How to buy house after the owner died?

[Olen Main]

Hello everyone!

I'm Olen and excited to learn more about real estate.  I currently work as a firefighter and own 1 rental property (3/2).  At work it is often for an older person to die and to be living alone with the house in poor shape.  How do I go about trying to buy one?  Should I write a letter and mail it to the house hoping they have relatives who will read it. I look forward to your advice and thank you in advance. -Olen

[Rick H.]

@Olen Main You are actually in a good to position to monitor an opportunity. 

I've been working probates for a long time and what you need to understand is the basics of the process and the ability to connect with family members and nurture them until they are ready to sell.

Since a deceased person cannot transfer title to you now (absent an estate with a properly executed trust in place) the property will need to go through some form of probate. 

Will or no will, high value or low value, multiple heirs or a single child, mortgages or no debts, all these things will be factors in determining the complexity of the case.

Since you'll need to know the next of kin (either directly or obtained from death certificate) you'll also need to think through what you'd say to someone who just lost a close relative. 

My cousins own the ambulance company that services much of LA county as well as mortuaries. While it might seem like a natural fit, how does one "close the sale?" 

So, there's a bit of thought that needs to go into this. 

Don't give up and be patient with your commitment to study and learn the process while studying real estate.