If your house is headed toward a tax sale, selling first can pay off what you owe and let you keep the equity that's left.
When real estate taxes go unpaid, they're turned over to the county Tax Claim Bureau. Once a property is at least two years behind, it can be listed for the county's upset sale, which in Pennsylvania is held in September. In Venango County, the upset sale takes place at the courthouse in Franklin.
If the property doesn't sell at the upset sale, it can go to a judicial sale later on. That sale can wipe out mortgages and other liens, so the new owner takes the property free and clear.
The real danger is what happens to your equity. Properties at a tax sale often sell for little more than the taxes and costs owed, so an owner can lose a house that's worth far more than the tax bill.
We only handle the third option. But if a payment plan would let you keep a house you want to keep, that's probably your better move, and we'll tell you so.
A sale takes time to close. Title work has to be done and the back taxes have to be paid from the proceeds. The more time there is before the tax sale date, the more options you have. If you've gotten a notice from the Tax Claim Bureau, don't wait until the week of the sale to call anyone.
We're based in Franklin and buy throughout western Pennsylvania, including Franklin, Oil City, Grove City, and Butler and the towns around them.
Often, yes, as long as there's enough time to close before the sale and pay the delinquent taxes at closing. Call as soon as you can. The closer to the sale date, the harder it gets.
Yes. The back taxes, and any mortgage or liens, are paid off at closing, and whatever is left goes to you.
The mortgage gets paid off at closing too. Just tell us what you owe up front so the offer reflects it.
Your county Tax Claim Bureau can tell you the total due and the sale date. For Venango County, that's at the courthouse in Franklin.
Expect a call or text within 24 hours.
Questions in the meantime? (814) 346-1757