Mississippi Tax Deeds

[Harry Asnien]

Here is the situation:

The property I'm looking at in Mississippi was sold at tax sale in 2004 and a tax deed was issued in 2011. The tax lien investor sold that property to the seller that I'm talking to. 

In between that time, in 2008, the original owner sold the property via quitclaim deed to a couple.  That couple never redeemed the 2004 tax lien, but has been paying the taxes since (always right before redemption period runs out). 

Does anyone have experience with confirming title in MS? A lawyer I was working with on another property said a tax deed is worthless in MS as no judges will confirm title. 

The purchase price would be very cheap, $120, but could I sell that tax deed to a neighbor with a clear conscience? What have you experienced?

Thanks!

[Sharilyn Glover]

Harry, Have you confirmed the titele? If not, it sounds like you and the "couple" who purchased their interest from the original owner via quit claim deed both own an undefined interest in the property. Neither of you can pass clear title without either buying out the other or via quieting the title and receiving a judgment  (default or otherwise) against the other party.