boarded up house...how to buy?

Question

hello i am pretty new to this real estate business. i currently own one rental property that i purchased 1.5 years ago. i noticed there has been a boarded up house in my area (central NJ)  for at least a year now. i am interested in potentially purchasing the property but don't know where to even begin with finding out about it. do you guys have any sources or information on where i can find out more about the house ie who the mortgage company is, etc? i have done a lot of internet searching of the address and whatnot but have not come up with anything useful. thanks in advance! dave

Ned Carey · Answer

Many areas have public info online. Try this site
http://publicrecords.netronline.com/
You are looking for the "land Records" office, or a similar name. This is where all the deeds and mortgages are recorded. This will help you find who owns the property.

Next you have to locate the owner. There are lots of search sites on the web. What you want is called a "Skip Trace"  Good luck - Ned

Karen Margrave · Answer

Each state has different laws governing availability of property ownership. First, call a title company and tell them you're trying to find the owner of a property, and ask them the best way for you to do that. It may be that they can help you, or direct you into the best way to proceed.

If you don't find help that way, try the assessors office. Does your City/County have GIS Maps on their website? Sometimes you can go on there, find the parcel, and get the information. Also, have you checked with the neighbors? Sent a letter to the address to see if it gets forwarded?

You just have to snoop it out, and don't be shy about asking neighbors, etc.