All Forum Posts by: Claudette Attride

I have been doing it the long way. In Broward County (S. Florida) you can download the newly filed probate applications (Excel) with the decedent’s name, a few times you’ll also see the applicant’s name. Since there is no indication on the application if a property is involved, I’ve had to cross match the names with the property appraiser’s data on their website to create ‘my probate list’. I am VERY interested in this thread.

@ Tony H Truong  &

@ Jerry Starr

In the Property Appraiser's site, always use the address listed for mailing, if different from the property address, and when you mail the envelope always write “Return Service Requested” printed 1/2 an inch above the delivery address. If the person is not at that address (left within about 6-8 months) you will receive the original letter back with the person’s new address printed on a yellow label if they have a forwarding address, if not, will just get the letter back without any information.

Happy hunting!

Claudette

@Ron S.

Re: If the bank owns the property…

I think he said he saw a notice on a door with a bank’s name, so I was simply suggesting to verify ownership of the property. Here in Florida, a bank can acquire a property through foreclosure sale and later the sale is overturned for many reasons. The preservation notice he saw on the property could have been placed there for that reason- preservation; IF, and I say IF, there were other developments regarding legal ownership of the property to cause a stay of the execution and the take-over or management of the property, such delay could have left the bank notice/sign in place- and not removed, Eugene did say the neighbors confirm that it has been vacant for years. In any event, my point was just to check the records.

While looking at the names on a foreclosure auction bid sheet, I find also useful information- sometimes you can figure out who is bidding for the bank. There are many times the former owners THINK that the bank now has possession of their house and unaware of their rights- lots of assumptions. Never ASSUME; always check then make your decisions based on your findings—sometimes it means, just walk away, but at least when in the future you drive past that possible big deal, you’ll be OK with your decision.

Best of luck to you.

Claudette

Let me add my compliments to you on how you've handled this matter- legally.  I'll also add to David C' note about abandoned property.  I also think that you can put it in storage, send them a certified letter as to its whereabouts and - check with your attorney- I think they have 15 days to redeem it or you can sell it donate whatever and recover storage costs.   

Not legal advice, you know just adding my 2-cents.

Great job, nice house. Your video is a great learning tool, especially to so many who watch TV real estate shows and think it not hard work!  THANK YOU for posting.

Claudette

You know I always start at the beginning.  Every property has a "birth certificate' usually called a deed/title given to the new owners,  which is recorded also with its history at the county's registry.   As Alexa said,  search your county record sites:

Are you in Gwinnett county? If so, this is for Gwinnett:

Enter the property address in the county appraiser’s website here: https://www.gsccca.org/search

You should be able to see the title transfer history here also, if you see a bank as owner, then go to name just before that- it should be the foreclosed upon owner- take that name to the case search area, enter his/her name and you should be able to see how the bank ( if they did) took possession of the property.

Search for cases here: http://www.gwinnettcourts.com/casesearch/bypartyna...

Good luck… Feel free to call on me if you need help in navigating county

sites.. 

Claudette

It appears that the mother ‘still owns the property’

How did you manage to get a Warranty Deed from the survivors of the owner?

Was there a living trust set up for ownership for the property to be transferred to the survivors?

You should check the advertised listing for the May 23rd Levy County Tax deed sale to see if the property is scheduled for sale, and also with the recorder’s office with the former owner’s name to see what comes up. If taxes on the property was delinquent and there is a forced tax sale, you’ll be out of luck, or you can bid to buy the property.

Contrary to popular belief, people can not just sell property simply because they are related to the deceased owner. You should see an attorney and fast!

Hi Ron:

Was that the tax deed for NE 16th Ter? That was 250K. All the liens that I see for Litton in Broward? county, are with cities or HOA's. On this case, the bid sheet information is blocked/removed, but you can pm me for how to get around this. That case number is - CACE08048271. I did not see any commercial liens? where did yo see that?

Claudette

That may be a ‘movie’ but just last week a man was arrested here in Broward County, Florida for selling a home which he had stolen.

The whole thing was uncovered by Independence Title’s Kevin Thatcher and the man was arrested.

If you inbox me, I can send you the video. Unfortunately, It’s still a jungle out there!

(Kevin & I are both members of BREIA).

Claudette

Hi Michael:

Do you know anything about the tenant?  Is it a good tenancy- ie. pay on time, likes area, kids at school nearby. employed etc.. would they consider a rent-to own arrangement with the landlord financing- ?  would the landlord want some monthly cash to finance his re-location adjustment to Florida?  Just an idea!!

Claudette

For Florida, ( Sunrise & Coral Springs) you can access a lot of information from the Broward county's websites - I also NEVER address letters to a name if the property owner is listed as 'EST John Brown'. If you see Owner with  the designation "EST' before the name - it means the property owner is deceased.  

Because dealing with probate is such a delicate matter, when reaching out to the representatives, I would try to approach of 'how can I be of assistance to you in this difficult time' rather than, "I heard John died; I'd  like to buy the house' . 

Sorry I can't send you the web sites here, they will flag me.