Buying a home that is behind on back taxes. You can buy a home with back taxes by paying the amount owed, but here’s the catch.
Q: There is a program on television once a week. The host of the show tells viewers that they can buy any home that is behind on back taxes for the amount of taxes that is owed. Is this true?
Buying a Home That Is Behind on Back Taxes
A: Technically, yes. All homeowners must pay their real estate taxes each year. If you don’t pay your real estate taxes, the tax collector can seize your house and sell it for the back taxes that are owed.
In most places, the taxes have to have been unpaid for at least a year or two and the homeowner has the right to catch up on the taxes by paying the interest that has accumulated plus any penalties or fees.
In general, if the homeowner fails to pay the back taxes owed in the specified period of time, these properties are typically sold for the back taxes, and anyone can buy them.
Here’s the Catch
Once you have bought a house by paying the back taxes, there is a period of time where the homeowner has the right to catch up with the payments and pay you back your investment plus interest. If that doesn’t happen, you own the property free and clear and can evict the former homeowner (if they’re still living in the property).
For more details, talk to your local sheriff’s office or municipal government office in your area that handles the tax sales or find a real estate attorney who works with real estate investors who buy properties this way. The sheriff’s office typically sells property that is behind in real estate tax payments, and should be able to provide you with the information you need to start playing this game.
Further Implications When Buying a Home with Back Taxes
A word of warning: It’s been my experience that folks who cannot afford to pay their real estate property taxes also don’t have the money to make their mortgage payments (if they have a loan on the property) or maintain their property.
While it may seem as though you’re picking up the property for very little cash, you are likely stepping into a quagmire. Some savvy people have done very well in this area but others have found out that the bargain they thought they got was really a lemon.
*Have you had luck buying a home that is behind on its taxes?” Leave us your success or failure comments below. Thanks
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Again this is what makes america the most greediest countries in the world. It is not the Government we know we over give outside and to immagrants, It’s not the common people most would and have given their lives. It’s the business tactics they cause more ilness, suicide, devorce, depression, homelessness, drug abuse to name a few in the name of residual income. If they can afford to sell a home for back taxes why can’t they sell it to the origanal owners They don’t get a penny more except greed satisfied bank right off. New owner I am a great BUSINESS PERSON???
Real are you for real? Please learn to spell and speak in grammatically correct sentences before you write on social media.
It’s a petty argument to go after the grammar and spelling of someone and ignore their point entirely. Original commentator makes a good point about integrity and how we treat our fellow humans. There are also arguments to be made about what is needed for society to run efficiently and the necessity of taxes.
The best solution I think balances these needs. If the law in a jurisdiction leans to far one way or other It should be amended to balance the two.
Jason,
Thanks for your comment.
Ilyce Glink, Publisher
ThinkGlink.com
I just received news that my Mother’s home is being bought by paying back taxes. She owe’s the home but has been in a nursing home. And the state has a lein on it . Can this home still be sold ? I don’t know what steps I should take i would hate to lose this home. PLEASE HELP!
To: Cynthia Forst go to the county court house and go to delinquent property tax office and find out what the tax is on your mother’s house and pay it and then the lien will come off and t he person that bought the lien will only be paid interest on the amount they paid for the lien… but will not own it….and then you would stop the sale. for the article dated January 25th, 2012
and for “REAL” the home owner was given the legitimate opportunity to just pay what they signed the contract for and when they defaulted they lost that right.. It is in the contract and that is why we all sign contracts…ignorance is no excuse and to expect a lender to just basically give it to them or let them buy it when they could not even pay the taxes on it is stupid..if we did such a thing when people knowingly do wrong to just say oh it is ok we forgive you we will just let you live in this house that you agreed to pay for for free…. that is not reality and is so stupid to think such.
i found a house 4 back taxes man dont want it wife says get rid of it if i just pay off taxes how long do i wait 2 move in or will it b mine
This is what i want to know also …
How much time do you have to wait to take the house over ?
I would like to buy a house and pay the back taxes I am 45 band very interested in owning my own HOME but I do not wish/want to take buy someone house that is living or residing in that HOME….how do I start besides buying going to the court house and paying back taxes…..?????
How can I get started, I live in dallasarea .
I found a home where owner has been deceased for 8 plus years there are 2 years In taxes owed. Daughter wants nothing to do with house and I have tried to find her. If I pay what is owed in my name can I take possession?
Am I responsible for back taxes on property I just bought
to be honest I am going thru the same thing I do not know what to tell you but if you find out something let me know and I will do the same good luck to the both of us
afrer the home taxes has been bought and home is almost your how long does a home owner have to get back in stephenson co illinois
let me rewrite this paid off all 3 years of home taxes , home will be mine soon, so how long will the home owner have to get their home back before it is mine , a home in stephenson co illinois , what are their laws on this subject ,thank you deb
From the original link:
For more details, talk to your local sheriff’s office or municipal government office in your area that handles the tax sales or find a real estate attorney who works with real estate investors who buy properties this way. The sheriff’s office typically sells property that is behind in real estate tax payments, and should be able to provide you with the information you need to start playing this game.
I feel if you want to buy a house on back taxes how about making an investment. let the person live in the home and have them pay rent. make some money and gain profit. So they have a Place to stay. If they pay the taxes they own the home. If not you make your money back off of them. Then you can make your self a side hustle.
In the state of Ga. The homeowner who’s house was sold for back taxes has 1 year to redeem the home back and pay the back taxes on the home. That’s in Gs. I’m sure it may very from state to state.
Fay:
Thanks. But in Illinois, it’s 2 years to pay it back (plus interest). And, you’re right. It varies.
Ilyce
I am trying to buy a house. The seller is very very desperate to sell it by October. I’ve been told property taxes are due in November and not to buy before then. If I buy in October and property taxes are behind does that past debt from before I owned it go on me now? I am afraid she is trying to sell me a home that’s behind on taxes and at risk of a lein.
how can i find out if the house I’m buying has no liens, or any other issue that is no visible to the eye or in paperwork , i recently bought one in TN looked like a good deal even with claim deed but now that I’m moving in the neighbors been telling me about some issues that i already confirmed city,county, even the health department got involved the house is physically good everything is online working fine however cannot be occupied till i pay license technician to come and pull out all types of permits in other words i will be cheaper if i just lose it than deal and pay techs each tech wants more than what the house worth and is more than 3
so I’m just gonna move on and buy another one but i wanna do it right this time i know real state agents / attorneys are good at it, but i”m sure there are some more affordable website that can help tell whats the back ground on properties i just don’t know any, some ideas will be appreciate it .
Ed:
You should be able to check out any liens that have been filed at the local Recorder of Deeds office. That office may be closed right now due to COVID, but if not, go there. Or, check online and see what you can find there. You can also engage a local escrow or title company to do a thorough inspection of the chain of title, which should include any liens that have been filed.
Good luck,
Ilyce