Which legal entities own land by default when owners die without heirs, or foreclose?

[inner_silence]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Pennsylvania

I just want to find out if I understand correctly. Is it true that the government claims someone's land if they die without giving it to an heir, and the lenders own it if someone forecloses? Can someone tell me exactly which offices or branches of government would deal with this kind of thing, and also, who exactly are the lenders who own the land? Are they called 'real estate lenders' or something? Do they only own the land if someone hasn't finished paying for it yet, and the government will own it if the deceased owner *has* finished paying for it?

 

[tranquility]

If there truly are NO heirs, the land is said to escheat to the state. But, if someone does pop up and claim he is an heir, http://www.patreasury.gov/claim/ .

If a person with a security on the land forecloses, they can sell the land and the money in excess of the debt will escheat.