Expert: Hans Weber, Licensed Broker Associate - 7/4/2004

Question
Hi, I was wondering how you go about buying an abandoned home from the state.  I know of quite a few in my state.  I went to my county's assessors web page, and found in depth info on all, but can't find how to buy one.  I've fallen in love with this one victorian farmhouse on an acre, that was abandoned in the late 80's and should fix up nicely.  They all have very low assessed values, and so that's good.  I don't know if they assess them so low so the state doesn't have to pay a whole lot in taxes though.  If you have ANY info on how to buy from the state that would be great.  I live in Snohomish county, Washington state.  Even if you just have a web site, or number, or whatever, that would be great.  I've scoured the web, asking, and no one knows.  Thanks in advance, sincerly, alison  

Answer
Hi Alison,

Try 360-705-7095 or internet www.wsdot.wa.gov/realestate/
I found property auctions for Snohomish county.

Thank you for your question.

Good luck with your purchase, it sounds exciting, have you searched the trail of ownership of some of these old homes to the original owner?  

Hans