Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Maryland
Buying property from someone claiming adverse possession
I am trying to purchase land (for hunting) Seller advertised 10+ wooded acres. I met seller to walk boundaries and the entire property from the road frontage is surrounded by a deep well defined ditch. I checked the Wico. Co. tax map and one piece says 10 acres but the rest is divided into five 1-2 acre lots deeded to someone else and all within the ditched bounary area. When I ?ed the seller he said those parcels were given to his stepfather by his mother and on his death they were deeded to the grandson. He said the grandson "defalted" and he has been paying taxes, etc. for 10 yrs and considers the property his to sell. I'm not comfortable with this. What could happen if I purchased what he said was was the entire ditched area which is approx 16 acres?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Buying property from someone claiming adverse possession
A person can only sell something if he/she actually has the right to do so. It sounds as if your seller may not actually have clear title to the land that he is intending to sell to you. You would be well-advised to spend a couple of dollars on the professional advice of a real estate attorney and title company in Wico. County before you pay money under your facts.
Feel free to call me if you want any assistance to find someone appropriate in Wico. County.
Lawrence R. Holzman, Esquire
Joseph, Greenwald & Laake, P.A.
6404 Ivy Lane, Suite 400
Greenbelt, MD 20770
(301) 220-2200
fax (301) 220-1214
Disclaimer: Please note that the posting of this response is not intended to constitute legal advice. You should contact an attorney to obtain information applicable to your situation. This posting is not confidential or privileged and does not create an attorney/client relationship.
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