Home searching

[Jezz master]

I have been looking around the property market for a new home /project, but not had much luck - until I noticed a house 3 doors from my parents house which needed work, but not up for sale - this would be the ideal home - if I was to send a letter through the post box stating my interest, how should I go about this without sounding to forward?

[gazzawazza]

I would put one through saying that I was looking for property specifically in that area (you could mention proximity to your parents' house) and say you were wondering if they were thinking of selling in the near future.

I don't think I'd mention developing the house because you may offend them(!), unless it's really obvious it needs work doing to it, in which case you could also mention that in your opening gambit.