What would you do? 2 very close properties in Louisiana

[Jordan Lin]

In early 2000 I Inherited one lot, one house, on this lot is another

house that was inherited by 4 of my half siblings. They own

only that 2nd house.

For the last 15yrs one of the half siblings has lived

in their inherited house and basically destroyed it. Recently she

moved out did a Renunciation of her inheritance portion.

I recently found out they haven't paid the taxes either and the city

deeded it and said I can pay $200 to get it back and parish tax wants $255

I don't know what to do.

The house can be fixed but its in bad shape.

Its about 2000sq ft and would cost tons to move due to location and size.

My Half siblings aren't responding to text about what they want to do with it.

If the city condemns it they/me would be charged to tear it down.

The house I own which is "very" close to this one is in great shape because I took care of it.

I don't know what the siblings house is worth now maybe less than $3000. An appraisor said it would be hard to put a price on it because theres no land attached.

Also this is Louisiana so do I pay their taxes? They would still own it. I paid the taxes for years because they wouldn't pay them. Out of 15yr they paid them maybe 5 times and when I left the state I told the one who was living in the house i wasn't paying them anymore and she needed to pay them. She didn't.

What would you do? Its in whats considered a bad area but its a quiet street if fixed up its 4br and could be rented but not sure how much, my house next door is 2br an maybe can rent for $500 a month. I don't think anyone would buy this place the last home that sold back here was a 2br for $15000 so not much money. A part of me wants to rid myself of the trouble but my family member who left it to us worked hard for this. What would you do?

[Courtney Fricke]

Hey Jordan, I'm an investor in the St. Tammany parish area. To be clear - the four siblings (3 now that one did a quit claim to recuse herself) own a 2,000 sq ft house that is on the lot next to the house that you live in and inherited? Did they inherit any of the land that the house is on as well? That is helpful information. 

You have a few options. At the end of the day, you'll have to figure out two hurdles since they are a priority - ownership and the lien (for taxes). The reason I ask about the land because if it is a 2000sq ft house on land that doesn't create another problem. Generally houses and land are owned together except a few rare occasions. Just wanting to see what's the case as that would be a difference issue as well moving forward. 

Ultimately, if you don't own the house, I wouldn't pay the taxes. If they don't pay for so long then it'll go to a tax sale where someone will pay the taxes on it for a while. The person who is paying the taxes will not have full ownership of the house just equitable interest. I know in St. Tammany parish this is how it works but I'd suggest finding out how it works in your parish. After someone takes over taxes from a tax sale, they charge interest and a bill racks up. After a 3 year period they can attempt to purchase the home. Regardless, at the end of the day, the back owed taxes is a lien on the property. Your family can't sell it without clearing up the taxes owed.

Which brings me to the next point. Selling it. In order for your family to do so, they'd have to all agree on it. Depending on how the succession has been handled and if they can agree or not, it can be an easy or difficult task. 

Ultimately, you don't get a say in this property since you aren't an owner. I think it comes down to educating your siblings on what the consequences of neglecting the property will be and options that they have to fix the problem. I have the contact info of a wholesaler in the Baton Rouge area who may be able to help you further. Feel free to contact me if you'd like. Best of luck!