How can I get access to a tax deed property before buying?

Question

Before I bid, I want to see what I am buying. How do you find out if the property is occupied or not? How do you see it other than drive by?

Jay Hinrichs · Answer

Nothing stopping anyone from going up and knocking on the door unless
there is some big no tresspass sign or some nasty dogs . Door
knocking is how we did all our pre foreclosure work trustee or tax
sales.

you can check the mail box you can look at the electric meter to see if its spinning..

if it looks abandoned you can peek in the windows.

As Mr. Bock is mentioning most pro's at this will if they determine the house is unoccupied they will find a way to get in. Its a small risk but it happens everyday.. have to watch for squatters though.

I had a guy that would bring me deals he was quite slight in stature and he could many times get in the doggie doors :) but I have also had clients of mine bust in and end up getting arrested and that was not good.. For me personally if its abandoned I am going to check all doors I would not break anything but if there was something open I would go in. this is me personally of course not saying others should do it.. We were one of the top buyers in our pDX market and sometimes some of the team would get in the house then lock it tight so competition could not get in . Kind of the wild west as it were.

Chris Seveney · Answer

@Mary Ann

Unfortunately you cannot. There are typically ways to tell if it is occupied by trying to determine if water and power are on to a property

Ask a neighbor

See if trash cans are brought to streeet day of collection

You could also accidentally deliver a pizza to the wrong house and see if someone answers the door.

Those are some ways to see if it’s occupied

Jonathan Bock · Answer

The best operators in this space use unconventional tactics please be careful if you implement any of them this work is tedious and time consuming besides all the other background research you will perform. I hope your county has an in person auction my local area has going online and that has dramatically changed the landscape.

John Underwood · Answer

A drive by is best. I don't bid on anything I haven't seen with my own eyes. Too much risk to not see in person.

Chris Seveney · Answer

yes

Mary Ann · Answer

These are good ideas! But how do you know if the water or power is on. Do you just call the power company?

Mary Ann · Answer

Mine is online too. So it sounds like a driveby is the only way. I definitely would need to know what municipal tax liens and occupancy status. Florida is a landlord state so eviction is easier just dont want to deal with that.

How can I get access to a tax deed property before buying?

How can I get access to a tax deed property before buying?

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