Found A House Owned By A Jail Bird
Does anybody have experience buying house from a person in jail??? He has by owner for sale sign in his front yard, so we are assuming he is willing to sell. We found out where his cell is at, so we tried to visit him, but he was bedridden then, so we could not see him. So we just sent him a letter via UPS, and are waiting to hear back from him.. We also found out he has been in jail off and on for last 10 years, there is a huge chance that he could be put away for a long time this time. We already title search and found out he has no lien except property tax for this year. What do you think about this one? 
Sounds like a good plan to me, but be very careful to have a witness for any & all conversation with the guy.
After all, what's he got to lose by suing you? Claiming you made ANY kind of promise that you'd then be accused of breaching, etc.
If I were you, I think I'd hire some RE Agent for a few bucks to deal with him, as YOUR buyer's agent. So all t's would be crossed, all i's dotted, etc., and then the guy would NOT know where you lived, etc.
If you can't communicate with him, remember he probably had some lawyer represent him in court, and he may owe that lawyer some money.
So the lawyer could be on your side & maybe able to communicate with the inmate easier than you...but the flip side is the lawyer might be smart enough to advise the guy to hold out for full value of his property, so it's a big decision for you, as to whether to contact his lawyer.
Another lawyer option is to have YOUR lawyer contact the guy...as a lawyer, he/she'd be able to get into the jail easier than you, and be a lot more comfortable than you!
I've visited with so many clients behind bars that I'm OK, but it can be an intimidating experience for the law-abiding citizen.
I agree with John. Use an attorney.
and thanks for the question found one of those deals myself little different deal but now I have to go to work!
[ Edited by Dreamin on Date 09/06/2003 ]
We attorneys of the world thank you for thinking of us in good times and in bad!!! LOL
J
First thing, pull a preliminary title, look for paid taxes, and bailbond liens recorded or otherwise. employ an attorney have him go into jail. Find out what he wants. Then when you have a deal, the attorney goes in and has a notarized deed etc.. A dear friend of mine bought a house off a convicted felon who was in for life. made a deal to supply so much money each month to be deposited to the felons inmate account so he could buy goodies and things. In your transaction please address the problem of imediate possession. Those he meets within those hallowed halls have a tendency to crash on property when they get out. Sometimes in lieu of imediate funds. The felon can take back a mortgage payable so much a month he gets that each month. You get the house. Now this is the kind of transaction in which you place a subordinatioin agreement in his mortgage. That allows you to borrow on a new lst with a bank. Gives you funds for fixup etc. etc. Enjoy. Lucius