The use of delinquent utility customers lists?

Question

Has anyone ever used delinquent utility customer lists to target willing sellers?

Is this public information?

Can I simply reach out to my local municipalities for this information?

Gerald Harris · Answer

unpermitted additions, broken windows, boarded up doors, noice violations, broken down cars in the drive way.   Overgrown shrubbery etc.......

Anything that would cause the owner to be motivated.

Chris Stromdahl · Answer

@Gerald Harris

What exactly will the code violations reveal?

What type of code violations are we looking for?

Chris Stromdahl · Answer

@Gerald Harris

@Nick G.

On it.

Nick G. · Answer

@Chris Stromdahl  In the past I was able to verify with the local utility company that there were no outstanding balances attached to a house I was performing due diligence on. I filled out a form with my contact info and emailed it over to them. They had no problem providing the info, this was for electric and water services.

This was one single property though, makes me wonder if they would provide a delinquent list of multiple properties in a certain area...maybe per zip code, doesn't hurt to ask.

Gerald Harris · Answer

Try this

Go down town and visit the housing code violations department or permit department.  To look into code violations against real property

Maybe that can lead you in the right direction.  Keep me posted

You may have found a list no one has ever tapped into.   In real estate there are various ways to find a motivated seller.

Chris Stromdahl · Answer

@Gerald Harris

Exactly.

I am going to start making the calls my local municipalities.

Keep you posted.

Gerald Harris · Answer

This is a very interesting question that I would like answered.   I don't know if its public but i will look into it and see.

The only way that it would be public is if it would be attached to the property in some way.  Kind of like a code violation but different.    I will investigate and look further into this and see if this is public information.   Someone who has accumulated a $900 gas bill and hasn't paid in 6 months would be a good candidate for a motivated seller.   Something along those lines.