Pasadena, CA · Member since 2016 · 41 posts · 9 votes
I've located a house that is boarded and appears to be abandoned. I checked with the county recorder’s office and got the name and address of the owner, but the mailing address is the same as the abandoned house.
Does anyone know how I can find a mailing address or other contact information for the owner of the abandoned house?
Real Estate Consultant · Charlotte, NC · Member since 2016 · 40 posts · 27 votes
10y
If you know their name, you can look them up on Facebook, LinkedIn, etc. The neighbors are good too, let the neighbors know you have some $$$ for the past owners :) Which is true if they accept your offer to buy right! lol Sometimes you have to get creative. Also look up their name in property appraiser/tax record they might own other property too. So you might get a different address there.
You can also search they name on Secretary of state under corporations/LLC etc as an agent or member. I've found contact info there too. Still ..... send a letter to the address you have, it might be getting forwarded to another address. Good luck!
Find yourself a good private investigator. It usually doesn't cost you much and the info provided to you can be very quick. Good luck. It has worked for me many times.
Pasadena, CA · Member since 2016 · 41 posts · 9 votes
10y
Thanks @Rich Baer. I will look into a PI. I've found a few houses in my area that I will likely need his/her help finding the owners. If I establish a relationship with the PI, maybe I can get a break on price.
Pasadena, CA · Member since 2016 · 41 posts · 9 votes
10y
Thanks @Troy Gravett. I'm not sure about he tax bill or mail, but I will find out. I know the front yard is being cut by someone, but I never see by whom. So far I've just driven by without actually going up to the door. I'm going to go up to the door and leave a note this week, so I will find out whether the mail is being picked up.
Real Estate Consultant · Charlotte, NC · Member since 2016 · 40 posts · 27 votes
10y
If you know their name, you can look them up on Facebook, LinkedIn, etc. The neighbors are good too, let the neighbors know you have some $$$ for the past owners :) Which is true if they accept your offer to buy right! lol Sometimes you have to get creative. Also look up their name in property appraiser/tax record they might own other property too. So you might get a different address there.
You can also search they name on Secretary of state under corporations/LLC etc as an agent or member. I've found contact info there too. Still ..... send a letter to the address you have, it might be getting forwarded to another address. Good luck!
Property Manager · Griffith, IN · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 913 votes
10y
I've used Intelius in the past to look up people. A simple google search with their name and the town reveals a lot. Also - go talk to neighbors and let them know you are trying to track down the owner to make an offer to buy the house. I rarely have a neighbor not share info with me. They want the house sold and fixed up as much as you do.
Real Estate Consultant · Bloomfield, NJ · Member since 2010 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
10y
I always recommend that you first check the financial and legal status of the property. Are you prepared to do a short sale if the property is under water? Most boarded and vacant houses in my market are under water and require a short sale. To do one successfully and smoothly you have to have a system and team in place. Perhaps the bank recently took the property and you really have to wait until it's listed with an agent? Maybe the fact that the bank took the property is not showing up on tax records yet. I strongly advocated finding out what's going on with the property and why has it's vacant. This will give you an edge on how to deal with the owner and what to say once you find them.
Investor · west seneca, NY · Member since 2014 · 376 posts · 211 votes
10y
hi charlotte. i have never used a PI to locate someone, but i have several different methods i have used. first, find out if they own anymore properties in the area, even if it is a rental. they may have a tenant or 2 that would send you to where you can find them. second, check the local newspaper for obituaries. if they have passed away, the obituaries always lists the surviving relatives. find them, one of them will be in charge of the estate. also, call the local hospitals and jails, they may be in there as well. lastly, knock on neighbors doors. every neighborhood has the local " busy body" that knows everything about everyone. find them!!!!!........lol. good luck to you