REO lawn maintenance

[James Mirror]

I won the auction for a foreclosure property at a sheriff sale. The property has gone through the confirmation of sale stage -- hence the break down of who gets what (county, bank, sheriff, etc) from the sale has been approved by the court. I plan to close in about 25 days (the bank's lawyer is fine with this).

I noticed today that a letter from the city has been posted on the property that the lawn needs to be mowed within seven days or the city will get it done and charge the cost to the house. What should I do? Will I be required to pay the city mowing cost (likely to be high) given that the breakdown of the proceeds has been approved by the court? This breakdown obviously does not include the future lawn mowing cost from the city.

It should be the bank's responsibility to mow the lawn, given that I have not closed on the hosue. Should I pay for the lawn to be mowed to avoid potential hassel and high costs in the future?

Thanks in advance.

[Account Closed]

First thing I'd do would be to call the city and explain that you are mid-purchase and see if it is possible to get an extension.

Then I'd call the bank and tell them about the mowing and see if they want to deal with it.

If they don't, I'd ask their permission to go over and mow. Of course, I would mow it myself, but you can probably hire it done for less than the city will charge.

One thing about mowing, it makes the house look like someone is taking care of it. Tall weeds invite break-ins.