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Select board gets update on tax-acquired properties; staff to issue RFP for realtor
Summary
Town staff told the Select Board the inventory of tax-acquired properties has fallen to 25 and outlined an RFP to hire a realtor to market properties 'as is'; staff emphasized outreach, financial counseling, and leaving buyer-fee terms negotiable to maximize returns to prior owners.
Town staff gave the Waldoboro Select Board an update on tax-acquired properties and asked the board to review an RFP to contract with a realtor.
Staff said the town started with 27 tax-acquired properties and was down to 25 at the time of the meeting. Officials said property owners and known tenants have been contacted and many houses have been posted; staff reported that several owners or tenants indicated they expect to pay owed taxes before July 1. One property, staff said, has help coming from an outside organization.
Staff explained that properties would be sold "as is" under the proposed RFP: buyers would take responsibility for eviction or maintaining current tenancy, and many of the properties are not likely to be mortgageable. The town will receive proceeds after realtor and buyer/seller fees; staff advised the board to avoid locking buyer-fee percentages in the RFP so fees can be negotiated to maximize returns to prior owners.
The update included outreach measures: staff have referred residents to financial counseling and said local banks (Camden National and First) have been assisting with outreach and potential solutions. Staff suggested follow-up classes or counseling sessions for affected residents after payments are made.
Board members clarified process questions: unpaid properties as of July 1 will be referred to the contracted realtor for marketing and sale, and buyers are likely to receive quick-claim deeds with restrictions before full title is available. Staff said they will move forward with the RFP language and return with a final update at the next meeting.
Next steps: staff to finalize RFP language around negotiable buyer fees, continue outreach to owners and tenants, and provide a further update at the next select board meeting.
