I sold a house on private contract. The agreement was that the gentleman make his payments and when they were done he had to have a survey d...

Question

I sold a house on private contract. The agreement was that the gentleman make his payments and when they were done he had to have a survey done to turn into the county along with the deed and have the property put in his name. He turned in the deed I gave him but he didn't have the survey done so the county wouldn't accept the deed. I spoke with him and he assured me he would get it done. He passed away 8 weeks ago never having done this. The county sheriff came to my house over some animals that are there and informed me the house is still in my name. I have contacted his next of kin and they stated they don't want the house. The man had a live in girlfriend who claims ownership but she is not who I sold the house to. He had no will and was not married. Do I still own this house?

Answer

Take a copy of the deed and the contract to an attorney to read in order to determine your next step. You are not the equitable owner of the property, though you may still be listed as legal owner. There is nothing you can do on your own that will not potentially put you in a predicament.