Buying a Tax Deed house in an HOA neighborhood

[Judy Raymond]

Hi I am new to this forum but I have been a rehabber for years. I am looking at purchasing my first house through a tax deed sale. The house is located in a 55+ community where the owners own the land and have an HOA that maintains the community. This house was owned by a woman who apparently died and may or may not be occupied by an heir.

My questions are these: Is there a way of finding out if there are HOA fines? There are no liens listed in property public records. If the deed is purchased at the tax sale do these fines, if there are any, get superseded like most other liens or can the HOA still foreclose afterward? If the house is occupied is there an eviction entitlement at the tax deed or is there another legal step that has to be sued for? Should I get a quiet title before I try entering the house after I purchase it? I have read much on the tax deed sales but I try to be as prepared as I can be before putting a plan into action.

Thanks for any input regarding these questions. Judy

[John Underwood]

Judy,

Tax lien is superior to an HOA lien so this would be erased.

In SC I would file something like an eviction with the Magistrate for a hold over tenant. I would first contact occupant and see if I can convert them to my tenant. You could also offer them cash for keys but it only cost $50 in SC to have them evicted. It could prevent them from tearing up the place on the way out though.

John