Thread: contacting seller directly before a house goes to auction.

Hello Shen-

The explanation offered by the listing broker sounds a little fishy. The fact that they may no longer have an exclusive right to sell on the property - and don't want you contacting the executor direct sounds like it may be closer to the truth.
In any event - there are a few ways you can locate the executor. Go the the website for the town in which the property is located. Access the tax assessors page and somewhere you should see a link for property records. You can search multiple ways - by property address would probably be your best bet. The majority of towns list the property owner - and the executor should be listed on the town card. A more direct method would be to contact the probate court for the town in which the property is located - and ask them. This is all public information - and you should have no problem getting it.
One further point - do your homework first. Know what you max offer would be, where your financing is coming from, and when you could reasonably expect to close if an offer were accepted.

Good Luck-
Glenn

Thanks for the advice Glenn. You were correct, obtaining this information was fairly easy. A quick call to the county Register/Recorder office gave me the name, and address of the executor. Whitepages.com was able to find the telephone number. The GIS data on the assessors web site, also had some very useful information about the property.

The realtor was being was being completely honest, and the executor is planning to sell the house at auction. Does any know how the realestate auction process works in PA? How much time do you have to obtain a lone after the sale? Does the buyer pay all of the fees?

Thanks again for all of your help!

I'm not entirely certain, but a Pa resident myself understands auctions to mean: The buyer is responsible for at least 20% down as ernest money if they win the auction. The winning bidder from what I remember is also responsible for all fees. Filing fees, and perhaps any liens against the property as well.

I know, to people like you and I, by the time we get the comittment from an institution, the auction's over. Auction's no matter what kind, some monies are due at the end of the auction by the winning bidder and it's usually 20% of the final price and if you don't come up with the remainder in a certain time frame: you lose your deposit. I know that's the way it works at Sherif/Tax sales in four different states where one is competing against teams of lawyers/investors with briefcases full of money.


Hope I helped a little.

CM

I think you should call the agent that is handling that auction and get some detailed and factual information about the process.

Originally Posted by shen

Thanks for the advice Glenn. You were correct, obtaining this information was fairly easy. A quick call to the county Register/Recorder office gave me the name, and address of the executor. Whitepages.com was able to find the telephone number. The GIS data on the assessors web site, also had some very useful information about the property.

The realtor was being was being completely honest, and the executor is planning to sell the house at auction. Does any know how the realestate auction process works in PA? How much time do you have to obtain a lone after the sale? Does the buyer pay all of the fees?

Thanks again for all of your help!

Do you have professional help on YOUR side? Auctions are not for amatuers. Big - and expensive - problems can and do happen.
Get help, listen!

hey everyone! Thanks for the replies. I am vaguely aware of the complexity, and risks involved with buying a house at auction. At this point I am just trying to determining it is a feasible option. I really do like the location, and it may sell far below the listing price.

I got the name of the auctioneer today, and a couple of local Realtors experienced in the process. I will make some calls next week.

Does anyone know how the loan part of this works? Can you get a typical mortage loan for an auction?