Buying my first house but it has multiple liens on it. Help!

[Johnny Cabral]

Hello everyone,

This is my first post and a very general one at that. I do know there are many different ways of going about this issue. I'm looking for some information regarding removing liens from a property. This will be my first house that I purchase, so I'm not too familiar with the house buying process either.

The property is a up/down duplex that is paid off. This is also an off the market deal. The only people involved so far are the owner and I. However, there's a lien from unpaid taxes, water bills that Rhode Island housing were paying. The owner had a section 8 tenant. The owner also didn't file his personal income taxes since 2005 and owes the IRS money. So there's a lien for that too. After a few phone calls to several places, (City hall, Rhode Island housing, title company) it looks like he owes:

1. Rhode Island housing

2. The city of Providence

3. Federal - taxes

4. State - taxes

My questions are:

1. Where do I start?

2. Do I need a lawyer?

3. How much does this cost?

4. What other questions should I be asking the owner?

5. What other things should I look into?

I'll be buying this well below the value of the house, so I think all the footwork will be worth it in the end. The guy is very motivated to get rid of the house but doesn't really have a sense of direction. I promised him I'd take care of everything but I don't know what I'm doing either haha. I already got pre approved for the loan and had a general contractor come in and do an inspection of the house. Any feedback would be great! Thanks.

[Mike Flora]

Once you get your offer accepted, title company will find all these liens and the seller will have to pay them, whatever amount that is. Make sure your purchase agreement states seller is responsible
To bring all taxes current and all liens and encumbrances taken care of. Your purchase money SHOULD cover the amount he owes in all these categories.