I want this old house, but I don't know the owner?

Question

There's this really old, small house on the side of the street on the edge of a small wood next to bigger, nicer houses. I've lived here (Raleigh, NC) for 6 or so years and I have never seen someone live there.
Every time I walk by that house I think "Man, I wish I lived there, but I don't know why!" I feel like I'm being drawn to the house?? It's weird.
Anyway, I noticed walking by today that there was a letter on the door from the department of Raleigh saying that they are going to get rid of the house because it's a "nuisance" and warning the owner to fix it up or they will remove it.
This is a big deal to me and if they remove it I don't know... I'll feel like something is missing! I want to contact the owner, but I have no idea who it is because no one lives there...
How do I find out the owner? I don't know where to start!

Answer 1

Your county clerk's office will have a copy of their deed, look up their name that way.

Answer 2

Land ownership records are public. Simply contact the county land office or register of deeds in the county and ask for the owner of record for the property.

Given the notice that has been posted, I'd think you are in a good position to purchase at an attractive price, since the owner will be facing substantial costs to either upgrade or demolish.

Insure that you investigate thoroughly what you are going to purchase. If the house has been abandoned for a period of time, there may be serious structural defects, wood rot, and a host of other issues with which you will have to deal.

Answer 3

The appraiser's office will have the last known address for the person to whom tax bills were mailed.

However, the County Clerk's Office (or a similar office), is the one that keeps records of the current legal owners of property. Go to that office and ask someone to help you find out the current owner's name. It may or may not be the person to whom tax bills are mailed. You may have to do a search to find the legal owner.

** Note: This is a general discussion of the subject matter of your question and not legal advice. Local laws or your particular situation may change the general rules. For a specific answer to your question you should consult legal counsel with whom you can discuss all the facts of your case. **

Answer 4

The property appraiser's office in your county should be able to tell you who the registered owner of the property is. From there, you'll have to contact them, but do it soon, as the county might not wait long to bulldoze it.

Worst case scenario is that the owner is dead and there has been no probate of the estate.

If the owner is business entity, like an LLC or corporation, check with you state's Secretary fo State to find out who the registered agent is and you can contact them.

Answer 5

You can ask neighbors if you know any of them or contact your city clerk's office. If all else fails, just go knock on the door. It is most likely an elderly person since they are far behind with remodeling and what not. You can always offer to buy the house so they won't have to deal with remodeling it or it getting torn down.

Answer 6

Whichever government division is responsible for collecting property taxes in that area.

If the city clerk can't help try the County Clerk or County Recorder.

Answer 7

All the advices are good. But start from easy way. Go to http://aws1.co.wake.nc.us/realestate/search.asp and input the street # and name without rd, ave. st. and you will access tax record on the property with owner's name. Then use Yahoo "people search" service to find phone number. You also can "google" the name and address to find out more information if possible.
Good luck,

Answer 8

Try the land registry web site, there may be a small fee to obtain the information but they should have the owners name

Answer 9

The city clerks office will be able to help you.