If you’ve discovered there’s a tax lien on your Durham home, you may feel like selling is impossible. The reality is, you can sell a house with a tax lien — but the process depends on your financial situation and the type of buyer you choose. In this article, we’ll walk through how tax liens affect property sales in North Carolina and the options available to homeowners.

What Is a Tax Lien in North Carolina?

A tax lien is a legal claim against your property for unpaid property taxes. In Durham, the county government can place a lien on your home if you’ve fallen behind. This lien ensures the county gets paid before you can transfer ownership.

Liens become part of your title record, which means any potential buyer or lender will see them. Until the lien is resolved, selling your house the traditional way can be challenging.

Option 1: Pay Off the Lien Before Selling

The most straightforward option is to pay the lien in full before listing your home. This clears the title and allows you to sell without restrictions. However, many homeowners don’t have the funds to pay thousands in back taxes upfront, especially if interest and penalties have been building for years.

Option 2: Sell Through a Traditional Listing

If you have enough equity, you can still sell your home with the lien attached. In this case, the lien will be paid directly from your sale proceeds at closing. While this can work, it requires time, marketing, and often repairs to get the property sold. For homeowners who need a faster solution, this isn’t always practical.

Option 3: Sell to a Cash Buyer in Durham

If you’re asking, “Can I sell my house in Durham with a tax lien quickly?” — the answer is yes, by working with a cash buyer like Bright Home Offer. Cash buyers purchase homes as-is and handle lien payoffs at closing. This means you won’t have to come up with the money yourself, and you can sell on your timeline without the stress of listing or repairs.

Conclusion
A tax lien doesn’t mean you’re stuck with your property forever. Whether you pay it off, use sale proceeds, or sell directly to a cash buyer, you do have options. At Bright Home Offer, we help Durham homeowners resolve liens quickly and move forward without the burden of unpaid taxes.

👉 For more details, read our full guide: Options for Selling a Home With Unpaid Property Taxes or Liens in Durham, NC.