Owning a home in Durham, NC, comes with responsibilities — one of the biggest being property taxes. Unfortunately, life happens, and sometimes homeowners fall behind on payments. When this occurs, liens can be placed on your property, making selling a home more complicated. The good news? You still have multiple options for moving forward. Let’s explore what those options look like and how they can help you avoid foreclosure or financial stress.
Option 1: Pay Off the Lien Before Selling
One straightforward way to sell your home is to pay off the lien in full before putting it on the market. This clears your title and allows you to list the property without restrictions. Many homeowners choose this route if they have savings, access to a repayment plan, or can borrow the needed funds.
👉 If you’re considering this option, it’s important to weigh the costs. Sometimes the lien amount, penalties, and accrued interest can be overwhelming. In these cases, paying off the lien may reduce your equity and leave you with very little profit from the sale. Still, it does give you the most flexibility when listing your home traditionally.
Option 2: Use Sale Proceeds to Cover the Debt
If you don’t have cash on hand, you can still sell your house and have the taxes or liens paid directly from the sale proceeds at closing. The title company ensures that liens are satisfied before you receive any remaining balance. This can be a good choice if your home has enough equity to cover both your mortgage and the lien.
👉 The challenge with this option is that it depends heavily on your home’s market value. If your house doesn’t sell for enough, you may not be able to fully cover the debt. Additionally, traditional sales often take months, which can be stressful if you’re already facing deadlines from tax authorities.
Option 3: Sell Directly to a Cash Home Buyer in Durham
For homeowners who need a fast, no-hassle solution, selling to a cash home buyer in Durham like Bright Home Offer can be the best option. Cash buyers purchase homes as-is and handle lien payoffs during closing, meaning you don’t need to pay anything upfront. The process is quicker and less stressful than trying to sell on the open market.
👉 Another advantage of this option is certainty. Unlike traditional buyers who may back out due to financing or title issues, cash buyers are experienced in dealing with liens and can provide a guaranteed closing. You also avoid realtor commissions, repairs, and months of waiting — making it the most convenient path if you’re under financial pressure.
Conclusion
Unpaid property taxes or liens don’t mean you’re out of options. Whether you pay off the lien, use your home’s equity, or work with a Durham cash buyer, you can still move forward with a successful sale. At Bright Home Offer, we specialize in helping homeowners facing these challenges find solutions that work for their unique situation.
👉 Explore more about your options in our related posts:
Benefits of Selling a Home With Liens to a Cash Buyer in Durham, NC