Jan. 28, 2008
Dear George: Once a property is purchased at a tax sale, what is the next step to ensure that the title is transferred to the buyer?
Answer: After the tax sale, go back to court to confirm the transfer and to confirm that the right of redemption has not been exercised. If you plan to do this, hire
a lawyer.
Dear George: My elderly mother wants to purchase rental property for future income. My father, who will succumb to lung cancer in a few months, accounts for a sizable chunk of their monthly income with his pensions; these will stop when he dies. They are able to pay cash for a small house, but my mother needs his signature. He refuses, partly due to increasing dementia. My mother got a general power of attorney when he was in the hospital, but the bank would not honor it. Can I purchase a property in my name and just add her to the title?
Answer: Provided you can qualify to purchase the property on your own, buy it in your name. Your mom can buy it from you after Dad has passed on.
E-mail a question to ask George & Chuck or fax it to 713-978-6684. The answers to questions in this column do not contain legal advice. If you wish to obtain legal advice, you should consult your own attorney.
