Professional Documents
Culture Documents
a) Tall grass, overgrown shrubs, weeds, etc., papers in yard and near
front door; and other signs
of neglect. Maybe roof needs some attention.
c) If you see that orange tag, then, maybe try the water spigot near
the house to
see if that is also turned off. It usually will be.
----Sometimes a realtor has already changed the locks and has the grass
mowed attempting to
make the home look lived in. That was the situation where I am now.
4. After you have done your due diligence and feel comfortable (as much
as possible),
then, fill out your DR 452 and have it notarized. You can take it
directly to the
property appraiser and they will fill out the bottom and return the
original to you,
and then take it to the official records office where mortgages are
recorded and have it recorded.
It will cost about 10.50 give or take.
5. Go to electric co. and water co. (unless you have a well of course)
and get the electric turned on
and water. I would take a copy of your DR 452 with you in case they
want to see a lease.
I was never asked for anything when I had the electric transferred.
6. Then once electric is on and water running, you can clean carpets,
pressure wash,
trim shrubs, and do a general cleanup and improvements. I would take
before and after photos and
keep all receipts. You can also record a Claim of Lien for all the
work you have done or have
a handyman friend do it. You do not have to have a contractor's
license to record a Claim of Lien.
It is not a lien against the former owner but against the property
itself. It is more of a common-law
lien for labor and materials used for improvements therein and thereon.
DONT FORGET YOUR NO TRESPASS SIGNAGE ON DOOR, IN WINDOWS AND ON FENCES
AND THE CASTLE DOCTRINE IF YOU SO DESIRE.
--------It is for your protection just in case the "record owner" comes
back and wants you to move
or some agent-attorney wants to trespass and get involved. If an owner
contacts the sheriff's
department, he/she would have to sign an affidavit accusing you of
trespass but since that is
criminal it must go to the prosecutor for an information indictment or
grand jury indictment and
an arrest warrant signed by a judge with competent jurisdiction. For
the sheriff just to disturb
your peace, he better have a verified warrant signed by a judge with a
supporting affidavit.
Of course, we have had one freedom seeker who had problems with the
deputy sheriffs but
I think someone else wanted that home and they intimidated and bullied
her out of that adverse
possession and made it seem as though her "acts" were crimes when they
were not.
I dont really see the "record owner" coming back but you never know and
should always have Plan B to recoup
your out of pocket expenses and labor. Use your own discretion as you
may want to just
keep a running tab with before and after photos to prove your intent of
cleaning up the place
and making it habitable and give it some "curb appeal" which might make
your neighbors
happy.
7. Then, dont worry be happy and move in and enjoy your new place rent-
free.
All done with intention, love, patience and gratitude, a pen and Form
DR-452.
Be safe, happy and harmonious.