All Forum Posts by: Tony Martin

Update:  This ended with previous owner/tenants breaking in and me still happy.  

I changed locks but left all personal belongings in unit as I decided what to do with them/how to get them back to prior owner/tenants.  Multiple attorneys (Matt Leider included) all advised the belongings are considered abandoned (auction only) if prior tenants/owners are missing but personal property still there.  One even told me that I could invite neighbors over to help themselves to make my job of removing stuff easier.  A couple of them said that a writ from sheriff was not required but was the preferred advice.  I did not want to simply discard someone's personal stuff.  There were men's watches there probably totaling 10k or more in value, family photos, etc.  

They gingerly broke in twice through a window without breaking glass. After the 1st break-in, the HOA told me to make a police report which I decided not to. The last time they finished getting what they wanted and leaving what they didn't. They even left laundry keys on counter. Didn't remove appliances, vandalize or anything they shouldn't have done (exception of breaking in). Even left a new appliance that wasn't installed, still in box.

A satisfactory end.  

Thanks Marty. That's the type of answer I was looking for.  However, I already knew about writ.  I'm curious though if I legally need a writ to remove and store their possessions alone.  Doesn't seem they need to be removed as they cannot be found. 

I talked to security/the HOA office and it was pretty clear prior owners have not been around for a while. The office had a key. I entered unit after having knocked vigorously. Yelled "is anyone here". Nobody was there but also no signs of them moving out. House is full of personal belongings; TVs, laptops, etc. Do I need the sheriff to handle (monitor) removing these belongings? I'd like to know what my legal stance is here. What's the easiest way of getting this stuff clear from the unit without opening myself up to some sort of liability?

I am a novice real estate guy but to my friends I'd be an expert.  I have prior experience working for a real estate title company in South Florida, a degree in legal studies and had advice from my professor during a real estate law class when I bought my first auction through Broward county (realforeclose).  My knowledge is more technical and research based but I'd like to learn more on the business end with a goal to build rentals through auctions and any other avenues where I can find opportunities.  I don't personally do rehabs nor do I have a go to contractor but I'd like to find one.  

If you're finding a foreclosure listed for 200 days at well below market, there is likely a catch.  And it sounds like you're finding a generic listing such as on Zillow.  Foreclosure involves an auction.  You can buy pre-foreclosure (pre-auction), buy at your county auction (cash needed) or post foreclosure.  

Hello Alfred,

I have successful experience in Broward county auctions and am looking to move that experience to Miami.  I am still a bit of a novice to investing and new to biggerpockets.  I'd be interested in meeting others and sharing tips and experience.  Let me know.  

Tony