All Forum Posts by: Karen Kilgore

The deal is done! We closed on the property today! The son had probated the will and was the legal owner. We bought a 1624 sq ft brick house with a separate 1 car garage in Gardendale. Purchase price $55k, tax value shows 110k, estimate after some paint and updates we are looking at $170k. I was looking for an investment property when I found this property on the state tax sale site. My son and his wife were looking to sell their home and decided they would like to buy it. It’s in a great location. I had to do some research, locate the next of kin and he was in another state and needed to sell, he had been procrastinating. He redeemed the property and agreed to the sale.  It was a great deal for both of us! Maybe I’ll locate another deal to invest in as a second rental property. Thanks for your advice!

Thanks!

Thank you for any guidance you can provide! We just settled on a price yesterday and I plan to get on the phone tomorrow to see what needs to be done. 

I found a property on the State of Al tax sale site. I inquired for a bid. In the meantime I investigated. The owner died in 2015. He took possession of the home from his dad in 2013 with documented affidavits he was the only heir. The property moved to his name.  In October 2015, owner dies and there is nothing recorded with Jeff Co Probate. Taxes went unpaid in 2018 and it went to tax sale. State of Al picked it up. I have located the son, the only heir. He wants to sell. He went to the county and paid up the monies owed.  It now shows unavailable on state website. We have settled on a price and intend to meet soon. I asked about the property being placed in his name. He said he has a probated will and his attorney says he can sell the property even though he didn’t record the documents at probate. I searched and haven’t located any liens, mortgages, etc., What questions do I ask, proof do I need before we sit down for a cash sale next week? Should I be safe to use the attorney he used for supposedly probating the will? Or, should I get a separate attorney? Thanks for your assistance!

No, not yet and it was August 2. I got a letter that one had been redeemed. The other one I emailed in early October and they said they were waiting on info from Jefferson County. I Found the owner and we are in the process of purchasing directly. He said he paid the taxes a few weeks ago and so far I haven’t received anything from the State.  

My son did in 2017. He was able to add $10k to his loan. He needed a new roof, new a/c and the recommended hud repairs. We had to ask for the additional funds for ac and roof as HUD did not list them as a repair on their inspection. We provided estimates and final bills.

Following... my guess to a and c are no. But, I’m just getting in this game and trying to learn the rules myself! 

So, still waiting on a quote from the state. I mailed a letter to the home and it was returned it to me with vacant, unable to forward, no forwarding address on it. So, I think the house is fairly empty. There is junk on the screened in porch and in the garage. I guess I’ll send the ejectment notice certified mail if my bid is accepted? My original letter had a request for info to locate the owner or next of kin. It was not sent certified. It will come back the same, I would assume. Can I then take possession?  I would move and store the items left and take possession? I haven’t found any probate or documents after the transfer from the grandfather to the son. I am still attempting to locate the grandson. He is possibly in Georgia. Stay tuned.... feel free to send advice! 

Checked in with the state. They are waiting on information from Jeff county to prepare my bid. Turns out property being cut is a right of way along the side that joins the property. It isn’t the property in question. However, the power is on at this house, or the doorbell still works anyway.  Haven’t located the son that was listed in the obituary.  Any suggestions? Should I mail a certified letter to the property? There are abandoned cars in the driveway, no current tags. The house appears pretty empty. If I purchase the certificate, can I enter the property? I’m sure it’s locked. 

My gut says #4.