My 83-year-old mother-in-law sold her home in a private sale two years ago.  No attorney involved and paperwork handled by purchaser's title company. The purchaser paid cash.  He's never recorded the deed, so the house is still in her name.  This means she still gets the property tax bills---none of which she's paid.  I've urged her to see an attorney---I think something strange is going on---but she seems uncertain.  Any advice?  Thanks.
121198
This individual might not know he is supposed get it recorded. She should never have accepted cash but instead a cashiers check but now that she did, her proofs of the sale are the following:\n\n1. He deposit record of the money being put into her bank.\n2. Rent or other proof of receipts showing she lives elsewhere.\n3. Send a certified letter to the house, require a signature. This will show who signed for it and give just a bit more proof he is there instead of her.\n5. Get a neighbor to sign an affidavit that she no longer lives there. An eye witness account.\n6. There is a thing called a deed in lieu. I have a copy if you need it. You send it to him and it requires he put the house in his name. I am not sure but you might be able to get a standard form for it online or at Staples.\n7. Most importantly, the utility bills would show proof of who is living there, at least who is paying.\n\nFirst step is to contact the new owner and tell them they have to put the deed in their name and they need to pay the past due bills. If they refuse, this could be your chance to have them charged with defrauding an elderly person! What they have done could be a crime where you live. So, your second step, if they don't comply, is to either retain a lawyer or go to the cops. \n\nWhat ever happens, your mother in law should be ok because even though there is no receipt, no court in this land would hold her liable.\n\nGood Luck and let me know by following the links to my 360 to send request for the deed in lieu.
252178
your property still has a lien on it\nI can't understand how anyone could've bought your house unless they paid cash and didn't have the services of a lawyer\nneverthe less these people can sue you for selling a house which they cannot get a clear title to
438946
"Is there a website that shows all the laws?  I need a website that shows the laws about deeds and people signing the deed over to a family member that is a minor since my brother died when I was twelve and he signed all his money to me when he died so than my uncle got a hold of the money somehow and split it amongst are hole family so we got a small small small % of the money :( Is there a law against this? Don't I have my own right to have the money that my dead brother signed over to me?(25,000) dollars? I am only 14 now and need to get like proof and stuff before I do this."\n\nThere is no quick answer to your question.\n\nSome states maintain websites that show all that state's statutes (laws) and they can be found through sites such as the one I listed below in the sources area.  But it would be very difficult for you to research this issue if you haven't had at least a little bit of legal research training.\n\nFirst of all, the modern use of the word "deed" most often refers to the conveyance of title in real property-- land.  If your brother left you $25,000, then he probably did so through a trust or a will-- not a deed.  That means the actual legal document must have existed and you'll need a copy of that before you do anything else.\n\nYou're right to believe that it's your money (if it was left to you via a legally enforceable means as described), but since you aren't yet of the age of majority (18 years old) some adult was in control of that money once it was left to you-- and still is.  \n\nIf it was left through a will without being tied to a "testamentary trust" then your parents should have taken control of the funds, but if you have none living, it could have been a guardian or an adoptive parent or someone else named by a court.  If the money was left through a trust, then it's a trustee who is guided by the written terms of the trust. \n\nSuch adults have a "fiduciary relationship" with you so they have a duty to keep or use the money only for your benefit.  That means that person can use the money to help support you-- even if you'd like them to put it in the bank so you can get it when you're older.\n\nSo get answers to these questions:\n1.  How, exactly, did your brother leave you the money?  (Get a copy of the legal document.)\n2.  Was your uncle the "administrator" (or "executor" or "personal representative"-- names vary by state) of your brother's estate?\n3.  Is your uncle the trustee of a trust that was created by your brother (or created by a court pursuant to probate of your brother's estate)?\n4.  Have you benefited from any type of support from your uncle?\n\n(Also keep in mind that whoever handled your brother's estate was entitled to take a small fee for doing so-- a fee that could have come out of your $25,000.)\n\nBasically, you need more information before you can decide how to recover your money.\n\n[This is not legal advice. You should consult a licensed attorney-at-law for legal advice or representation before making decisions that may affect your legal rights.]
310277
I almost can't believe what I'm reading, but ok.  I'm not sure what a qick claim deed is, but I would talk to my lawyer, because just because his name isn't on the loan doesn't mean that he will not maybe have to help you pay for the house first off, secondly, what banker in his right mind would let your husband off the hook once he's got him?  maybe email me or post what a qick claim is plz, and I can be (maybe) more helpful
521365
If you are already concerned about her wanting the house back, don't do a land contract (AKA contract for deed).  On these, when you do get your financing together, you need her to sign it over to you.  If she refuses, if you can't find her, if she's died, you've got trouble... you called her your mother in law..... if you get divorced from her son... probably trouble too.
410225
She can't sell the house unless she owns it, the bank may be willing to work with you if they know what happened. Good Luck!
61959
I bought my home with cash. I would highly recommend hiring a lawyer. He or she can handle all the little details that most normal people don't think about. Make sure you go to town hall and make sure the taxes are up to date, also. You can also get a realtor, preferably a 'buyers agent', to sort through the paperwork. A lawyer works 'by the hour'. A realtor on a percentage of the sale price (or most do.)
449053
Call the county (or State) tax department and ask if they auction  tax liens.....some do and some don't. Some auction the property for complete ownership to pay the tax lien, some don't....depends on the county/state\n\nMike\n\n====================
174270
There are open records in each city on all properties .As far as what they made ask for their last two years tax forms.Now keep in mind people knowing they will sell within a year or so my have the property re appraised and report more earnings .It is worth the tax to pay more and get it back at the sell .Look at the area , is it busy ? Is it safe ? Take the address to open police records they can look up address and tell you how many times police were called and for what reasons.Walk in the neighborhood , YES people will tell you if the business has been good for them or not and why.They can tell you it's a hang out at night .Check with zoning on any codes written up , also if it would in the near future need costly up dating for zoning.
80804
The court's have contingencies for most problems....but it would be worth your time to talk to an attorney.  You may be able to petition the family law judge for a specific order authorizing you to transfer title to the home and sell the property without her signature.  Do it right the first time....it could be a legal nightmare if you sell the property without proper legal authority.
546626
Was the house bought with money accumulated during the marriage, an inheritance or some outside source? Also, it depends on the state in which the divorce was filed in because each state has its own property division laws in a divorce situation. In the end, you should consult your attorney for further information. Just in case, I have provided information for both states on links.
50593
If htey gave you the house and you are paying the notes, do you have a ocntract with them?  Has it been transferred to your name?  These are things you need to check out.  Sounds like they still own the house, and if so I would take my 842.00 and go elsewhere to live or have to put up with controlling in-laws and a nosey sister-in-law.
339309
I'm not an expert,but the buyers had the option to have an expert appraisal done on the home before the final sale, I'd say they are out of luck, don't go spending your hard earned money on a lawyer, ask your R.E. agent, he/she should be able to answer that question, or better still ask your Bank Mtg Mgr they see all kinds of stuff.
81571
First, I sure get tired of folks responding to questions as if they were text messaging you; I wonder if they can properly spell anything. Second, each state has slightly different laws regarding personal property and tenancy. I also have a feeling you left a few details out; the owner of the property where your "house" or trailer was/is sitting on, is a rented space to you (Lessee) owned by the Lessor.  You must have recieved multiple notices regarding the issue of your back lot rent, and THEN it went to Small Claims Court.  The Judge in Small Claims must have had your "paid up" receipts of record, (if you bothered to show up)or not-if not, the Lessor (owner of the property) would have won the small claims case, then she/he (Lesor)would have had an additional request, through another court, at another date later, to request seizure of your property to pay the back owed bills.***** They can only do this if they have proved you had received Notices of these actions.**** The only way they could have had the utilities turned off is if they ended up owning YOUR property in this very legal way.  Seek free legal help from your community legal program; there is pro bono in just about every city in the USA.
222366
if you are not sure whats happening, i would check with an attorney-if money is tight, see if you have a law school in your city, or a nearby city-they might have a legal clinic there- i would not wait till the last minute- i would check with the mtg co one last time- see if you can talk to the person who is handling your case- their mgr or superior or the company president or executive vice- president- you need a straight answer-yes or no- today- and if the answer is not yes- then call the law school's legal clinic asap- and make them aware of the sale date of june 8th- get some help on your side asap- dont sell the house, try and save it- if you know a CPA they might be helpfull also- see if the leader of your church can help, by calling the mtg co president to get a straight answer- as a clergy member, they might listen to them more than to you- though frankly, if it has taken you 3 weeks of calling repeatedly, to talk to the person in the mtg co, that is handling your case, without getting a straight answer- i would only waste 1 more day trying to speak to an executive of the mtg co, before going to a legal clinic or CPA for help ASAP- if i can be of any help- please holler back at me- i am a retired CPA & CFP & Independent insurance broker in fort worth, tx--good luck to you !!!
68367
If you signed for a loan, you owe the money. If for whatever reason you can't pay, the bank will go after her assets and the house would be the secured part of the loan. Seems that for fairness sake, the loan should be paid from the sale of the house prior to anyone getting a share of the estate. Of course life is not always fair. Consult an attorney.
314497
Time to talk to a real estate lawyer.  Many charge a small fee ($50-100) for an initial consult and often that's all you'll need.\n\nMechanic's lien is only if you are a contractor and have done work on the property.\n\nIf the deed is not in your name, you are no longer responsible for the taxes.\n\nHOWEVER, if you carried back the mortgage for the new owner, you COULD lose your property because of unpaid tax bills.  You need to talk to a lawyer and start eviction proceedings (if this is the case).\n\nyour best bet - talk to a real estate attorney.