed narration for all my investor clients. These videos are thorough, practical, and designed specifically for out-of-town investors who need clarity before pursuing a property further.
My goal:
Give you enough information in one video to know if the property deserves more of your time or money.
General Walk-Through process
Here’s a streamlined breakdown of what I evaluate in every property:
1. Interior Condition (Room-by-Room)
I quickly assess flooring, walls, ceilings, trim, and general wear-and-tear in each room. This helps determine if the property is “rent-ready” or needs cosmetic updates.
2. Kitchen
I check the overall condition, appliances, cabinets, outlets, and plumbing to estimate whether it needs minor touch-ups or a more significant upgrade.
3. Bathrooms
I look at water pressure, drainage, toilet stability, ventilation, and signs of leakage—key areas that affect tenant satisfaction and future maintenance.
4. HVAC
I inspect furnace, AC, ductwork, and filters to understand the age and functionality of the system. HVAC can be one of the most expensive repairs, so this is always a priority.
5. Basement
St. Louis basements reveal a lot. I evaluate foundation walls, signs of moisture, plumbing cleanouts, electrical panel, and overall structural feel of the home.
6. Exterior
I review the roof, gutters, siding/brick, windows, driveway, garage, and yard. For city properties, I also check alley access and general exterior safety.
Why Out-of-state Investors Love These Walk-Throughs
These videos help investors:
Identify hidden issues not shown in listing photos
Avoid unnecessary travel
Quickly rule out bad deals
Estimate repair costs
Understand long-term risks and strengths
Make fast and confident offers
Many clients have purchased homes solely based on these detailed walkthroughs.
Need an Expert Set of Eyes?
Whether you’re investing from California, the East Coast, Texas, or right here in Missouri, my goal is to help you make smart, safe, profitable decisions.
📞 Call/Text: (314) 473-8154
📧 Email: whstl314@gmail.com
🏡 DreamWeaver Property Management – Ben Dao (St. Louis Real Estate Ninja)
