Reader's Question:
I recently received a letter from the LA County Tax Collector and it frightens me. I have not paid my taxes in 2 years. The letter stated that I am in default and that they would foreclose on me. I've read your thought provoking posts for the past few weeks and wasn‘t sure if you'll take property tax questions. Could you help me?
Christian's Response:
Reader - of course. Our focus is foreclosure prevention and homeowner retention so I'll be glad to respond as it does relate. In fact your email is definitely of interest to us because it states their intent of a possible foreclosure action of your property.
Let me highlight a few important details according to Christian Arbid, the banks best friend. Allow me to arm you with knowledge. Some of the folks at the county tax assessor's office are as bright as the customer service reps hired by the banks and instructed to call defaulted homeowners 20 times a day and verbally beat them up. At my firm, we love hearing from the bottom feeders. It gives us great pleasure and makes for wonderful entertainment!
First and foremost, there is no way around it. A homeowner must pay the property taxes due on their home. It's that simple. But here's the flip side of the story: The tax assessor is not telling you the entire truth. One would have to have defaulted and not paid their property taxes for 5 consecutive years for them to foreclose on you. Even thereafter, there is a redemption period where a homeowner could re-pay the delinquent tax amount and rightfully regain possession of your property.
I recently received a letter from the LA County Tax Collector and it frightens me. I have not paid my taxes in 2 years. The letter stated that I am in default and that they would foreclose on me. I've read your thought provoking posts for the past few weeks and wasn‘t sure if you'll take property tax questions. Could you help me?
Christian's Response:
Reader - of course. Our focus is foreclosure prevention and homeowner retention so I'll be glad to respond as it does relate. In fact your email is definitely of interest to us because it states their intent of a possible foreclosure action of your property.
Let me highlight a few important details according to Christian Arbid, the banks best friend. Allow me to arm you with knowledge. Some of the folks at the county tax assessor's office are as bright as the customer service reps hired by the banks and instructed to call defaulted homeowners 20 times a day and verbally beat them up. At my firm, we love hearing from the bottom feeders. It gives us great pleasure and makes for wonderful entertainment!
First and foremost, there is no way around it. A homeowner must pay the property taxes due on their home. It's that simple. But here's the flip side of the story: The tax assessor is not telling you the entire truth. One would have to have defaulted and not paid their property taxes for 5 consecutive years for them to foreclose on you. Even thereafter, there is a redemption period where a homeowner could re-pay the delinquent tax amount and rightfully regain possession of your property.
If you haven't paid in two years, they cannot foreclose on you even if their letter stated so. It's just pure nonsense. Try and work it out with the tax assessor's office. Call them and work out a payment plan. Do not stress yourself out with the empty threat of foreclosure. If that letter angers you that much, use it as fireplace material.
Yes, you do have to pay your taxes and you are responsible for it but feel free to corner the tax assessor with your new found foreclosure and right of redemption knowledge. Play nice with the county. You get more bees with honey than you do with vinegar.
