The Investor-Minded Homebuyer

Property Scorecard
& Quick-Eval Guide

Complete Phase 1 in 30 seconds · Score Phase 2 in under 5 minutes · Know your next move
0
/ 100
Property Address
List Price
Source
Date
Phase 1 Thumbnail Filter — Fill this out before you open the listing. No scoring. Just fit.
Property Type
Beds / Baths
Lot Size
Garage
Basement
Fenced Yard?
Price Fits My Range?
✓ Yes
✗ No
Floor Plan Appeal?
✓ Yes
✗ No
Condition (First Look)
A
B
C
D
Phase 2 Investor Eval — Open the listing and score each signal. 70+ points = run the Deal Analyzer.
1
Market Signals & Seller Motivation
35 pts
30+ Days on Market
Motivation starts at 30 days. Over 60 days = real negotiating leverage.
+10
At Least One Price Reduction
Seller has already adjusted once. They may adjust again.
+8
Back on Market / Fell Out of Contract
Buyer hesitation creates an opening. Their loss, your opportunity.
+7
Supplements Tell a Story
Disclosure docs, inspection reports, or seller notes attached — review them. Knowledge is leverage.
+6
⚠ Area Saturated with Similar Unsold Homes
Multiple like-kind properties sitting = soft demand. Appreciation risk. Check before proceeding.
−4
Notes
2
Value Position & Comp Support
35 pts
Priced Below the Neighborhood Ceiling
Comps confirm upside exists. You're not buying the most expensive home on the block.
+10
Active Comps Sold Within 90 Days
Current market activity confirms real demand and supports your ARV estimate.
+8
Cosmetic Opportunity Visible
Paint, carpet, fixtures, kitchen surfaces, landscaping — the work most buyers hate is where your equity lives.
+7
Big-Ticket Issue = Bigger Discount Opportunity
Roof, foundation, HVAC, electrical, or plumbing flags scare most buyers off — that's your opening. An engineer's report and a warranted repair can turn fear into equity. These need pro eyes, not a pass.
+8
Sensory or Visual Signals Others Will Overlook
If it smells, looks rough, or feels neglected — that's money. Most buyers walk. You stay and price the discount.
+5
⚠ Priced at or Above Neighborhood Median
You may be buying the ceiling. Limited upside unless condition or income opportunity justifies it.
−5
Notes
3
Neighborhood Health & Trajectory
30 pts
Signs of Reinvestment in the Area
Rehabbed homes nearby, new businesses, infrastructure work — forward momentum.
+10
Neighborhood Median Trending Up
Values moving in the right direction over the past 12–24 months. Appreciation is not guaranteed — but trajectory matters.
+8
School District / Area Desirability Fits Buyer Pool
When it's time to sell, your buyer pool should be strong. Desirable areas move faster.
+7
Proximity to Employment, Highways, or Amenities
Location drivers that support both resale value and long-term demand.
+5
⚠ Declining or Flat Neighborhood Median
If people who live here don't want to stay and the market isn't replacing them, your equity outlook is limited.
−6
Notes
What Comes Next
70–100 Open the Deal Analyzer. Pull your comps, plug in your numbers, and calculate your Maximum Allowable Offer.
50–69 Dig deeper on weak areas. One strong category may justify further research. Don't write it off yet.
30–49 Proceed with caution. Limited upside signals. Only continue if something exceptional stands out.
0–29 Pass and move on. Your time is your most valuable resource. The right deal is out there.
Advanced Strategy: Income Potential
Toggle on only if you're open to owner-occupying a property with a rentable space or conversion opportunity.
Off
Advanced Strategy
Income Potential Signals
+20 pts added to total
Existing Rentable Space
Basement suite, garage apartment, separate entrance — ready or near-ready to lease.
+10
Conversion Potential Exists
Space could be made rentable with modest work (basement, above-garage, bonus room).
+6
Estimated Rent Offsets 25%+ of Payment
Even partial offset materially increases your effective buying power and cash flow margin.
+4
When this section is active, your score is out of 120. A score of 84+ (70%) still means run the Deal Analyzer.
Deal Verdict
Score out of 100
0
/ 100
My Decision
🟢 Run the Numbers
🟡 More Research Needed
🔴 Pass — Move On
Next Action
Decision Deadline