Wow, that’s a crazy situation! I can totally see why you’re frustrated. Here’s what I’d suggest doing next:
First Things First:
Double-Check Your Documents: Make sure the property records and the legal description on your deed match up. It’s possible there’s been some kind of mix-up.
Talk to the Tax Collector’s Office: Since this was a tax deed sale, they might have more info or be able to point you in the right direction.
Reach Out to the Building Department: The city or county building department might have records on whether this apartment was ever actually built. Sometimes things get planned but never get off the ground.
If You’re Still Stuck:
Get a Real Estate Attorney Involved: Since you’ve already tried contacting the property appraiser and city attorney without much luck, it might be time to bring in a real estate attorney. They can help figure out if there’s been some kind of fraud or misrepresentation.
Look Into a Refund: Depending on what you find out, you might be able to get your money back or some kind of compensation. Your attorney can help with this too.
Bottom line: You’re doing the right thing by digging into this, but it’s probably time to get some legal advice to make sure your rights are protected. It definitely sounds like something’s not right here.
For everyone new to the game, here are some key tips to keep in mind:
- Do Your Homework: Always perform thorough due diligence on the title, parcel history, and location before you even consider bidding.
- Visit the Property: Make sure to physically check out the property as close to the auction date as possible. Properties can sometimes suffer damage or even be destroyed after the latest Google Street View update. If you can’t visit in person, hire someone to take recent photos—Craigslist, photo services, or even an Uber driver can help with this!
- Order a Title Search: To back up your own research, always order a professional title search to ensure there are no surprises.
