how do you buy land from the city?

Question

Hi biggerpocket!

i know a vancant lot in my neighbordood for at least couple years now. i never really pay much attention to it until today.  it between two houses.  but when i go online, the there is no info regarding to the house at all, no tax info, no owner info, all it has is its size and lot #. that's the first time i saw something like this. usually even vacant lots has owners. but this one does not.   my guess is to call the department of finance. what if the lot really belongs to the city. is there anyway to buy from besides waiting for an auction?

Thanks :)

Brian Wang

Brian Wang · Answer

Hi Jacob and Mike, thank you for your responses, i really appreciated it, though it has been a while lol.

i actually went to DOF to find who was paying the taxes.  The good news is i found who the lot belongs to, but the bad news is they are the same company that built the new condos next to it, and they are probably keeping it.  but i never got in touch with them, there were no numbers or names from DOF. Not sure if they are public info or just not available.  and the tax bill were mailed to the condo buildings Lol.

To mike,  please do send me info regarding to your off market opportunities. i am interested. ;)  i have no specific goals, i most look at good cap rate multifamlies, but being an agent myself, i often seek other type of properties for my clients ;/ i think i do need to maintain my focus little

Brian

Best

Mike H. · Answer

Hi Brian,

Try going on Acris to achieve the block and lot information. You can also see who holds the deed. Once you have the block & lot number go to the DOF website and insert that in. You can then find where the tax bill is being mailed to.

If you'd like to tell me what your investment goals are I have off-market opportunities quite often.

-Michael

Jacob Blackett · Answer

Hi Brian! I think you're on the right track here. If I were you, I would start making those calls to City departments & ask them about an opportunity to purchase the land. City development/planning commission is usually a good place to start as well.

Jake