A Vacant House
I would greatly appreciate any advice on how or from whom I can buy this vacant house. Here is the situation... I researched a house in PHiladelphia, found the owner on record has been dead for seven years. There is no will filed/probated. There is over $7000 in taxes owed the city. They told me the tax lien has been sold. To buy the house, a person at City Hall said that I would have to file with the City dept. of revenue a request for the property to be sold at Sheriff sale.
My question is there any other way to buy this house and if there is no will or heirs doesn't the State of PA become the lawful owner of the property?
I sincerely appreciate any advice or ideas on how to pursue this property.
Thanks,
Helen
Not positive but dosnt the person that bought the tax lien have the right to the property first?
Hello,
That is what I thought but the city says no.
The tax lienholder currently only has the right to collect his/her $7000. In the event of a sale the mortgage company will probably require the lien be taken care of to put themselves in first position on the house. As long as the tax lienholder does not foreclose on the property they do not own it.
I'd negotiate a sale of the lien w/ the lienholder then foreclose on the property. I'd also check w/ a real estate attorney to see if there is a way to take over the deed w/o having to go thru a foreclosure.
[addsig]