First newbie mistake - probate

[Erin Elam]

So I went through all the probate admin notices in the local paper and found an interesting notice. After reading and researching the names it seemed to me the mother died in 2011, the father took care of things but now the daughter is becoming the executor.  So tax website showed tax bill for 2014 is past due in mother's name and I'm thinking great my first probate lead. I handwrite a nice letter, a no fake condolences but empathy non-the-less; a no-pressure-but-keep-me-in-mind letter. I was excited taking an actual first step when I mailed the letter - been reading alot and like most newbies trying to make sure not to get stuck in analysis paralysis. 

I looked up the home on Zillow just to get some basics and notice a 2014 foreclosure auction sale date.  Hmmm interesting since I had seen a 2014 tax bill in the deceased woman's name. Then a light bulb appeared hey Erin look up the tax bill BY THE ADDRESS ..... Sure enough there are 2 tax bills and my letter is already in the mail. 

One lesson learned, a hundred more to go.