BiggerPockets

Try utility company to see if new account is open [img]in the previous owners
name.

The registrar / clerk isn't working for you? Once you get that info, it's just a matter of googling from there.

I have found luck in the tax database as well except for ACORN properties because the group disbanded. Any one had luck on ACORN properties?

I would have to agree with the tax database, then use a skip tracing service to find their number.

If the tax roles have at least a valid name I usually google the name but also have found a great website www.radaris.com that helps track down addresses and phone numbers.

The neighbors can generally tell you the story on the house and who lived there but I've found that they rarely can give you good contact info.

The worst ones are houses where the tax roles have a deceased persons name on it. You end up trying to find next of kin. Gets deep real fast.

As a last ditch effort, you can always put a for sale sign in their front yard with your number on it. They may contact you.
Usually upset, asking who you are and why are you trying to sell their house.

If so you can tell them your a Real Estate Investor who has another property in the neighborhood for sale and kids must have moved the sign to their yard as a joke. Tell them you will be happy to remove the sign ASAP. Appologize for any misunderstanding. Then ask them "since I have you on the phone do you happen know of anyone that may have a property they want or need to sell in a hurry"?

Most of the time it takes them a second to think to themselves "yeh... I do"

I'm sure you can handle the conversation from there.
You will also be collecting potential buyers as well. When they call to ask about the property. Tell them its under contract right now but won't be closing for a while yet.

You can also take this opportunity to build you buyers list for other properties you have or may have in the future.

Good luck

I usually have success with tax records and help from neighbors. But right now, I have a very frustrating situation right here in my own neighborhood. There is a house around the corner that's been vacant for nearly 10 years, that I know of. It's covered in vines, gutters falling down, yard full of crap, grass out of control, etc. I've done everything I could to find the idiot who owns this place. First, I looked up the tax records, which said the owner's address is the house! I tried finding phone numbers, but it's like the guy doesn't exist. When that didn't work, I sent post cards, letters, etc.. No answer. Then I chatted up the neighbors to see what they know. They've been mowing the lawn out of frustration. They said he lives a couple miles from here--didn't know the address, but gave me an idea how to get there. I have since personally knocked on the door of every house within 1/2 mile of where the neighbors told me to go, but no one knows this guy. Supposedly.

I've tried getting the county to get on his case, to no avail. At this point, I don't even care if he sells his house to me or not--I'm sick of the eyesore that his house has become over so much time.

Anyone got any ideas?