Approaching a Owner Whose Home is in the Tax Sale List

[Peter Korty]

Hi BP Community,

There is an abandoned property down the street from a house I just purchased that is listed in the tax sale. I think if I can get it for the right price, it would make a pretty good deal. My question is, how do I approach the owner of the property to buy it before the tax sale? Alternatively, does anyone have any suggestions for negotiating with the owner of a property listed in the tax sale.

I'm thinking that a letter explaining that I'm a new real estate investor and that I noticed their property is in the tax sale list and include a couple of photos of the property. My initial thought is that they didn't notice the tax bills, so what would make them notice my letter. 

I could stop by their current residence on my way home from work since it's not far out of my way, but with COVID, they may not actually appreciate that. I struggle with this option since I keep projecting myself on them, but I really think this would be the quickest option to get a deal done. I personally would be put off though if some random guy showed up at my door asking me if I'd like to sell a property that he found was in the tax sale through "public records." I'd be anxiously screaming in my head "How'd this stalker really get my personal information!?!" Even though it is all true.

Thank you all very much for your input! It's much appreciated!

[Ibrahim Hughes]

@Peter Korty

Do some research on this first and find out how old the tax lien or tax situation is. It's very possible that if it's been tax-delinquent for a long time, the owners may not realize they still own it. Hence you may have to first convince them that they own the property and that you wish to buy it. I typically send a letter first introducing myself and express my interest in buying. Then I follow up with a phone call. If I still don't hear from them I door knock.