How canI keep my home from going into foreclose?

Get Legal Help Today

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

How canI keep my home from going into foreclose?

My home will be forclosed next month due to unpaid property taxes. I cannot get the money to pay what i need to. I want to keep my home. Do I have any options?

Asked on October 24, 2011 under Real Estate Law, Washington

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

You should be able to temporarily stay, or delay, the foreclosure by filing bankruptcy, since filing bankruptcy will put a temporary halt to any collections actions. This is something you should discuss with a bankruptcy attorney. However, that would only be a temporary delay: mid- or long-term, there is no way to avoid foreclosure unless you pay the taxes; you don't have a right to keep your home without paying property tax. You can--and should--speak to the taxing authority; maybe you can work out a payment plan or schedule which you can meet. If you feel your taxes were too high and not properly assesed, you may be able to challenge the amount and reduce what you owe. But at the end of day, one way or another, you need to pay property taxes to keep your home.

Other options: if you can get some delay for extra time, could rent out some or all of your home, to bring in the money to pay taxes (you may have to live with family or friends, or rent a very inexpensive apartment). If you have equity in the home but can't afford to maintain the house (e.g. pay taxes), perhaps you should try to sell it.


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

Get Legal Help Today

Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption