All Forum Posts by: Jessica F.

I am looking to purchase a property near Northeast Philadelphia. The homeowner died recently and there is only an elder (60s or 70s) live-in caretaker living at the residence. I stopped by the home to introduce myself, give my condolences for her loss and tell her that I am an investor, etc. She seemed hesitant and very reluctant to want to talk. A friend of mine told me about the owner passing away so this was not a property pulled off of a probate list or anything like that.

I asked the caretaker what they plan to do with the home and she mumbled something about, "they" may sell it but didn't say who "they" are. I asked if there was a will and she said yes (not sure how accurate any of her responses are). My guess is that since she is currently living at the home rent free that she fears that if a "seller" i.e someone like myself comes by that she will be kicked out and have to find a new place to live. I am not sure if the owner has children. I think she may have one child after I ran the property through a skip tracer. I know for a fact that the home is paid off and has no taxes or liens due.

How can I find out if there is a will attached to the estate or not so I can see who is the rightful owner to the inherited estate? Is this something I can do myself? 

Any help or info you can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Check out this link that one of our BP users compiled of helpful links--this should definitely give you an idea and then some. Good luck!

https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/41/topics/68977-foreclosure-auction-sheriff-sale-and-trustee-sale-faq 

Welcome to BP! While W. Philly isn't my primary farm area, let me know if I can be of assistance with anything. Also, I do hope to expand into W. Philly soon. Best of luck!

I think that the Diversified Investor's Group (DIG) may have a sub group that meets somewhere in the greater NE area...not 100% sure. Also, def check out Meetup.com where you can find all RE-related group meetings. 

Good luck and welcome!

Welcome to BP! If you are looking for HMLs, start by networking--a lot. In addition to BP, try DIG (Diversified Investors Group) and Meetup.com. Best of luck!

I am not an expert on PMI but I don't think it accounts for a lot and I think it is rolled into your mortgage payment and that yes, you have the option to cancel it when you reach a certain amount of equity in your home.

I would double check with a mortgage lender expert for certain. 

Hi Jay,

I did something similar in 2014 when I bought my first duplex in an area not too far from Fox Chase. I lived in half and rented out the other half. I am not in the process of making the duplex a triplex and hoping to get those fixed soon for more income.

When I bought my home, I used FHA loan and had a seller's assist which was helpful. Although, I think I did overpay on my property a bit too much because I was eager to secure my first property and some other external factors. Like someone else said, take your time looking for a good deal and make sure you have a great real estate agent in your corner--they will the task that much easier for you.

Best of luck!

@Vincent DeVito Hello Vincent, welcome to BP! As Steve mentioned, DIG is a great resource to start networking. Also, I would join meetup.com to find other groups that may interest you. If you need any help, feel free to give a shout! 

Best of luck on your real estate ventures!

Welcome to BP! Best of luck on becoming an agent!

I would suggest the best place to start is networking. Join meetup.com and start going to local events and network with people who are in all areas of real estate and can help you get that first deal.