Tracking down owners of vacant properties

[Roberto Lobrace]

Hi All,

We have come across a number of vacant properties which we sent letters to the owners, but they are getting returned. The address which the City has on file for them is incorrect.

Any recommendations on how to track down these owners?

[Michaela G.]

Knock on the neighbors' doors. Someone may be friends with them.....google them.....Look into the social security death index and see if they've died, then check if probate has done for them, which would list heirs.....get their death certificate, which mentions an informant , who is usually a relative.....go to www.peoplesmart.com and see what their current address is. They might also mention relatives and you can contact them....see if they have a facebook account and send mail to them for $ 1.00(if you don't pay it'll go into their 'other' mail folder and they might not see it)