Behind on Property Taxes or HOA Dues?
Unpaid property taxes or HOA fees can lead to a tax lien sale or HOA foreclosure, where you could lose your home and all its equity over a relatively small debt. Act now to protect your most valuable asset.
The Danger of a Tax Lien Sale
Falling behind on property taxes triggers a legal process that can end with you losing your home. Here’s how it works:
Late Fees Pile Up
Property taxes become delinquent. Penalties and interest start to accrue daily, rapidly increasing what you owe.
Lien Filed
The county places a tax lien on your property, making it a legal claim against your home for the unpaid amount.
Tax Lien Sale
The county sells the tax lien certificate to an investor at auction. The investor now has the right to collect the debt from you.
Redemption Period
You have a limited time (typically 1-3 years) to pay the investor the full tax amount plus high interest. If you don't, they can foreclose.
Foreclosure
If you fail to redeem the lien, the investor can file for foreclosure and take ownership of your home, and you lose all your equity.
The Hidden Power of HOAs
HOA Foreclosure
Yes, an HOA can foreclose on your home for unpaid dues and fees, even if you are current on your mortgage. Their lien is often 'super,' meaning it can take priority over your mortgage in some states.
Selling is the Best Escape
Often, the only way to stop the bleeding is to sell the home. The sale proceeds are used to pay off the tax lien or HOA debt, and you walk away with the remaining equity.
Rapidly Increasing Fees
HOA fines, late fees, and attorney costs can spiral out of control, turning a small debt into thousands of dollars very quickly.
The Smartest Solution: Sell and Protect Your Equity
Instead of risking your home in a tax or HOA auction, selling it provides a guaranteed way to pay off the debt and keep your remaining equity. A fast cash sale allows you to resolve the issue in weeks, not years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get on a payment plan for my property taxes?
Some counties offer payment plans, but often only before the taxes become severely delinquent. Once a lien is sold, you typically have to pay the investor in full. It's crucial to contact your county tax assessor's office immediately to ask about options.
How much time do I have before I lose my house to a tax sale?
This varies significantly by state. The entire process from delinquency to losing your home can take 2 to 5 years. However, once the tax lien is sold, a redemption period clock starts ticking, which is usually 1 to 3 years.
My HOA is charging unreasonable fees. What can I do?
You can try to dispute the fees with the HOA board or seek legal counsel. However, fighting an HOA can be a long and expensive battle. Selling the property is often a faster and more certain way to resolve the issue and protect your equity.
Can I sell my house if there is a lien on it?
Yes. The lien must be paid off as part of the sale. The title company will use the proceeds from the sale to pay the county or the HOA, and you receive the remaining funds.
Don't Let a Small Debt Cost You Your Home
Your equity is at risk. Get a free, confidential consultation to see how much cash you could walk away with.
Free Property Review
Expert Consultation
24/7 Support
No Obligation
Completely Confidential
No Low Balling
Protect Your Equity Today
Connect with a specialist - no obligation, completely confidential
Contact Us
We would love to hear from you! Please fill out this form and we will get in touch with you shortly.
🔒 Your information is completely confidential
⚡ We typically respond within 24 hours