What You Need to Know Before Buying Property with a Tax Lien

05 April 2019

You find the house of your dreams but are told by the realtor that the home comes with a property tax lien. Do you give up on that house and find one that doesn’t have a lien? Even though friends and family might suggest you move on, it’s better to have a deeper understanding of property tax liens before making a decision.

What Is a Property Tax Lien?

When homeowners have a financial setback, they often have problems making their mortgage payments. In many cases, they are also unable to pay their property taxes. When a homeowner doesn’t pay property taxes, their property becomes tax delinquent. A property tax lien prevents this property from being sold or refinanced. Depending upon the state they live in, after a certain period of time, the municipality can repossess, seize, and foreclose on the property. When this happens, the town or county that is owed the taxes issues a property-tax lien certificate against the property. The lien includes the owed taxes, penalties, and interest. Once there is a foreclosure, this certificate is then made available for sale, usually in an auction.

There are two types of sales based on unpaid property taxes.

Tax Deed Sale:

A tax deed is a legal document that transfers property ownership from the homeowner who didn’t pay the taxes and the municipal governmental entity owed the taxes. In turn, the government then has the authority to sell the property, collect the owed taxes, and transfer ownership to the purchaser. In this case, the property is sold at auction and includes unpaid taxes. Buying a foreclosed property gives you complete ownership of the property. The price may start low but is often driven up by competing bidders. Once the property is purchased by the highest bidder, it is owned clear and free of all mortgages and liens against it.

Tax Lien Sale:

In this type of sale, the lien is auctioned off to the highest bidder. It includes the interest incurred. If the liens are not paid, the new owner can foreclose on the property. Many states will utilize a tax lien sale in an attempt to get their unpaid taxes from the homeowner. They usually come with high penalty fees. The process and time period associated with tax lien sales depends upon the state where the property is located. Homeowners whose property is sold in a tax lien sale are given a period of time— a redemption period—to pay their taxes plus interest to the holder of the lien.

The owner of the lien may not end up owning the property should the homeowner pay back the taxes plus interest. However, there is an opportunity to make money from the accrued interest. Interest rates vary by state, for example:

In Florida, the maximum interest rate is 18 percent with a guaranteed minimum of 5 percent on liens redeemed early.
The Mississippi tax lien rate is 18 percent—1.5 percent per month—and must be repaid in two years.
Iowa’s interest rate is on the lower side, at 2 percent.

The interest rates and sales process are structured by local jurisdictions and are also dependent upon the auction. Be sure to check with the municipality before making decisions. Because of low interest rates and the volatile stock market, many people are looking for other ways to get a return on their investment. With more than$14 billion in unpaid property taxes, purchasing properties with liens, for some, is a viable investment opportunity.

It is important to understand what you are buying before you make an offer. When you purchase a tax lien certificate, you are not attaining ownership of a piece of property. You are purchasing the lien on the property. The delinquent homeowner still owns the property. When you buy a tax deed, you take ownership of the property in its entirety.

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How To Apply For A Mortgage Loan Without Making Common Errors

Making a Mortgage Loan application is challenging and dangerous. Potential homeowners must know how to overcome these challenges. Thorough planning and awareness of common errors are the first measures to guarantee a flawless application. Several websites offer valuable details regarding this process. What Is A Mortgage Loan? Did you know what Mortgage is? Let me share with you about this type of loan where you can maintain or purchase a home, any type of real estate, or a plot of land. If you are a borrower then you have to agree that you have to pay back! You have to pay back the loan amount along with the interest rates to the lender! Typically, these types of payments are divided into principal and interest regularly leading to proper solutions. Once you completely made the payment, you are the sole owner of the property. However, if you are unable to make payment effectively in the given time, it is the property that acts as the collateral when securing the loan. Let me also share how there are several requirements that you need to meet to keep a minimum credit score! Let's talk about the benefits of a mortgage loan and how it helps in processing the aspects of the borrower! Benefits Of Mortgage Loan? There are several advantages of taking a home or a mortgage loan as it not only helps you in creating an asset but also contributes in giving you an idea of the real estate industry. You get a sense of accomplishment when you buy a house or a property even when paying a loan. After all, the money you pay is your hard-earned dollar! Furthermore, you will get low interest rates as it helps a potential buyer be more confident in investing. The hard-earned money that you will keep paying to own the house will make you proud. We cannot forget the flexible tenure especially when repaying home loans becomes so easy. You can extend your time of payment or even decrease it if you have a significant amount of money and you submit it. With principal repayments, you get tax benefits on both interest and principal amount! Overall, you must enjoy the overall loan payment especially when fulfilling the dream of owning your own home or property! How To Apply For A Mortgage Loan? For both businesses and individuals, use a mortgage so that when they make the purchase, be it entirely with your money upfront or take a loan to make payment. When you plan on applying for a mortgage loan, you aim to free your property from the expectations of the bank. Your home will be free and clear with fully amortizing the traditional mortgage. What you need to evaluate is the number of years through which you have to complete the payment. Mostly, people take years somewhere between 15 to 30 years. You get to learn about how to foreclose the property to the lender leading to completely making the payment thus, claiming the property! Undervaluing The Financial Inquisitive One of the most critical steps in the mortgage application process is lenders assessing an applicant's financial standing by considering their income, assets, debts, and credit ratings. A frequent error that can cause delays or rejection is not providing enough fiscal papers or outdated financial information. Pay stubs, tax returns, current financial statements, and any other pertinent financial documents should be provided to potential borrowers. Ensuring that these data accurately reflect the borrower's financial status and are current is imperative. Additionally, to prevent fraud and strengthen the application's credibility, make sure that financial commitments are clear and consult financial experts. Ignoring Credit Score Improvement A strong credit score is central to securing favorable loan terms for home purchases. Often, applicants need to pay more attention to the benefits of enhancing their credit score before initiating the home financing process. Errors in credit reports, outdated information, and unresolved debts can adversely affect a credit score. Individuals should obtain a credit report from major credit bureaus well before applying to correct any inaccuracies and to pay off outstanding debts. This proactive approach can significantly enhance one's creditworthiness in the eyes of lenders. Regularly monitoring credit status and avoiding new debt during the home loan application period are also strategic moves. These steps demonstrate financial responsibility and can further boost credit scores, ensuring better terms are available. Not Comparing Mortgage Offers Not doing any research before taking the first mortgage offer is another standard error. Varying lenders provide varying terms, costs, and interest rates. If borrowers shop around, they can avoid missing out on better terms that could end up saving them a lot of cash throughout the loan. Examining several lenders and carefully weighing their terms is advised. This covers the mortgage type, terms of repayment, interest rates, and any related costs. Further, arming candidates with the knowledge to negotiate better terms can be achieved by conducting in-depth studies of market trends and economic situations. Knowing the tiny print in every deal guarantees that there aren't any unanticipated fees that could drive up expenditures. Overlooking Total Costs A mortgage involves more costs than just principal and interest payments. They consist of insurance, taxes, fees, and occasionally additional costs like private mortgage insurance or homeowners association dues. Sometimes, applicants' budgets need to consider these extra costs. This oversight can lead to financial strain. It is crucial to understand all the costs involved and ensure that the monthly payments are manageable within one's budget. It is essential to advise applicants to include future property taxes and insurance increases in their fiscal planning. Thoroughly estimating these costs early prevents unpleasant surprises and secures economic stability. Lacking Long-Term Financial Planning Mortgage commitments typically last for many years, often up to 30 years. Short-sighted financial planning can lead to complications later on. Applicants should consider their long-term economic stability and any potential changes that might affect their ability to meet mortgage payments. This includes changes in employment, potential significant expenses such as higher education or health issues, and retirement planning. Effective financial planning should accommodate these factors to maintain mortgage payments without hardship. The Bottom Line Applicants for home mortgage loans can avoid frequent mistakes by meticulously completing their applications before completing them. Potential owners can secure a mortgage that suits their needs and financial status by exercising caution and initiative. Ensure that one understands every aspect of the mortgage and that one will maintain financial stability for the term of the loan. Read Also: Property Valuation Software for Real Estate Appraisals 4 Mistakes New Rental Property Owners Must Avoid Benefits of Investing in City Centre Property

Investing In Sweat Equity: Tamara Loehr’s Winning Model

The traditional investment model is a flawed system, an old dinosaur that needs to evolve. It’s time we reevaluate the conventional wisdom surrounding investments, which is overly fixated on businesses that are already successful and tragically shortsighted when it comes to companies teetering on the edge of growth. In traditional investing, there’s an unspoken rule: the golden ticket to getting funding isn’t innovation or potential but a proven track record of making at least $10 million. This is a narrow-minded approach that does nothing more than stifle the very heart of our economy—small businesses. Introducing sweat equity Eight-figure entrepreneur, growth mentor, and innovative investor Tamara Loehr (www.tamaraloehr.com) bring a breath of fresh air to the world of investing. She’s not your usual investor who waits for businesses to reach millions before swooping in. Instead, she actively seeks out businesses with potential and partners with them by investing her expertise and services to help them achieve growth and significant returns. She calls this sweat equity investment, a unique model that’s a game-changer for businesses. Tamara doesn’t merely provide financial backup; she rolls up her sleeves and brings a wealth of expertise, strategic vision, and creative solutions to the table. It’s a holistic approach that not only increases the likelihood of success for the businesses she invests in but also amplifies the potential returns for both the entrepreneur and herself. By focusing on small businesses and collaborating with them closely, Tamara is paving the way for a new era of investing that champions small businesses and fosters a more inclusive and dynamic business landscape. What is sweat equity? Sweat equity is a unique investment model where investors exchange their expertise, resources, and time for equity in a business. Tamara came up with this innovative approach to investing after seeing how traditional methods often left entrepreneurs struggling to repay loans or lose equity in their businesses. In this model, instead of investing cash, investors offer services to companies in exchange for a stake in their business. It's a win-win situation for both parties, as businesses receive the much-needed resources to grow, while investors gain a stake in a growing business. Why sweat equity works Sweat equity investment offers a unique and innovative approach to investing that can provide a range of benefits for both investors and entrepreneurs. If you're a creative investor looking to explore new investment opportunities, sweat equity investment is worth considering. Entrepreneurial access to expertise One of the key advantages of the sweat equity investment model is the access to expertise it provides to entrepreneurs. Founders have a strong vision and passion for their business but may lack skills or experience in areas such as finance, marketing, or operations. By partnering with a sweat equity investor with expertise in these areas, businesses can leverage this knowledge and experience so they can succeed faster. Sweat equity investors like Tamara are experienced business owners who have a track record of building and scaling successful companies. They are looking for new investment opportunities that align with their expertise and interests and are willing to offer their skills in exchange for equity. This type of partnership allows entrepreneurs to access the expertise they may not be able to afford to hire on their own. Entrepreneurs also gain access to an investor’s connections. These investors often have a vast network of contacts that can be beneficial to the business, including suppliers, customers, and other professionals in the industry. Sweat equity investors also have a vested interest in the success of their investments. They are not just passive investors but active partners who are invested in helping their partners achieve their goals. This means that they are likely to be more involved in the day-to-day operations of the business, offering guidance and advice as needed. Capital conservation Instead of pouring all their capital into hiring consultants or buying equipment, businesses exchange equity for the expertise and resources they need. This approach can be particularly useful for startups and small businesses that may have limited financial resources. When entrepreneurs team up with sweat equity investors, they’re essentially receiving support and guidance in exchange for equity. By doing so, they’re preserving capital and freeing up funds that can be reinvested in other areas of their business. This can be a game-changer, especially in the early stages of the business when cash flow is often a major challenge. The value of sweat equity extends far beyond the immediate financial gain. Entrepreneurs gain access to experts who are invested in the success of their business and who can help build and grow the company over time. By leveraging sweat equity, they’re setting themselves up for long-term success and sustainability. Risk mitigation When it comes to investing, risk is always a factor to consider. However, the risk can be mitigated with sweat equity investments. Investors and entrepreneurs share the risks of a sweat equity investment, thereby reducing the financial burden of starting, growing, and investing in a business. This shared-risk approach provides a safety net for entrepreneurs who may not have the financial resources to weather unexpected expenses or a downturn in the business. And because the investor is a partner and has a vested interest in the success of the business, they are more willing to provide support during difficult times. Overall, the risk-sharing associated with the sweat equity model can help entrepreneurs avoid bankruptcy or failure and increase their chances of success. Long-term commitment One of the most compelling reasons for exploring sweat equity investment is the long-term commitment it demands from both the entrepreneur and the investor. In a traditional investment model, investors are primarily focused on achieving financial returns and may not have a vested interest in the long-term success of the business. With sweat equity investment, both parties have a shared interest in the success of the business. The investor is contributing not just financial resources, but also expertise and guidance, which makes them invested in the company's future. This commitment from the investor can provide stability and security for the entrepreneur, who has a partner who is as committed to the business's success as they are. This shared commitment also means that both parties are willing to work together through challenges and changes, adapting and evolving as needed. In essence, sweat equity investment creates a partnership based on a mutual commitment to the business's long-term success. This long-term commitment is especially valuable for creative investors who are looking to invest in innovative, high-potential businesses. They have the opportunity to be part of something they believe in and help guide the company toward its full potential. Credibility booster Sweat equity investment is not just a way to conserve capital or mitigate risk, but also a chance to enhance an entrepreneur’s credibility. Customers and investors are more likely to do business with a company that has an experienced partner behind it. This type of partnership can lead to a reputation boost that ultimately results in more opportunities for growth and expansion. Aligned goals With sweat equity, the investor becomes a stakeholder in the business and has a personal interest in seeing it succeed. This shared interest ensures that both parties are working towards the same objectives and helps create a more collaborative and supportive relationship. When investors are only focused on financial returns, there can often be a misalignment of priorities with the entrepreneur. This misalignment can lead to conflict, mistrust, and a breakdown in the working relationship. With sweat equity, however, both parties have a vested interest in the success of the business. This shared interest can foster a strong sense of trust and cooperation between the two parties. Also, when the investor is invested in the long-term success of the business, they are more likely to stick around and provide ongoing support and guidance to the entrepreneur. This can help the entrepreneur navigate the challenges of growing a business and accelerate the path to success. Value-added mentorship One of the key benefits of the sweat equity investment model is the personalized mentorship that investors inevitably provide to entrepreneurs. For many entrepreneurs, starting a business can be overwhelming, and they may lack the necessary experience in certain areas of the business. This is where mentoring by a sweat equity investor becomes crucial. With their guidance and support, the entrepreneur can avoid costly mistakes and take the right steps to grow their business. The mentorship also provides entrepreneurs with an outside perspective and a fresh set of eyes. This can help identify areas of improvement and opportunities for growth that may have gone unnoticed. Through regular communication, investors can hold entrepreneurs accountable and help them stay on track with their goals. Ultimately, mentoring is a win-win situation for both parties. The entrepreneur gains valuable insights and guidance, while the investor can contribute to the growth and success of the business. With the right mentorship, entrepreneurs can take their businesses to the next level and achieve long-term success. Takeaway Sweat equity is a game-changing investment model that provides a host of benefits to both investors and entrepreneurs. Tamara’s approach, which focuses on creating a long-term relationship between the investor and the entrepreneur, allows for a unique level of collaboration and expertise-sharing that traditional investment models cannot provide. Not only does sweat equity offer a way for entrepreneurs to conserve capital and mitigate risk, but it also leads to an alignment of goals between business and investor. As an investor, it's essential to explore this innovative approach to investing and consider incorporating it into your investment strategy. By doing so, you’re not only investing in a business but in the potential growth and success of the entrepreneur themselves. Read Also: A Beginners Guide to Listed Investment Companies How to Successfully Turn Around Struggling Companies Is Investment Managers A Good Career Path In 2021?

A Comprehensive Guide to Law Firm Finance in 2021

Have you been practicing law for a while? Today, many lawyers are stepping into the entrepreneurship world to open their law firms. Indeed, practicing under experienced lawyers gives a lot of exposure but having autonomy at work is equally vital. You can choose clients and legal cases of your choice and practice in a particular area. Likewise, you can enjoy flexibility and freedom, make decisions, and set your priorities. However, most lawyers don’t understand that starting a law firm is more than practicing law. Apart from legal responsibilities, you have to recruit people, market the law firm, and most importantly, manage finances. You have to document a long-term financial strategy to stay on top of your daily budget and earn profits. At the same time, you have to manage taxes, acquire funding, handle invoices, and much more. To help you get started, here is a comprehensive guide to law firm finance in 2021. 1. Create a Long-Term Financial Strategy: As a law firm owner, you have to establish a vision for the firm’s future. Do you picture a multi-lawyer firm handing corporate clients? Or you want to step into litigation or criminal law? Having a clear idea of long-term goals will help in creating a well-defined financial strategy. You can start putting funds aside for expansion from the beginning. Likewise, you have to keep up with numbers, forecasts, and budgets to manage the day-to-day cash flow. You have to ensure the business has enough funds to secure new clients and take cases to trial. After all, not every case settles. However, if you don’t have a knack for numbers, consider learning the ropes. You can look for virtual programs such as MSF online to avoid the hassle of traveling to college. After all, online education gives students a lot of flexibility, motivating them to keep learning. As for your law firm, it will help in managing finances efficiently while practicing law. 2. Get Access to Funding: Although you are stepping into a service business, you will need a hefty amount of capital and cash to start a law firm. From office rentals, conference rooms, stationary costs to staffing – you will come across a long list of expenses. Therefore, look for ways to obtain capital for your law firm. Here are some of the options you can explore. Savings: Whenever starting a business, make sure a small chunk of the capital comes from personal savings. That way, you will keep working in the game because you won’t be liable to another person when things get tough. Bank Loan: You can start with a few thousand dollars, but more capital gives lawyers enough runway to make the business profitable. Hence, if your savings don’t seem sufficient, opt for a bank loan or open a credit line to raise capital. Startup Incubators: Today, many incubators connect new business owners with funding to get going. Often, they use their contacts with angel investors to fund new businesses or seek help from venture capitalists. 3. Manage Taxes: Most attorneys operating law firms aren’t aware of legal obligations. As a result, taxes hit them in surprising ways. You might get a call from Internal Revenue System (IRS) or a hefty fine for missing the deadline. Similarly, many lawyers have difficulty categorizing deductibles. You might think everything is deductible, whereas your tax liability is higher than you predicted. These pitfalls not only halt business operations but are super pricey too. Hence, consider bringing an experienced tax specialist on board. However, if you don’t have a budget for additional hiring, learn about the taxation policies yourself. It doesn’t mean you have to go back to school; instead, look for online programs. You can opt for an online LLM tax program and learn from the comfort of your home and office. It will help you plan for tax liability, closing doors for IRS audit, and incorrect tax deductions. 4. Streamline Invoicing & Payment System: Usually, lawyers have different payment policies. When dealing with corporate clients, they charge a monthly fee and have separate legal charges for cases. On the other hand, they don’t charge when fighting for accident victims until the negligent party’s proven guilty. Despite having different payment policies, you must have an appropriate invoicing and payment system at the firm. You can leverage savvy software to automate the firm’s finances. Moreover, record your income correctly. If you charge a retainer fee, treat it as an advance payment and track its spending on every case. Similarly, avoid recording any income in your financials until you have won the case. It will give you a realistic view of the firm’s financial position, making sure you are on the right track. Besides this, don’t forget to set flexible billing terms with the clients and discuss everything upfront to avoid issues later. 5. Prepare Budgets, Reports, & KPIs: Having a budget is imperative for your law firm’s financial success. You have to estimate your expenses and the revenue you expect to earn. It will give you a solid idea of how much you should work to make the business profitable. Likewise, you have to prepare financials to catch a glimpse of profitability. Well, to begin effective financial reporting, you have to start with the bookkeeping basics. You have to record all financial transactions and maintain a separate account for every client. After this, you can prepare an income statement and balance sheet to determine the law firm’s equity. Also, create a cash flow statement to understand how much cash goes out and comes into the business. All these financials will be a brilliant source of insights about your law firm. You can spot trends, overcome weaknesses, and capitalize on your strengths to make the business more profitable. Final Thoughts: Every successful law firm considers numbers and data first. You have to create an excellent financial plan with a growth vision to make your law firm successful. Similarly, you have to manage cash flow, follow a detailed billing process, and raise sufficient capital. As you progress forward, a strong financial position will unfold new growth opportunities. You can tap into new practice areas, offer more services, and expand your team. Read Also: How To Choose A Practice Management Software For Your Law Firm How Do Law Firms Help Companies with Their Real Estate Issues?

What You Need to Know Before Buying Property with a Tax Lien

What Is a Property Tax Lien?

Tax Deed Sale:

Tax Lien Sale:

Discovering And Recovering From Identify Theft

Using Short-Term Loans to Help Rebuild Your Credit Score

Content Rally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

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Discovering And Recovering From Identify Theft

Using Short-Term Loans to Help Rebuild Your Credit Score

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

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Popular

Follow Us

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