How do I find out the lien holder on a property that is vacant?

Joana
Other/Just Looking
Bothell, WA

I am helping my elderly mother in law find a cottage near us. Two doors down there is a good possiblility that has been vacant to a few months. I want to find the owner and make an offer to buy it but would like to know if it is in default before I approach the registered property owner. So far, it isn't showing up on any foreclosure listings. King Co. tax records don't seem to list any info of this nature.

Answers (3)
Kary L. Krismer
Agent
Renton, WA

Agents can also get you this information off the tools the NWMLS offers (Realist). As long as you have the address that only takes a second. The thing is, I don't think an agent would just hand over that information to you (nor should they) because of safety/privacy concerns. You're probably a nice person, but an agent wouldn't know that for sure. Therefore, the agent would want to contact the owner directly on your behalf (it wouldn't just be a ploy to represent you--the safety concern is legitimate).

Once you or the agent knows the name of the owner, foreclosure information is available off the King County Recorder's site. You can Google those words to find it or just about any other major county in Washington.

Note, however, that the owner's address might not be updated, so it might not get you the information you're seeking. If there's a forwarding order with the USPS, however, the agent's letter should be forwarded.

Sat Oct 18 2008, 08:02
Diane Kawell
Agent
Federal Way, WA

Hi Joana - Title companies have this information - If you have not gotten this information yet, please let me know on email to dkawell@windermere.com and I would be happy to help you. The service would be complimentary and I'm happy to provide that to help you out. Sincerely, Di

Fri Oct 17 2008, 17:19
Scott Godzyk
Agent
New Hampshire
FIRST ANSWER

you would then need to do a title search as well you could keep checking with the assessors office to see if there is a change in ownership

Thu Oct 16 2008, 14:05

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