Behind on property taxes or have a lien? You have options.
Back taxes and liens feel like a wall, but they do not always mean you are stuck. Here is how they work in Texas, what your options are, and how a direct as-is sale can fit. Plain language, no pressure.
Free, private, no obligation. Offers come to you in writing.
The common kinds of liens and tax debt
A lien is a legal claim on a property for money owed. Which kind you have changes what can be done.
Property tax debt
Property taxes in Texas are due by January 31. After that, penalties and interest are added, and the taxing units can eventually sue to collect, which can lead to a tax foreclosure sale.
HOA liens
Unpaid HOA dues or fines can become a lien. Some associations can pursue foreclosure, depending on their governing documents.
Judgment liens
A court judgment against an owner can be recorded as a lien against property in that county.
City and code liens
Unpaid demolition, mowing, cleanup or code enforcement charges can be placed against a property.
Mortgage and second liens
A home equity loan, second mortgage or reverse mortgage sits alongside the main loan and is part of what is owed at closing.
IRS and other tax liens
Federal or state tax liens, when recorded, attach to property too and show up in the title search.
Every situation is different. A title company can run a search so you know exactly what is recorded against the house.
How selling to us works
Simple, and you stay in control the whole way.
- Tell us about the house. Use the short form or call. The address and anything you know about the taxes or liens is plenty to start.
- A real person follows up the same day. We ask a few questions and look at what is recorded and what is owed.
- You get a clear written offer if it makes sense. Whether the numbers work depends on what is owed compared to what the house is worth. We will tell you honestly either way. You can always say no.
- You choose the closing date. A title company handles the paperwork. Taxes and liens that can be paid from the sale are generally paid from the proceeds at closing.
We are a home buying company, not an attorney, lender or government agency. We will tell you honestly if selling to us is not your best move.
Your options
The right move depends on how much is owed, how much the house is worth, and how much time you have.
Pay or catch up
If you can bring the taxes current, the problem goes away. Ask your county tax office whether a payment plan is available for delinquent property taxes.
Ask for a payoff or a plan
Lienholders and HOAs will sometimes agree to a payment plan or a reduced payoff. A written payoff statement tells you the real number.
Sell with an agent
If there is enough equity, a regular sale can pay off liens at closing. It takes time, repairs and showings, which can be hard when taxes are piling up.
Sell directly to a cash buyer
We buy as-is, with no repairs, no cleaning out and no agent commissions. If the numbers work, what is owed can often be paid from the sale at closing.
General information only, not legal or financial advice. For your specific case, talk with a licensed Texas attorney, a HUD-approved housing counselor or your lender.
What helps us give you a straight answer
You do not need all of this to get started. Share what you have:
- The address and a short description of the condition.
- What you owe on taxes, an HOA, a judgment or a lien, even a rough number or a letter you received.
- Any mortgage on the house, and about how much is left on it.
- Whether anyone lives in it or it is vacant or rented.
- Your timeline: do you need to move fast, or do you want more time?
Want a straight answer about your house?
Tell us about the property. A real person looks at your situation and gives you a clear written offer if it makes sense. No fees, no pressure, and you can always say no.
Questions people ask
Can I sell a house with back taxes?
Often yes. Taxes owed on the property are generally paid from the sale proceeds at closing, as long as the sale price covers what is owed. A title company can tell you the exact amount.
Can I sell a house that has a lien on it?
Often yes, if there is enough value in the house. The lien is generally paid at closing from the proceeds. If more is owed than the house is worth, other approaches may be needed, and we will tell you honestly what is possible.
What if I owe more than the house is worth?
Then a regular sale may not work. Tell us the details and we will look at it. Sometimes a lender or lienholder will negotiate, and sometimes selling is simply not the right move.
Do I need to fix the house first?
No. We buy as-is, so there are no repairs and no cleaning out.
Is there a fee, or do I pay commissions?
No fee to ask, and no agent commissions when you sell directly to us. Every offer comes to you in writing and you can say no at any time.
How fast can you close?
You choose the closing date, from a few days to a few months. Title work on liens can affect timing, and we will tell you what to expect.