Owner died without known heirs--we manage the property.

Owner died without known heirs--we manage the property.

Real Estate Broker · Northeast PA · Member since 2017 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes

Hello All,

We manage a 2-family house in Luzerne county PA.  Recently found out the owner, an older, single man, passed a few weeks ago.  We have no emergency contact info, and our background trace shows no relatives associated with his name.  We will be keeping rent collected in an escrow account.  Does anyone have experience on how to track down whether there was a will, or if he died intestate?  I expect to have to use a lawyer, but hopefully can get some preliminary leg-work done before going on the clock.  Thanks!

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  • Investor · brentwood, CA · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 730 votes
    8y

    You could check to see if a Will in his name has been filed with a Probate Court. Although it sounds as if he might have been the type that never had a Will. You could search county records to see how the property is formally titled, in whose name or names, possible joint tenancy or tenants in common with others, notwithstanding no current evidence of co ownership, etc. Might even check for an obituary publication.

  • Tom GimerBusiness Member
    DMV · Member since 2017 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    8y

    @Marc Winter This is not directly on point but worth a read for you as it touches on issues you may not be thinking about...

    https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/51/topics/357...

    Gimer Law516 Reviews
  • Real Estate Agent · Sacramento/Placer ~ San Francisco Bay Area counties · Member since 2012 · 1k+ posts · 743 votes
    8y

    Another way is to request a copy of the death certificate:

    http://www.luzernecounty.org/county/row_offices/co...

    Whomever filled it out (any relative, friend, acquaintance, etc.,) will be your first point of contact.

  • Jay HinrichsBusiness Member
    Real Estate Consultant · Summerlin, NV · Member since 2014 · 45k+ posts · 66k+ votes
    8y

    Skip tracer service they are pretty good and there is usually someone.

  • Investor · Atlanta, GA · Member since 2013 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    8y

    Contact the public administrator in the county this guy died in and ask, if they're handling his estate? 

    Death certificate would be the best first option, but I don't know if PA is an 'open records state'. If so, you can order an informational copy. The informant is typically a relative. 

  • Real Estate Broker · Northeast PA · Member since 2017 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    8y

    Thanks to all for your help.  After calling the Prothonatary Office in Luzerne, who passed us on to Deeds and Wills, we got to the attorney handling a will!  Thanks again.

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