Expert: Dick Dennis - 6/7/2006

Question
For some time I've been passing a single family home in an upscale area that appears to be abandoned and run-down.  Well today while passing it, I made a u-turn and checked the property out.  The properly clearly hasn't been maintained in months, possibly a year or so.  The grass is high, and looks very shabby.  It's obvious the house is vacant.  I took down the address and ran a check online with the state dept. of assessments and taxation.  Interestingly enough, the following info appeared:

Owner name: Richter, William J & E N

Mailing Address: c/o Lawrence Self
                4204 Maple Drive
                Temple Hills, MD 20748

I should add that the actual home is located in another city in MD. Also, I noticed the house was bought in April 1973 for $65k.  The house has been owned by the same owners since then.

Question, what's going on here?  Is the house in foreclosure, and/or does Mr. Self have some legal fiduciary position over the property now?  How can I find out the true 411 on this situation?  Thanks in advance.

Answer
I'd be willing to bet, Steve, that it is either in probate or the property is in trust with a bank, or attorney, and they are milking the property for all its worth. The property is undoubtedly free and clear of liens and encumbrances and the owners are no longer in existence. Mr. Self, my guess, is an attorney handling the estate.

You can go to the county tax collector and find out who has been PAYING the taxes on the property. That might give you an idea of who is responsible for the property. Or you might be able to get the information you're looking for by dropping in to a title insurance company. From those two sources I am sure you get the information you are looking for. If you contact Mr. Self, and tell him you are interested, he will tell you what you must do.

I do wish you well.

Dick Dennis            dixiedee13@aol.com