Looks like misjudgement on both sides. The local gov'ment wanted a default claim to the property/deed, and along comes this woman who sees an opportunity. Sure it sucks that the local gov'ment has to spend time and money on this, but they should have thought ahead a few steps. No excuse, but local gov'ment isn't always stocked with the brightest individuals.
If I had a chance to buy a 12 acre lake or land for $13K, I'd jump on it, provided the easement agreement didn't take away too much of owner's right to use the land. A huge mofo house boat on a 12 acre lake in N.C. would be a heck of a getaway.
