How can this house be purchased?

[sniper111]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Maryland

I found a house that has been vacant and is boarded-up. Apparently, both owners passed away about about 10 years ago. The title is still in their name; they owned it for a long time and it is free of mortgages (property taxes are paid through last year - someone must be paying taxes for some reason). Quick search in probate cases by last and first name did not reveal any matches.

Scenario 1. If I can find relatives of the deceased - how can they sell the property to me (I will be acting as a principal in the transaction, no agent involved unless necessary) ?

Scenario 2. If I can't find relatives of the deceased - what are the options in terms of acquiring this property?

Thanks a bunch!
GeorgeWhat is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

 

[Zigner]

This question is too wide-open. There are so many different possible scenarios that it would be impossible for us to advise you.

See the assistance of a local real-estate attorney to try and track down the owners and explore your options.

 

[Mass_Shyster]

property taxes are paid through last year - someone must be paying taxes for some reason)

The town is mailing a tax bill somewhere. When I was selling real estate, I had access to a real estate database that contained that information, so at least in some areas it is public information. Start with the assessors department and see if you can get an address.

 

[CraigFL]

In my area this information is online in two places-- The tax collector's office and the Property Appraiser's office...

 

[sniper111]

The town is mailing a tax bill somewhere. When I was selling real estate, I had access to a real estate database that contained that information, so at least in some areas it is public information. Start with the assessors department and see if you can get an address.

According to the assessors office, the bill is sent to the property.

 

[sniper111]

This question is too wide-open. There are so many different possible scenarios that it would be impossible for us to advise you.

See the assistance of a local real-estate attorney to try and track down the owners and explore your options.

Thanks I will contact an attorney
Meanwhile - two follow-up questions.
1. You said "track down the owners" - but according to the assessor's office, the two people who are on the deed are long time dead.
2. Regarding "Too many possible scenarios" - what would be the top 3 (most realistic and relatively easy) - just a brief description?....

Thanks!

 

[Mass_Shyster]

According to the assessors office, the bill is sent to the property.

Send a letter to the property stating you are interested in purchasing.

 

[HomeGuru]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Maryland

I found a house that has been vacant and is boarded-up. Apparently, both owners passed away about about 10 years ago. The title is still in their name; they owned it for a long time and it is free of mortgages (property taxes are paid through last year - someone must be paying taxes for some reason). Quick search in probate cases by last and first name did not reveal any matches.

Scenario 1. If I can find relatives of the deceased - how can they sell the property to me (I will be acting as a principal in the transaction, no agent involved unless necessary) ?

Scenario 2. If I can't find relatives of the deceased - what are the options in terms of acquiring this property?

Thanks a bunch!
GeorgeWhat is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

**A: the property is probably under estate and would need probate court approval for a sale.

 

[sniper111]

**A: the property is probably under estate and would need probate court approval for a sale.

that's what I thought - but there are no probate cases open or have been open for the deceased.

 

[sniper111]

Send a letter to the property stating you are interested in purchasing.

I did! It was returned as VACANT.

For the Baltimore city and county properties you can print the tax bills online, you don't need to receive it in the mail
in order to pay

 

[HomeGuru]

that's what I thought - but there are no probate cases open or have been open for the deceased.

**A: then it is in between the death of owners and no probate. It is in the state of abeyance.

 

[Zigner]

My prior answer stands except I would like to insert this k in the appropriate place.

 

[HomeGuru]

My prior answer stands except I would like to insert this k in the appropriate place.

**AL and I would like to enter this ok in the approriate place.

 

[sniper111]

**A: then it is in between the death of owners and no probate. It is in the state of abeyance.

so frankly it seems that I gotta wait for the heirs to open estate and offer to purchase then? Is this the only option?...

 

[Mass_Shyster]

so frankly it seems that I gotta wait for the heirs to open estate and offer to purchase then? Is this the only option?...

Write a letter and slip it under the door. Hopefully, someone checks on the property from time to time and will pick it up and deliver it to the caretakers.