You're not alone in this
Tax liens and HOA issues can carry deadlines and remedies that vary by situation and jurisdiction. Understanding what's at stake — and how quickly you need to act — is the place to start.
Common situations homeowners face
- You owe back property taxes and a lien has been filed
- An HOA has assessed fines or is pursuing enforcement
- A tax sale or HOA foreclosure is a concern
- You've fallen behind while dealing with other hardships
- You want to resolve the issue and move on from the property
Potential options and considerations
Pay or negotiate the lien
Paying the lien, or working out a payment plan with the taxing authority or HOA, may be an option depending on your finances.
Understand the deadlines
Tax sales and HOA foreclosures follow specific timelines. Knowing the deadline in your jurisdiction is essential.
Get professional guidance
An attorney or tax professional can advise on remedies and protections specific to your situation.
Sell the property
A sale — including an as-is investor purchase — may resolve the lien and let you move forward, depending on what's owed.
How Homestead may help
- Discuss the lien or HOA issue and your timeline
- Help you understand options without overpromising outcomes
- Explore a potential as-is purchase if a sale makes sense
- Encourage professional guidance when deadlines or legal rights are involved
Resolving tax liens and HOA assessments through a sale
- Title and escrow will pull a preliminary title report to identify all recorded liens, judgments, and past-due assessments.
- Delinquent property taxes and HOA dues can be paid directly out of closing proceeds through escrow.
- A sale before a county tax-default auction or an HOA nonjudicial foreclosure protects remaining homeowner equity.
- Any remaining net equity after satisfying recorded liens and closing costs is wired directly to you at closing.
California Property Tax Default & HOA Assessment Laws
- 5-Year Tax Default Period: In California, property becomes 'tax-defaulted' after June 30 of the fiscal year it went unpaid. The owner has a 5-year statutory redemption period before the county tax collector gains the power to sell the property at public auction.
- Davis-Stirling Act (HOA Foreclosure): Under Cal. Civ. Code § 5720, a California HOA cannot foreclose unless delinquent assessments equal or exceed $1,800, or the assessments are more than 12 months delinquent.
- Right of Redemption: In California, if an HOA forecloses nonjudicially, the homeowner has a 90-day statutory right of redemption post-sale.
A clearer path forward
Every conversation starts with understanding your situation — no pressure, no judgment, and no obligation.
Tell Us What's Going On
Share your situation through a simple form or a conversation. No paperwork to gather first.
Let's Talk About Your Options
Our team discusses the property, your priorities, and possible next steps — including options that may not involve selling to us.
Choose What's Right for You
No high-pressure tactics. You decide what makes sense for you and your family. If a direct sale fits, we can explore an offer; otherwise, we help point you toward the right resources.
Tax Liens & HOA Problems — Frequently Asked Questions
Important disclosures
Homestead Solutions USA is a for-profit real estate investment company. We do not provide legal, tax, or HOA representation. This page is educational and not legal, tax, or financial advice.