Buying a home from a deceased owner

[noveldo]

What is the name of your state? MA
My fiancee and I are interested in buying a privately-owned home that the city has included on a list of abandoned properties. But we learned the legal owner died several years ago and back taxes are owed on property. How can his only surviving relative sell us the property and how should we proceed? He is a very elderly man who did not know he is the owner and does not know how to proceed -- he also has no need for the property.

[HomeGuru]

Originally Posted by noveldo

What is the name of your state? MA
My fiancee and I are interested in buying a privately-owned home that the city has included on a list of abandoned properties. But we learned the legal owner died several years ago and back taxes are owed on property. How can his only surviving relative sell us the property and how should we proceed? He is a very elderly man who did not know he is the owner and does not know how to proceed -- he also has no need for the property.

**A: get a title report done to see the status of probate.

[noveldo]

I did a title seach and discovered a large tax lien.
It turns out that the deceased owner hadn't paid taxes since the early 90's.
The home is in foreclosure by the state. I'm trying to figure out how to take care of the taxes and get the home before the state decides to act or the elderly brother takes ill, any ideas?


Thanks

[HomeGuru]

Originally Posted by noveldo

I did a title seach and discovered a large tax lien.
It turns out that the deceased owner hadn't paid taxes since the early 90's.
The home is in foreclosure by the state. I'm trying to figure out how to take care of the taxes and get the home before the state decides to act or the elderly brother takes ill, any ideas?


Thanks

**A: contact the state and the estate.