Selling a Capital Region house when you're behind on property taxes
If property taxes have fallen behind or a tax lien is on the house, you still have choices. You may be able to sell to us without a bank involved, list the house as-is, or ask the county or city about a payment plan, where one is offered. In most sales, unpaid taxes are paid from the proceeds at closing.
What to know in New York
Unpaid property taxes can eventually lead to a tax foreclosure, where the county or city takes ownership of the property. Each county and city in New York sets its own timeline, notices, and payment options, so what applies in Albany County may differ from Rensselaer or Schenectady.
Selling before a foreclosure is final usually gives the owner the most control over their equity. Contact your county or city treasurer's office to confirm your redemption deadline and whether a payment plan is available. Talk to a New York attorney about your specific situation.
Your options
Three common paths. There's no wrong answer — only the one that fits your situation.
Sell to us, no bank involved
Consider this when the house needs work or a financed buyer may not close in the time you have. Back taxes and liens are typically paid at closing from the sale proceeds. Our offer accounts for repairs and our costs, so it may be below a market listing; we show the math in writing.
List as-is
Consider listing if the timeline allows for marketing, a buyer's inspection, and a mortgage approval. Reaching more buyers may produce a higher price. Compare the likely proceeds after selling costs with the taxes, interest, and penalties that continue to add up while the house is on the market.
Ask the county or city about a payment plan, where one is offered
If you want to keep the house, ask the treasurer's office whether a payment plan is available and what it requires. A plan can make sense when the monthly amount is realistic alongside your other housing costs. Get the terms in writing before relying on them.
What to do first
- Gather your tax bills, any delinquency or lien notices, and your mortgage statement. Note whether your lender pays taxes through escrow, since that can affect who has been notified.
- Call your county or city treasurer's office to confirm the total owed, your redemption deadline, and whether a payment plan is available. Ask for the answers in writing. Talk to a New York attorney about your specific situation.
- Request a mortgage payoff and compare it, along with the tax balance, against realistic sale proceeds from each path. This shows how much equity each option is likely to leave you.
General information, not legal advice. Talk to a New York attorney about your specific situation.
Build Your Home Selling Plan
Start with current condition, then compare preparation, timing, costs, and estimated net proceeds across the relevant selling paths.
Our promises
We close what we sign
Some companies that advertise “we buy houses” sign a contract with you and then sell that contract to another investor, often without explaining it clearly. We don't. The buyer is the company named in your offer, and that's who closes.
How to tell if a buyer plans to sell your contractYour price holds.
The price won’t change after inspection unless we find a material issue that wasn’t disclosed.
You’ll get a straight answer.
If our numbers show listing would likely net you meaningfully more, we’ll tell you in writing and connect you with a strong local agent.
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Frequently asked questions
Build Your Home Selling Plan
Start with current condition, then compare preparation, timing, costs, and estimated net proceeds across the relevant selling paths.