Falling behind on property taxes is stressful, and many homeowners are unsure what steps to take when the debt starts to build. In Chesapeake, unpaid taxes can lead to liens, penalties, and even the risk of losing your property at auction.
If you are in this situation, selling your home quickly can be one of the most effective ways to resolve the problem before it gets worse. At 757 Property Solutions, we buy houses Chesapeake homeowners need to sell fast, and our process makes it simple to pay off back taxes and move forward without added stress.
How Back Taxes Affect Homeowners
Property taxes are collected by the local government to fund schools, roads, and community services. When these taxes are not paid, the city or county records a lien against the property. That lien is a legal claim that ensures the government will eventually collect what is owed, along with interest and penalties. In Virginia, these liens take priority over other debts such as mortgages, which means the county has the first right to repayment.
As a homeowner, this situation can escalate quickly. A lien makes it difficult to refinance or sell the home, and the longer the debt sits unpaid, the more expensive it becomes. If left unresolved, the local government can pursue legal action and force the property to be sold at a tax auction.
The Risks of Waiting Too Long
Delaying action when you owe back taxes only increases the pressure. Penalties and interest continue to add up, making the balance grow larger every month. What may start as a few missed payments can quickly snowball into thousands of dollars.
The longer you wait, the fewer options you will have. A home with a tax lien is less attractive to traditional buyers, and even if you list it with an agent, the lien will surface during the title search. Buyers who rely on financing are often not willing to move forward under these circumstances. In the worst-case scenario, you could lose control over the property entirely once the county moves forward with foreclosure or auction.
Selling to Pay Off Back Taxes
One way to stop the problem is to sell the home and use the proceeds to pay off the lien. In a traditional MLS sale, the lien is paid at closing before any remaining funds are distributed to you. This clears the debt and prevents further penalties. The challenge is that MLS sales take time. Preparing the home, hosting showings, and waiting on buyer financing may not fit the timeline if you are already facing tax deadlines.
Selling directly to an investor offers a faster alternative. Local investors purchase properties in any condition and pay cash. There are no inspections, appraisals, or loan approvals that can delay the process. The lien is handled at closing, and you keep the balance of the proceeds. This approach provides certainty and speed, which is critical when dealing with back taxes.
Why Speed Matters
Time is the biggest factor in resolving property tax issues. A home listed on the MLS might not sell for several months, and delays are common if buyers request repairs or financing falls through. If you already have notices from the county about unpaid taxes, waiting could put you at risk of losing the home before a sale closes.
A direct cash sale typically closes in as little as two to three weeks. This ensures the lien is paid quickly and prevents the property from reaching the auction stage. A fast sale also saves you from continuing to cover other costs like insurance, utilities, and maintenance while waiting for a buyer.
Deciding What Is Best for Your Situation
Not every homeowner with back taxes needs to sell, but selling is often the most practical choice when the debt is high and growing. If the amount you owe is small and you have a reliable way to pay it off, keeping the home may still make sense. But if the balance is too large to manage and penalties keep adding up, selling may be the most effective way to protect your finances.
Think about your goals and resources. If holding on to the property will create more stress and financial strain, a quick sale can give you peace of mind. Clearing the debt now puts you back in control of your future rather than waiting for the county to decide what happens to your home.
Working With a Local Buyer
If you choose to sell, working with an experienced local buyer makes the process easier. At 757 Property Solutions, we specialize in helping Chesapeake homeowners in difficult situations. We buy houses directly, pay cash, and make sure tax liens are resolved at closing. You do not need to make repairs or prepare the home for the market. You also decide on the closing timeline that works best for you.
Selling a home with back taxes may feel overwhelming, but you do not have to face it alone. A direct cash sale gives you the speed and certainty you need to move forward. If you are looking for trusted Chesapeake home buyers who can help you sell fast and pay off your back taxes, reach out to our team today.
