Abandoned, Tax Delinquent Property in DC

[Rachan M.]

Hello all,

While driving yesterday, I noticed a house with DCRA notices all over it - overgrown grass, unpaid taxes, utilities cut off etc. Quick online research revealed that the owner passed away and property has been vacant for 2+ years. It seems the next of kin lives in the area, but has obviously not paid any attention to the house - no maintenance, unpaid bills, owner's stuff is still inside. The city has not yet put the property up for tax sale.

I really like the house and its location, although it needs a ton of work! I want to look into buying it - what are good next steps for me as a buyer/investor?

Thanks, as always!

[Greg Dickerson]

Originally posted by @Rachan M.:

Hello all,

While driving yesterday, I noticed a house with DCRA notices all over it - overgrown grass, unpaid taxes, utilities cut off etc. Quick online research revealed that the owner passed away and property has been vacant for 2+ years. It seems the next of kin lives in the area, but has obviously not paid any attention to the house - no maintenance, unpaid bills, owner's stuff is still inside. The city has not yet put the property up for tax sale.

I really like the house and its location, although it needs a ton of work! I want to look into buying it - what are good next steps for me as a buyer/investor?

Thanks, as always!

 You can look up the heirs and contact them to see if they can sell you the property and if nit if they know the status. You can also research title to see if there is a mortgage on the property. Based on your description it sounds like it could be a situation where it may not be worth what's owed on it or the heirs would have sold it.