Owner is deceased how do I find current owner?

[Tyler Shoaf]

Hello BP!

I recently found out the property I'm looking at has an deceased owner. I first want to see if their is even any equity in the property. Since I don't know who the current owner is or how to contact them is this public information? I don't want to waste my time on a property that doesn't even have equity. And if it does have equity how can I find the current owners? I already searched my county's tax assessor website and it has the same owner on file that's deceased. Any help is greatly appreciated!

[Rick H.]

No, start with with equity. Determine if there's any merit to pursue, first.

If you don't have a relationship with a title insurance company (who could easily provide this) either go to or access your county recorder's records to determine if any mortgage(s) or other encumbrances (liens) that affect title and eat up the equity you are pursuing.