Identifying an Abandoned House: A Guide for Savvy Investors and Enthusiasts

Have you stumbled upon a house that appears to be unoccupied and in need of some TLC? If so, you may be considering whether it's an abandoned property worth your attention. This guide will walk you through the steps to identify whether a house is truly abandoned, the legal considerations, and the potential benefits of taking it on.

Step 1: Check the Property Tax History

One of the first things to do is to verify the property's tax history. Visit the county tax collector website (e.g., google [CountyName] County Tax Collector). Here, you can look at the property's tax history, including whether it's behind on taxes. The owner's name and a possible different mailing address will be listed. If the mailing address is different from the property's address, it suggests the property is not actively maintained and might be abandoned.

You should also contact the owner to discuss the property's potential sale or leasing. If improvements and maintenance are promised, the owner might consider a gift or a lease for the labor of maintenance.

Step 2: Verify the Owner's Status

If the mailing address is the same as the property's address, check the name against death certificates and state viral statistics databases. If a death certificate is found, this could indicate that the property may be abandoned as there may not be a next of kin to take care of the estate. However, it doesn't definitively establish abandonment.

Step 3: Explore Legal Possibilities

If the property has reached tax foreclosure status, discuss this with the property assessor and the county supervisor. If you are eligible for income-based rent subsidizing programs, they may quitclaim the property to you, providing a low-cost option for taking over the property.

Additionally, if the owner is a corporation, check its status and disposition. If the corporation no longer exists or never existed in the first place, the property may have no legal owner, allowing you to move in.

Signs of an Abandoned House

There are several visual and practical signs that can help you determine whether a house is truly abandoned. Here are some common indicators:

No Cars and Neglected Yard

If the house appears to be empty, and you see no cars, wheelie bins, or mail, and the yard looks neglected, this is a strong indication that the house is abandoned. After identifying an abandoned house, you can pay for a title and lien search to ensure there are no liens on the property. If there are liens, you may not be able to sell the house or get a mortgage, but if you are willing to live with this, you can effectively treat the property as yours with government backing.

Broken Windows and Plaster

Broken or completely removed windows are a significant sign of abandonment. A house with falling plaster, especially combined with broken windows, is almost certainly abandoned. Occasionally, even inhabited houses might have plaster falling off, but it's rare. Additionally, the absence of electricity and the presence of people living in or around the house can be important factors to consider.

Overgrown Weeds and Lack of Lighting

The presence of weeds growing where they shouldn't, such as on the roof or inside the house, is a clear sign of abandonment. Houses that are inhabited will typically have someone taking care of the yard, so the presence of weeds and dirt is a strong indicator. Furthermore, a lack of lights at night is a stark sign of abandonment. A house that is not occupied would obviously have no lights on, making it impossible to live without them.

Graffiti and Abandoned Buildings

Abandoned buildings often attract graffiti, with multiple instances of it visible even on higher floors. Graffiti is a strong indication that the building is not being maintained. Even if the building seems structurally sound, the presence of graffiti can be a red flag.

Conclusion

Identifying and dealing with abandoned houses can be a complex process, but by following the steps outlined above, you can determine whether a property is truly abandoned and secure it for yourself. Whether you're an experienced investor or an enthusiast of abandoned places, understanding the signs and legal processes can help you make informed decisions and navigate the challenges of taking over an abandoned house.