Vacant Homes in California

[Ian Dietler]

Hello BP!

I am looking for advice from my fellow investors about acquiring a vacant SFR. I am very new to real estate investing and I was wondering if there was anyone out there that is familiar with getting vacant properties from deceased people. I found a home in Sacramento, CA in which the owner died in 2011, and the taxes have not been paid since. There is around $35,000 in liens. I am working on tracking down any heirs. If i am able to find them, and offer them a few thousand to sign over the deed to me, is there anyone who may want to help me on this deal? Or does anyone have any advice?

Thank you,

-Ian

[Toi H.]

If I remember correctly, California has a tax redemption period of 2 years. So if the property taxes have not been paid in over 2 years the county is usually eager to seize the property and place it up for auction. At which point, all private liens on the property (mortgages, private liens, etc) are discharged with the exception of government liens like state liens and IRS tax liens, etc.   

You mentioned the taxes have not been paid since 2011, which means the property is well beyond the 2 year redemption period. You should definitely contact the county tax assessors for more information, perhaps you could do an over the counter purchase if it hasn't sold at previous auctions...but again contact the county tax assessors office for details on acquiring the property.