How to switch a DEED?

Question

Calling back a number that responded to my direct mail campaign, I spoke with the home owners nephew. He tells me a weird bind  they're in. They've been living in the home now for 5 years but the home is in the name of another person which they haven't heard from in years. It's to the point they don't know whether the person is alive or not!

Does anyone know a way to take a deed from a person who can't be contacted and switch it to a person who lives in the address now?

All help is truly appreciated, this could be a wholesale deal and great know-how.

Jeremy Tillotson · Answer

@Terrell Sapp While it is often used for scams, this seems like a classic legit case for adverse possession. I assume they have been paying the taxes? Talk to a local lawyer as laws vary. No legal advice here.

Steve Babiak · Answer

There is something called the "Social Security Death Index" where one can check to see if a named individual is deceased (assuming said individual had a SSN). You can google search for that to find sites that let you search the death index. Rick H. - I'm sure you knew that ...

So the new deed will need a grantor, who is either the living owner or a representative of the estate if a deceased owner. If alive, the owner can give a Power of Attorney to somebody to act on behalf of the owner in selling the property.

Terrell Sapp · Answer

With that help guys that brings me a step forward with this potential lead. I truly appreciate each response!

Antonio Vasquez · Answer

I can search the social security death index for you.  Just send me pm with the name, this is something I do on a daily basic at work.  No I'm not a private investigator, I find dead people in NYC lol.

Ned Carey · Answer

Try to find the original owner and get a deed from them. If they are dead you may be able to buy from the heirs via an estate. Just Google People search and lots of sites come up to find people. A private detective can help too.

Rick H. · Answer

Pretty big gap going from a title-less and clueless resident's nephew to adverse possession.

People throw the term around here on BP like it's something that just anyone can do when a document is missing. Nope . That's why some properties go to tax sale, etc.

AP is the tool of last resort. It is never appropriate for a newbie or the investor who hasn't reached the "10,000 hour" mark, as pilots and others refer to having mastered their work.

I suggest moving on and keep on mailing.

How to switch a DEED?

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