Hello,

I am planning to purchase a property through a general warranty deed, and wondered if this protects me from outstanding tax and utilities payments. Also, how does one find out if there are tax or utility debts for a property? All replies are appreciated. Thanks.

Tax-tax assesors website to view the last few years bills,check for current exemptions.Your tax bill may be higher.

Utility bills usually go with the person not the property.

Warranty deed has to do with guaranteeing title and ownership and does not cover the other items you mentioned.Now if you purchased and the title search before purchasing did not dig up something then your title policy might cover it.It would depend on the exclusions in your policy.

good luck-no legal advice

The deed is relative to any title claims against the property, that is any ownership right or pledge of the property for a loan (mortgage). The deed should note any easements, rights of way, useage restrictions, etc. also.

A search of the taxing jurisdiction records should tell you if there are any unpaid taxes which could result in the property being sold to satisfy the claim.

Super's comment that utility bills usually go with the person, not the property, is normally the case, however there are exceptions. Any utilities provided by the municipality (often water and sewer; sometime electric and gas) if not paid may be relevied on to the tax bill.

"Utility bills usually go with the person not the property."

Where I come from the water and trash is against the property. The electric and gas follows the owner. If the electric has been off for more than 6 months (which is typical in REOs) then the buyer will have to pay for an inspection before service will be restored.

I deal with 2 major utility companies for electric and natural gas as well as several smaller municpal owned electric companies. I've had REO properties that they would not turn on after 2 years without an inspection but never anything as short as 6 months.