When Will My Property Be Foreclosed on if I Am Delinquent, and Can I Buy It Back?
Falling behind on property taxes in Texas can lead to foreclosure quickly, and if you’re delinquent, you risk losing your property at auction. But even in serious situations, you may still have legal options to delay, stop, or reverse the process.
This guide covers how foreclosure works in Texas, the timeline you can expect, and how to redeem or “buy back” your home if it’s sold.
What Is the Property Tax Foreclosure Process in Texas?
In Texas, when you fail to pay your property taxes, the county tax office holds the lien on your property. If the debt remains unpaid, they can:
- File a lawsuit
- Obtain a court judgment
- Auction the property to recover the taxes owed
Before the county can sell your home, you must receive at least 30 days’ notice of a foreclosure hearing. This notice includes the date, time, and location of the court proceedings. At the hearing, you’ll have the opportunity to present your case and potentially stop the sale.
What Happens After the Tax Sale
If your homestead or commercial property is sold at a tax foreclosure auction, ownership will transfer to the highest bidder. However, Texas law grants a statutory right of redemption, giving you a second chance to reclaim the property:
- Homestead properties: You have two years to redeem. In the first year, you’ll need to pay the auction price plus a 25% premium. In the second year, the premium increases to 50%.
- Commercial and non-homestead properties: Redemption is available for 180 days, with a 25% premium.
Redeeming your property also requires covering additional court fees and interest, typically without access to traditional financing. Acting quickly and understanding your financial options is essential.
How to Stop a Property Tax Foreclosure in Texas
If you’re already behind on your property taxes, time is of the essence. The sooner you act, the more options you’ll have to protect your home or commercial property from foreclosure. Here are the most effective steps Texas property owners can take to stop the foreclosure process before it’s too late:
1. Respond Promptly to Notices
As soon as you receive a notice from your county tax office or an attorney, don’t ignore it. These letters usually include deadlines or hearing dates, and missing them could accelerate the foreclosure process.
2. Contact the Tax Office
Reach out to your local tax office to confirm the amount you owe and ask about available relief options. In some counties, you may be eligible for a payment plan if your property has a homestead exemption.
3. Apply for a Property Tax Loan
A property tax loan through a licensed lender like AFIC can stop foreclosure by immediately paying off your taxes in full. This halts penalties, collection fees, and lawsuits while giving you more manageable repayment terms.
4. Consult a Legal Professional (if Needed)
If you’ve already received a court summons or your property is days away from being sold, legal help may be necessary. An attorney can help you request a postponement or identify any errors in the foreclosure process.
5. Act Quickly
Once the foreclosure lawsuit is filed, the timeline can move faster than expected, sometimes within 90 days. Don’t wait to act! By being proactive, you can protect your property and avoid compounding costs.
Protect Your Property with AFIC
If you’re facing foreclosure or struggling with delinquent property taxes, taking action now can make all the difference. AFIC’s property tax loans are designed to provide fast, affordable relief before penalties escalate or your property is sold at auction.
We can help you:
- Pay off your delinquent property taxes in full
- Halt legal action and prevent foreclosure
- Avoid high penalties and mounting interest
- Access fast funding, often within 24 hours
AFIC can provide you with an instant quote by completing the form on our homepage. For qualifying properties, we can help you pay off your delinquent taxes and offer you the following benefits:
- Quick and completely online process
- No money down
- No credit check
- Free 30-day rate match
- Match competitors and beat their rate by 1%
We pride ourselves on finding solutions to suit the unique needs of our clients. If you would like to discuss our property tax loans, please contact our experienced team at AFIC today.
