I been trying to get hold of people that own this house I want in Arkansas. I know their names and where they live but cannot get hold of them. wrote them a letter and it was returned. Said no such person.
My question is how much trouble would I get into if I was to just move in and fix the place up? It has been empty for a few years from what people in the town say. I have been inside and it is very messy and looks like someone has camped out there before because there are ashes in the living room floor like someone built a fire. Anyway this house has like 5 bedrooms and it would be beautiful if fixed up. It is a shame to see it fall apart.Plus I really need a home for my chilren. They are staying with someone while I look for a home.

First, go to the courthouse to ensure the property has no owner, and see if it is for sale due to unpaid taxes or something like that. If you believe the home is abandoned, ask if you can make a filing with the court to buy this abandoned home and see if the home has been declared abandoned or otherwise condemned by local auythorities. If not, you may want to see if that needs to happen to be able to buy the home. BUt I do not recommend trespassing on the home as you may risk arrest.

I found out who the owner is. I couldn't call them so I wrote them a letter. Hopefully they will reply. There is already a homeless person staying there. you can tell.A fire has been built in the middle of the floor. It is so sad. With all these homeless people out there and all these houses that are just setting empty. Anyway thank you for your reply.

I think it's sad too, that there are so many abandoned homes and churches just rotting away.

Good luck Angelface, I hope you are able to get that house!

Elklaw, I would like to know more about these abandoned buildings. Is there some kind of permit or some such thing that would allow a person to legally salvage building materials from abandoned properties for free or really cheap?

I have a house I am fixing up, and would like to eventually build a house and don't have a lot of money, (can't even afford to build a garage at this point) and it seems to me that people in my situation could put these materials to use so they aren't wasted.

If it's possible to buy an abandoned house for a really really cheap price, (like $4,000 or something) because of unpaid taxes etc, (is that what a "tax sale" is?) could I just take what I need, and then let go of my interest in the property, or would I have to try to sell it?

Where would I go to find more information about whether this is possible?
Thanks,
BK