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I would like some helpful info on a situation. I have an elderly relative who owns a decent home in the city near St Paul on one of the "letter" streets (not a good area). Couple of months ago, she moved out of state, planned to sell it and house has been unoccupied. Recently, it was broken into and it's in terrible shape now (plumbing gone, damage to walls, etc.). No money to fix it up and wants to get rid of it asap. No one in the family wants it. No mortgage on it either and wants to cancel home insurance.
Can she sell or give up house to city as-is? How can she just be rid of the house?
Has an insurance claim been made for the recently-suffered vandalism? I would check the policy as it may provide the funds for a fix-up.
I would put an ad on craigslist for free house provided buyer pays all closing costs and transfer taxes. Also, I would check with the City of Rochester to see if they have a policy on voluntarily accepting abandoned properties. Your relative could always stop paying taxes and wait for the city to claim the house through the tax sale process which I understand is at least two years. Also, make sure you contact the city to terminate the water service as they are not very good about doing this on their own.
I agree with doggz, the only thing I can add is to look for an area investor. I would be leery of whom craigslist would attract if you post for a free house.
File insurance claim to get it fixed up.
Sell it through a real realtor - even if you have to price it low and offer commissions higher than normal..you need a legit sale and people who know what they are doing.
I do not think craigslist is a good idea.
If it were in a safer neighborhood, this conversation probably wouldn't exist because the house would have been put up on the market and followed normal real estate procedures
One of my in-laws says they want the house but they are not sure yet. That person lives in Rochester but the rest of us have all moved away from Rochester to different states. The owner of the house is elderly, has moved down south and doesn't want the house anymore. The house will be repaired from the recent break in and will be monitored.
I just hope things get squared away for her soon, that's all.
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