You advice on buying lots/land or homes from city of Pittsburgh (tax lien)

[nguyennguyenngoc]

Hi everyone,

I find that lots/land or homes being sold by city of Pittsburgh is much less expensive. Could someone help me understand advantages and disadvantages of buying properties from the city? Is it difficult to buy? Does it take a long time? What we should do to buy property from the city? Thank you very much!

[PghYinzer]

https://www.city-data.com/forum/pitts...y-if-they.html

[Goodjules]

Link on the City's website: Buy in the Burgh - Municipal Properties Listing

[nguyennguyenngoc]

Originally Posted by Goodjules

Link on the City's website: Buy in the Burgh - Municipal Properties Listing

Thank you!

[Buckeye Burgher]

1) Almost any property that has fallen into the city's hands and is on this list is not in move-in condition.
It is likely going to require some MAJOR renovation work. So don't pursue unless you have the funds and/or
skills to make it livable.

2) Most of these properties are there because of tax liens. And clearing the title is not always a straightforward
process. There have been cases where the former owners came up with tax payments at the last moment and
pulled the properties back. I would consult a real estate attorney before putting too much into this.

[Goodjules]

Just curious, why don't you find a house in your price range that's in move-in condition? $150,000 goes a long way in Pittsburgh. Or buy a fixer-upper for a price that leaves you with a healthy renovation budget?

[nguyennguyenngoc]

Originally Posted by Buckeye Burgher

1) Almost any property that has fallen into the city's hands and is on this list is not in move-in condition.
It is likely going to require some MAJOR renovation work. So don't pursue unless you have the funds and/or
skills to make it livable.

2) Most of these properties are there because of tax liens. And clearing the title is not always a straightforward
process. There have been cases where the former owners came up with tax payments at the last moment and
pulled the properties back. I would consult a real estate attorney before putting too much into this.

Thank you for your great advice!

[nguyennguyenngoc]

Originally Posted by Goodjules

Just curious, why don't you find a house in your price range that's in move-in condition? $150,000 goes a long way in Pittsburgh. Or buy a fixer-upper for a price that leaves you with a healthy renovation budget?

I thought building a new home is better, but now I guess it is better to buy an existing one within that budget. Thank you very much for your information and suggestions!