tax sale property - Posted by Jim

Posted by Jim on May 28, 2007 at 22:17:16:

The property is in PA.

I was told (and will) to go this route. Any guess a cost on a non-disputed one? Not holding you to it…

What if the former owners claims they didn’t know or wern’t properly notified by the County? I learned the suggested quiet title action you need to look at several areas of locating the persons. ie, neighbors, voter reg and utility searches. Can he somehow be able to keep the house when it was sold at tax sale?

Lastly, can I raze the house with a tax deed? before the action?

Thanks for your insight. Great site!

tax sale property - Posted by Jim

Posted by Jim on May 24, 2007 at 21:59:24:

I just purchased a house w/2.2 acres ajoining my property at a tax sale. I had a search done and it was free and clear. This County waives all back taxes. The house is very rough and I plan on razing it, I just wanted the land. What is my legal obligation with the contents. The house had been vacant for over ten years. The contents is basically garbage in my opinion. I don’t want this former owner to claim there was value in the items. He’s got to be upset that he lost his house for $2800. Plus there are some photos and personal items.

Re: tax sale property - Posted by Bill H

Posted by Bill H on May 25, 2007 at 15:19:00:

Jim:
Do not know where you are. My advice is to first proceed with a "Quiet Title Action’ to get free and clear title.

In most cases it will go through with no problems…in some cases the problems will come out of the woodwork.

The main thing you have to be concerned with is that someone has an interest and was not properly notified.

That can be a pain in the lower portion of the anatomy. Most can be settled…some easier than others.

After quiet title, inventory everything, take pictures or video everything…AS-IS…WHERE-IS… before moving anything. Check your state statutes…in most cases if it is worth less than xxx amount…it can be trashed. If over the amount, place it in a "U-Store: unit. Notify all who may have an interest in it. After the passage of xx time the owner operator can sell it for his fees…If I were you I would NOT particiate in the sale…keep it at “Arms Length.”

Good Luck,
Bill H