I spotted an empty house in my city as well as the owner's name but I wonder if there is a public record that can tell me if the owner is alive or dead. Is there a method or a system on how to find these properties lists

Dee,

The first thing I would check would be the county assessors site to see where the tax bill goes to if you haven't already done so, and then contact them at that address if it's different then the house you found. It could be a rental that's vacant....or owned by someone out of state...you never know.

I have check the tax assessor but I am wonder if there is way to know when someone pass away like a public record or a website.

It should be public record if a property is tied up in probate. If the property has transferred to the heirs you will see a personal representative's deed recorded so look at the chain of title. (at least that is how it is in CO)

I agree that you should send your mail to the mailing address the county has on record. Put something on the outside of the letter saying you want to buy the house so it does not get mixed up with all the other mail that might be coming (bills are pretty common when someone dies)

If the person died, someone is in control of the assets and should be getting their mail. One final thought is you might want to send mail to the property and the mailing address at the county because sometime the county has the wrong address but the post office has a good one to forward your letters to.

Good luck.