Big problems on Foreclosed Property Chicago Suburbs

[Brian Achar]

Hi Experts,  I really need your help.

Sorry for the long post....

We bought a foreclosed house in a nice area in the northwest suburbs of Chicago through an auction.  The original owners were living in the property but since the day of the auction we noticed that the owner had moved to another place but their stuff are still inside the house.  The house is empty but the heat is on.  We have not seen the inside of the house yet.

Auction was in late Nov and the final judgement was passed in Jan second week.  Their attorney agreed to the judgement and requested additional time to vacate the house and the judge agreed and gave them 60 days to leave the house including an eviction order was placed in the final order.

We talked to their attorney and offered them cash for keys of $1500.  They want $4000.  We said we can pay 1500 and maybe a little more but nowhere close to what they are asking.  We have been very respectful and never bothered them.  Only looked at the property from outside even though no one is living there since the auction date.

Today I called their attorney and asked them what is the status and if we can agree to a number close to our original offer of $1500  and they leave the house by end of this month.  Else I have to travel for work for three weeks in Feb and we will just drop the cash for keys idea and start moving into our house in mid March as per the original order.  Their legal secretary said that they will get back to me.

A few hours afterwards, I got a nasty email from their attorney.  They said that I sent people yesterday to change the locks in the house.  And the owners called the cops and changed the locks and now they are contemplating going to the court and filing a motion against me for violation of court law.  They also mentioned in the email that they are still open to the cash 4 keys for $4000 and agree to vacate by the end of the month.

Of course, neither I nor anyone I know went inside the house.  In fact we were too busy with our daughter yesterday who had a fever.

My questions:

1.  Is it possible that someone went there and changed the locks or is this just a tactics to get the higher cash for keys amount that they want?

2.  What should I do next?  Talk to the cops? Anyone else?

3.   Should I hire an attorney?  If yes, any suggestions?  So far the two attorneys involved were the bank and the previous owners lawyer.  We never hired one and do not know anyone.

4.  Anything I can and should do to protect the the house from inside and outside?

5.  Should I just bite the bullet and pay them and get this over with?  One thing is to fight for what is right another is to waste money with attorneys and the opportunity cost.  Any suggestions from you experts will be highly appreciated!

Any other recommendations?

Thanks in advance for your feedback!