Background

EstateCo was tasked with managing a particularly complicated estate in North Central Florida. The deceased owner had left behind a property with significant municipal issues, including a water lien that had ballooned to over $36,000. The property had been on a private well, and the owner had refused to connect to the city’s water system, accruing daily fines over several years for non-compliance. 

The Challenge

The main issues centered on the city-imposed liens for water and sewer hookup, code enforcement violations, and a small outstanding private mortgage. The total liabilities on the property were higher than the property’s perceived worth. Additionally, legal complications around the lien and the mortgage had the potential to further delay the estate’s settlement, potentially costing the estate and its heirs more money over time. The heirs were prepared to walk away, unaware that proper negotiation could significantly reduce the outstanding debts and unlock value for them. 

EstateCo Solution

EstateCo implemented a strategic plan to address the multiple issues:

Negotiating the Lien
The municipal lien had ballooned to $36,160.29. EstateCo’s onsite counsel successfully negotiated the lien down to $7,000, securing a $29,000 reduction — without charging legal fees to the heirs.

Installing Water Connection
EstateCo paid $6,000 to install the required water connection, overseeing and coordinating the entire process to ensure the property met city compliance.

Resolving Code Violations
EstateCo worked with city officials, inspectors, and utility coordinators to clear all code enforcement violations. Once the necessary work was completed, the team negotiated with city officials to waive additional penalties associated with code enforcement violations, effectively closing the file on these issues and ensuring the property was fully compliant and free of legal barriers.

Managing the Private Mortgage:
EstateCo addressed concerns regarding a private mortgage on the property. By tracking down the private lender and negotiating a favorable deal, they prevented foreclosure proceedings and ensured that all financial obligations were managed effectively during the estate settlement process.

Results

Significant Debt Reduction
$36,000 in debt reduced by $29,000 to $7,000 plus hookup costs.

Heirs Paid
EstateCo fully paid the heirs in advance, even before the property was cleared for sale.

Property Sale Ready
The property is now free of liens and violations, and EstateCo is preparing it for sale to recoup its investment and cover costs.

EstateCo took on this property’s financial and legal risks, ensuring the heirs received their payment while resolving complex municipal and mortgage issues. By negotiating significant reductions in liens and clearing code violations, EstateCo has transformed the property from a burden into a marketable asset, ready for sale.