Understand the problem before choosing the solution.
When a house becomes difficult to manage, the natural reaction is to look for the fastest way out. A better first step is to identify the facts that affect your choices.
For a Baltimore property, that may include ownership, title, occupancy, taxes, liens, condition, notices, insurance, mortgage balance, estate documents or the property location.
Official rules can vary by property, jurisdiction and circumstances. Use this page as a starting point and verify important legal, tax, title and safety questions with the appropriate professional or government office.
Questions to answer
- Put safety first — determine what applies before you commit to a strategy.
- Separate important documents and valuables — determine what applies before you commit to a strategy.
- Document the property — determine what applies before you commit to a strategy.
- Estimate cleanout and repair costs — determine what applies before you commit to a strategy.
- Compare cleanout, renovation and as-is options — determine what applies before you commit to a strategy.