Tax Foreclosure Question when estate owed money

[Katherine Beavers]

We have a neighborhood home which has been sitting empty for 6 years and is now in terrible shape, ie- total gut, but thankfully a very small home and we would use it as a rental.  The previous owner passed away suddenly.  The family chose not to pay taxes on it and now it is going into tax foreclosure to pay off debt from the estate. (The only heir refuses to sell thinking he can eventually make lots of money). My question involves a few items.  1) Will the property have to sell for what is owed on it ( around 10K)?   2) If we do bid on it and win the bid will we be obligated to pay off the debt/any other liens? 3) Is there any way we can get in before the auction and get the property ( without paying full price?

Thanks for your input. 

[Paul Birkett]

I'm with @Wayne Brooks on this one...

1. The Carolinas have particularly complicated laws regarding probate - which probably explains the 6 year delay.

2. The taxes will always be paid first. If nobody bids and it doesn't sell then the county will be stuck with a zombie property. You may be able to pick it up after the sale at a discount but dont bank on it. The FC sale usually wipes out all the other liens...but you should most certainly check that. 

3. Id call the county treasurer and ask them to walk you through the process (how the sale works, redeption rights, what happens if it doesn't sell etc etc). I have never heard of anyone getting in before the sale to get a property. That's simply not how the process works

good luck!

Paul