DispoKey

    Behind on property taxes? Sell before the tax sale

    Unpaid property taxes become a lien that comes before almost everything else. A cash sale clears it at closing and stops penalties from stacking up.

    • No repairs or cleaning
    • No agent commissions
    • Funds held by title

    The short answer

    DispoKey buys houses with delinquent property taxes and tax liens for cash; the back taxes, penalties and interest are paid to the county from the sale proceeds at closing, so the seller pays nothing out of pocket.

    What weighs on you

    We hear this every week

    Penalties compound

    Counties add interest and fees every month the balance sits.

    Tax sales move fast

    Depending on the state, the county can sell a lien or the deed itself.

    You can lose all the equity

    Tax deed sales can wipe out an owner's equity in some states.

    Funds held by a neutral title companyHomes in any conditionYou pick the closing dayInvestor buyers competeNo obligation, everAnswers in 24–48 hoursFunds held by a neutral title companyHomes in any conditionYou pick the closing dayInvestor buyers competeNo obligation, everAnswers in 24–48 hours

    Side by side

    Your options, honestly compared

    Most homeowners pick

    Direct sale with DispoKey

    Upfront cash needed
    None — paid at closing
    Penalties
    Stop at closing
    Time to resolve
    As little as 10–14 days
    Keep your equity
    Yes

    Wait for the county

    Upfront cash needed
    None, but you may lose the home
    Penalties
    Keep growing
    Time to resolve
    Set by the county
    Keep your equity
    At risk

    Payment plan

    Upfront cash needed
    Monthly payments plus current taxes
    Penalties
    Often continue until paid
    Time to resolve
    Months to years
    Keep your equity
    Yes, if you keep paying

    How it works

    Four calm steps, at your pace

      1

      Share the county notice

      We look up the delinquent balance and any sale date.

      2

      Get a cash offer

      The offer shows the tax payoff and what you'll walk away with.

      3

      Title pays the county

      Back taxes, interest and penalties are paid directly at closing.

      4

      You're paid the rest

      No need to come up with the tax money yourself.

    Why property tax liens are different

    Property tax liens generally take priority over mortgages and most other liens. That's why counties can sell them — and why buyers and lenders insist they're paid before a sale can close.

    States handle delinquent taxes in two main ways. In tax lien states, the county sells a certificate to an investor who earns interest and can eventually foreclose. In tax deed states, the county can sell the property itself. Redemption periods — the window you have to pay and keep the home — vary widely. Your county treasurer or tax collector can confirm yours.

    Selling before the sale date

    If you'd rather sell than catch up, timing matters. We confirm the exact payoff with the county through title, then close before the sale. Closing runs through a licensed title company or closing attorney, which pays off liens and mortgages from the sale proceeds before you're paid.

    This page is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules vary by state; for your specific situation, talk with a licensed attorney, tax professional or HUD-approved housing counselor.

    Questions homeowners ask

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