Buying or Selling a Home/taxes on property

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Expert: - 10/25/2006


Question
I live in Ohio and would like to know if a property has no loan or leans on it and the owner has passed away with no will or no relatives but it has back taxes, at this time the county has not taken it for taxes yet, is it possible to pay the taxes and assume the property?  Thank you,
                                          R. Gardner

Answer
Every state has their own version of adverse possession of property, Richard. None of them are alike. But none of them allow the outright possession of property by simply paying the taxes. First, a period of time must pass before the property can be possessed after paying the taxes. Second, the person who wants to possess the property must do so open and hostile. This means he is doing it with the full knowledge of the present owner. You cannot take possession of a property clandestinely, which is what you are hinting. The better understand the law in your state, consult with a local REAL ESTATE attorney.

I wish you well.

Dick Dennis

Buying or Selling a Home

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Dick Dennis

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With more than 41 years as a real estate broker, I can solve most any problem presented. If I can`t, I do my research. Problems with mortgages, trust deeds, foreclosures, odd ways of conveying titles. Most any good Realtor can answer questions satisfactorily, but I answer questions that most cannot. Also, ask about my hard-copy newsletter, The Landed Gentry. It can also be sent to you via PDF.

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Solving real estate problems for 37 years.

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National Association of Realtors

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Publishes The Landed Gentry, guest writer in Who's Who in Creative Real Estate, First Tuesday, Financial Freedom and many newspapers

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e-Pro Realtor, Certified Distressed Property Expert, Who's Who in Creative Real Estate

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