All Forum Posts by: Charlie Hampton

@Account Closed

Salem County is pretty rural and lots of farms but my property is right in the heart of Salem City. Actually my backyard backs up to the courthouse. Salem has its crime but I feel pretty good about where I am because its a pretty clean block and very well lit being surrounded by a courthouse, assisted living high rise, and a church across the street.

I am looking into another duplex down there but I am currently out of money and have two projects on my plate so I need to finish something before I start another. (at least that's what the wife says, sheesh!)

@Jon Lafferty

Ughhh! The squatter.... When you buy, please sign something to guarantee that you receive the property vacant and if not all costs are to be paid by the seller (or something of that nature). Biggest mistake of my short career so far is not attempting to look inside of a tiny shed.

Welcome @Jon Lafferty !

I have a duplex in Salem and plan on purchasing more out there as soon as I'm able. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you since I'm local.

I wish I could express how grateful I am for everyones input; that's what makes this site so great! My plan as of now is to just roll with what is already in motion. I cannot imagine it taking much longer as he has appealed to the highest form of court that he can (according to the court officer).

I have been unable to start anything with the subdivision that I am planning because the man has run off the electric company and my surveyor. I do plan on pursuing any and all code violations that his father has but not until after I get my subdivision approved. This is because I have to send letters to neighboring properties for subdivision so I would just be setting myself up for failure.

I will reread this thread next year and hopefully laugh at everything because it will be over and I will have learned a lot. As for now, it is just so frustrating!

You mean like the fact that the other son lives in a camper out back of their house?

I'm aware that there will not be a $2k home acquisition, but its fun to talk about it!

@Rob K. undefined

A friend of mine actually offered to do that for me. I just don't want to drag him into this because I know there will be more lawsuits and charges. The sad thing is that this guys filing fees are waived because he is on welfare, so there is nothing stopping him from filing things day in and day out. Meanwhile it costs me $200 to provide the court with an "answer".

@Account Closed undefined

I cannot imagine if that is what my life consisted of. I wish that energy could be focused into something positive.

@Troy Fisher

That is an excellent idea and I think I will attempt to pursue that. How great would it be to foreclose on the parents house over a $2000 fine.

To everyone:

I will be taking pictures for everyone to see once I am finally able to get inside of this place.

@Rob K.

@Account Closed

There is a makeshift chimney coming from the roof so that's how I assume he is keeping warm, but I haven't been inside to be sure. There is no way that an electric heater big enough to heat a 10x10 shed would run off of 300 ft of extension cord. The area did not smell but again I have yet to go inside. As far as hygiene, your guess is as good as mine. I hope I don't find anything once im inside.

I also purchased a property that had a tax lien. I made that a contingency in my offer. I made my offer stating that the tax lien will be paid with the proceeds and the rest will go to the sellers. They just cut a check to the lien holder at closing and mailed it out. Pretty painless.

Yes, I am covered for liability. I made sure of that.