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How to Sell with Tax Liens on Your Property

If you’re a homeowner in Dallas-Fort Worth facing tax liens on your property, you’re not alone. Many sellers believe a lien automatically prevents them from selling, but that’s not always the case.

At Mac Does REI, we help homeowners navigate these challenges every month. Whether you owe back taxes, are facing foreclosure, or simply need to sell fast, there are real solutions available.

Let’s break down how you can sell your house with tax liens, clear the debt, and still walk away with money in your pocket.

What Is a Tax Lien?

A tax lien is a legal claim the government places on your property when you fall behind on property taxes. It gives the taxing authority the right to collect the debt from the sale proceeds when the property is sold.

In Texas, if the liens remain unpaid for too long, they can eventually lead to foreclosure — which is why acting early is so important.

Can You Sell a House with a Tax Lien?

Yes, you can sell a home with tax liens.

When you sell, the lien must be paid off at closing. This means the title company will use part of the sale proceeds to pay the outstanding balance before releasing any remaining funds to you.

If you don’t have enough equity to cover the lien, you can still sell by negotiating with the lienholder or working with an investor who can help cover the shortfall.

Options to Sell a House with Tax Liens

1. Pay the Lien Before Listing

If you can afford to, paying off the lien upfront simplifies the process. You can then list the property on the MLS and attract traditional buyers without delays or title issues.

Some counties also allow payment plans to make this easier.

2. Sell to an Investor or Off-Market Buyer

Many investors, including Mac Does REI, specialize in purchasing properties with liens. We handle the payoff at closing so you don’t need to bring any cash to the table.

This approach lets you sell fast, skip repairs, and avoid foreclosure.

3. Negotiate a Lien Release or Settlement

In some situations, taxing authorities may agree to accept less than the total amount owed, especially if the home is at risk of foreclosure.

An experienced investor or title company can help with this negotiation, reducing your debt and saving your equity.

Real Example: $15,000 in Tax Liens Resolved

A homeowner in Fort Worth came to us owing $15,000 in back property taxes and facing foreclosure. Within 21 days, we:

  • Negotiated a reduced payoff with the county
  • Purchased the property off-market
  • Paid the liens in full at closing
  • Put cash in the seller’s pocket so they could move on stress-free

That’s the power of having the right partner.

How Mac Does REI Helps Sellers with Tax Liens

When you work with us, we:

  • Make fast cash or terms-based offers
  • Negotiate directly with the taxing authority
  • Pay liens at closing, not out of your pocket
  • Buy as-is, with no repairs or showings required

Our goal is to create win-win outcomes that get you out of debt and into your next chapter.

Selling a house with tax liens isn’t impossible, it just requires the right approach. Whether you want to maximize your sale price or simply get out from under the debt, Mac Does REI can help you find the best path forward.

Facing tax liens in DFW? Contact Mac Does REI today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us help you sell quickly, pay off your liens, and protect your equity.