Hello,
I have pruchased a property from the courthouse in a foreclosure proceeding. I, being the new owner, have tried to knock on the door various times, but no response. There is always a car parked in the driveway, but the previous owner is missing in action. I can tell his belongings are in there. I have tried various times but he is eithe rnever there or has plain abandoned the property. The property is in Virginia, I am pretty sure I cannot just change the locks. But, what is the proper protocol in this situation? I bought the house for my elderly mother and really need to get with this guy who seems to be a ghost. Thank for you for all your comments.:confused:

Hello res:

You are not his landlord and you are not required to evict him. This is the one time in the law that you can have his things removed from your property including him. The sheriff should help you. This person is a trespasser.

The bank you purchased it from should have hired the sheriff to remove him when the property foreclosed. I would seek their help in the matter, or tell them you'll seek legal counsel. I'll bet they will.

excon

Take the paperwork that shows you purchased the property in a foreclosure to the sheriff's office. They will advise you what to do. Most probably you will need to post a notice on the door that on x date (usually 3 days), the house will be entered and all property removed. Then, on that date, go to the house with the sheriff and remove the belongings and change the locks.