Getting Quit Claim Deed before Tax Deed Auction + Redemption

[Dr.James Harlan]

A property coming up to county tax deed online auction with minimum bid of $133,000 (back taxes). No mortgage. Is it possible to track down the owner and offer a small amount for him to sign over a quit claim deed, then personally go to the courthouse and pay the back taxes. Would that convey ownership? What am I missing?

[Chad U.]

Originally posted by @Steve Morris:

"Would that convey ownership? What am I missing?"

A quitclaim will NOT transfer ownership to you.  A quitclaim will not, for the purposes of the taxes, release them from the responsibility of paying them (moot since it looks like its going to auction).  It just says they have no claim on the property, doesn't say you have the claim on the property.  However, they owe the taxes personally.

If you want their interest, you probably need to do something like a Bargain and Sale Deed (not sure what it's called in FL).  But why would you want their interest unless you intend on paying back taxes?  If so, then get an atty to draft all the right documents and pay back taxes BEFORE THE AUCTION.

You might avoid a redemption, but at this stage better to go to the auction and pay the $133K (IF the property is worth that much).

If it's worth more, you may have some competition.

 Completely incorrect. Yes a quit claim deed does transfer ownership to you. And no they are not personally responsible for the taxes if it transfers,  they stay with the property.