In NYC and in counties here in NC I can go to the registrar of deeds website and view liens against properties. 

@David Wandel He needs to open the estate with the Registrar of Wills.

I called the Registrar of Contractors and they only have jurisdiction over work that's happened within the last 2 years.5.

Also my county's deeds records are very limited compared to other registrars in VA. 

Then you can take it to the registrar and register your deed.So by the time the first mortgage sale ends, even if you were high bidder on the second mortgage, you will not be the owner of record for that home at the time the first mortgage sale ends.Not sure how that is taken into consideration either.

Hi Adam Kinley,- Go to county registrar's website and see if there is any leans against the property.

@Leon Lee Once the closing attorney files the paperwork with the registrar, you own the property. 

I believe you can close on a property without an attorney if you desire, but you'll likely run into hassles at the county registrar's office because attorney's and county clerk's know what's expected on each side.  

The Registrar of Wills is a good source for probates.

You can see it, print it online with your county/city clerk/registrar of deeds/recorder office, whatever they call it there.