Homeowner died, no heirs. Is this probate situation? What next?

[William Anthony McQueen]

I found a diamond in the rough in NC. Great home. Nice neighborhood. The owner passed last yr at 94 yrs old. Has 2 living brothers but no named heirs on the property. Taxes are delinquent for past 4 yrs. How do I go about this? Do I reach out to her elderly survivors? Do I go to probate court? Have NO clue what to do but I don’t want to walk away without at least asking the question.

[Ibrahim Hughes]

@William Anthony McQueen

You've received a lot of good information but I noticed that all of it is from people outside of your state. Real estate laws are state-specific. For instance in New Jersey you can get the probate done in as little as a week. However you cannot pay anyone's taxes unless you have an interest in the property. Particularly if there's a tax lien on the property.

Having said that, it's best to seek out local legal counsel or information from experience and local investors in your state. But I do agree, start with talking to the heirs. Often you'll find that pay will wasn't done yet The Heirs all in agreement on what to do with the property. Sometimes there is a will and they just decided not to probate it yet. You won't know until you have a discussion with them.