How to find the owner of a fire damage house ?

Question

Hello,

I buy my first house in Highland Park, MI. The house in the left side of me have a big fire damage.

I want to find the owner, tear down the house. The aim is to enlarge my backyard, and build a 1/2 car garage.

With the address, or my parcel ID, can I contact the county to help me ?

Ned Carey · Answer

First you need to find who owns the property. Many areas have public records online. This site may help http://publicrecords.netronline.com/ If that doesn't help go to your tax assessment office or land records to find who owns the property.

Once you know who owns it the hard part can be finding them. Google "people search" for ideas. What you are trying to do is know as a "Skip Trace" A private investigator can help if online tools don't find them for you. Good luck - Ned

Bill Gulley · Answer

You probably don't need a PI or a skip tracer, did you call the fire department? Building Regs? The Assessors Office (ask where the tax bill is being sent)? Does a neighbor know them?

Another way is to report it as a dangeious building, have the city tear it down and buy the lien. Take the fence down and start mowing it. See about foreclosing on the lien/quiet title with your attorney. Not sure how that's done in your area, but it could be an option. :)

Thomas Bernard · Answer

I call a private investigator with a fee of 50$. I hope I can do my project after.

How to find the owner of a fire damage house ?

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