how do I find the owner?

[Fabian J Valdes]

I found a property that looks abandoned while driving for dollars. fence broken,garage door old and broken,front yard needs alot of work.

how do I get the information to contact the owner? or get more information on the situation of the owner or house?

[Ron S.]

Originally posted by @Account Closed:

@ Fabian J Valdes

First of all make sure if the property is abandoned or not. You can do that by checking the county's property tax record as the county tax assessor will have the name of the person and the contact information. Else you can also check the deed of the property in the county recorder's office. Finally if you are not able to reach the owner of the property you can file a claim on the property and check if you can keep it.

That makes for great fictional reading but not much else. Acquisition by adverse possession is more urban legend than reality, and of the real aspect of it, it requires materially more effort than "filing a claim". Secondly, you cannot "Do that by checking the county's tax record" to see if its abandoned. Checking the deed of the property won't tell you if its abandoned either.

Now, back to reality...if no one answers the door, and/or if you can't skiptrace the owner, once you check county records for who the owner is, you can try to send them a certified letter? A regular letter will do but certified, with a return receipt might tell you that someone responded to your inquiry at least. Tell them who you are and why you are writing. If they respond, congratulations. If they don't move on to the next deal.