Advice on bidding on Deceased Owner Property at Trustee Sale (County Steps Auction)

[Chad Coleman]

Hello all:

I am interested in bidding on foreclosure property but did a quick research and found that the owner is deceased 6 months ago and no probate case in currently open, the deceased owner was a single person per the recorded documents but no clue if there any hires to this person.  What would be the risk associated if I bid on this property? The property is located in Texas. I have read that the property won't have a clear title until 4 years passed after the owner passed if there is no probate case open during this time.  If a probate case gets open even after the foreclosure is conducted, it could nullify the foreclosure sale, want to doubled check if I understand this correctly.  Any info from someone ran into a similar situation would be really helpful! Thanks in advance.