So.... do I get a free truck?

Question

Sheriff's auction property in my area. Previous owner seems to have died a couple of years ago and the place is completely untouched. There is a newer truck in the driveway, a grill in the back and various other personal items. For all I know there might be other vehicles in the garage. Snow around the truck is untouched and the neighbors confirm that the place has been abandoned.

What happens to these personal property items? Does the winning bidder get legitimate title to them? If not, what is the process?

This is in WI if it makes a difference.

What happens to these personal property items? Does the winning bidder get legitimate title to them? If not, what is the process?

This is in WI if it makes a difference.

Nick L. · Answer

@Mindy Jensen Good advice... a couple hours before the auction I did my due diligence with the ciy. I found that the entire house had been flooded last year with water spilling out of the windows. I would not have known as the house looks normal from the outside. Somehow a free truck didn't look too atractive after that information!!

Ronald Bourgeois · Answer

You would need to address this question with the The local Sheriffs department, they should be able to direct you to the legal documents requirement for abandoned personal property.

If the Sheriffs Ad has a phone number call them and ask them what to do with any personal property left at the site should you win an auction.  The Sheriff's site may have a FAQ to help you out.

-ron

Nick L. · Answer

@Percy N.I called the city to ask about any code compliance problems and they told me the water had been turned off at the street. Luckily for me it's a smaller city, so they were able to put me straight through to the engineer who had turned it off. He told me about the flooding.

The day before this, I had spoken to the head of the subdivision's HOA. He had told me he didn't know of any problems with the property. I don't think he was lying but it's hard to see how he wouldn't have heard about this.

By the way I spoke with the engineer on the morning of the auction. So that was cutting it fine. I guess at least two other people didn't find that out or didn't care, because the place sold to a third party bidder for $30k above the opening bid. I hope they at least got a free truck out of it!

Mindy Jensen · Answer

@Nick L., if that is the case, then make sure you follow the process to the letter. Don't rush anything, and don't cut corners. Nice little bonus.

Nick L. · Answer

Huh. So it actually looks like the new owner can claim abandoned property, just as with a tenant who moves out and leaves a car. As long as you follow a certain process of course.

http://wisconsindot.gov/Documents/formdocs/mv2881....

Wayne Brooks · Answer

Nope.  They were not security for the mortgage.

Don't know, local state laws.

So.... do I get a free truck?

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