Tax lien on property?
Sell before auction (Michigan & Georgia guide)
Yes—you can sell your property with a tax lien before auction in both Michigan and Georgia, and cash buyers will purchase it as-is, paying off the back taxes at closing so the government can’t take your home at a tax foreclosure sale.
Tax Lien & Foreclosure Timelines (2026)
| State | How Tax Liens Work | Time Before Auction | Critical Deadlines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | 3-year forfeiture → foreclosure | ~3 years from first delinquent year (forfeited after 2 years, auction in Sept/Oct) | March 31 deadline to enroll in payment plan (Wayne County, 2022/2023 taxes) |
| Georgia | Tax deed sale (non-judicial or judicial) | First Tuesday of the month after delinquency (sheriff’s sale); 1-year redemption | Monthly auctions; 1-year redemption period after sale |
How to Sell Before Tax Auction (3-Step Process)
1️⃣ Contact a Cash Buyer Who Buys Properties with Tax Liens
- Tell them you have tax lien/back taxes, how much is owed, and when you received the delinquency notice.
- In Michigan, buyers like M1 Home Buyers and Mike Buys Houses specialize in back taxes/liens.
- In Georgia, buyers like Value Land Buyers and HomeVestors Atlanta handle tax liens.
2️⃣ Get a Cash Offer & Close in 7–14 Days
- Buyer assesses your equity and tax debt, then presents a no-obligation cash offer within 24 hours.
- They pay off the tax lien at closing from the sale proceeds, clearing title to the buyer.
- If you have equity after taxes/payoff, you receive the remaining cash at closing
3️⃣ Walk Away With Your Credit Intact
- Avoid the “foreclosure” mark on your credit report and prevent losing your home to the county/auction.
- No repairs, no fees, no commissions—sold completely as-is.
Key Benefits of Selling to Cash Buyers
- Beat the auction: Close before the county/Treasurer auction date (often 90–180 days from notice)
- No upfront payment: You don’t need to pay thousands in taxes to sell
- $0 fees: Buyer covers all closing costs, title issues, and lien payoff
- Sell as-is: No need to maintain, restore, or even keep the property
- Save your credit: Avoid tax foreclosure, which stays on your record and affects future financing
Top Cash Buyers for Tax Lien Properties (2026)
| State | Company | Close Speed | Lien Types Accepted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | M1 Home Buyers | 7–14 days | Michigan tax liens, HOA liens, IRS/state tax liens |
| Michigan | Mike Buys Houses for Cash | 3 days | Delinquent back taxes, all liens |
| Michigan | Sell Soon Blue Moon | 7–14 days | Tax liens, foreclosure stress |
| Georgia | Value Land Buyers | 7–14 days | Back taxes, land liens, GA tax deeds |
| Georgia | HomeVestors Atlanta | 7–14 days | Property tax liens, utility liens |
| Georgia | Cash Buyers of Atlanta | 7–14 days | All liens, back taxes |
What Happens to the Lien? In Michigan:
- Buyers purchase properties with liens, then use sale proceeds to pay off the lien at closing.
- If there’s not enough equity, some buyers may negotiate lien discharge or settle with the county.
In Georgia:
- Buyer pays the lien from proceeds; title company handles payoff and records the clear title.
- Sheriff’s Tax Sales in Fulton County occur the first Tuesday of each month at 136 Pryor Street SW, Atlanta.
Quick Action
Plan
- Check your notices: Call your county treasurer (MI) or tax commissioner (GA) to confirm delinquency amount and auction date.
- Don’t wait: Interest increases 10% per year in Georgia; Michigan moves quickly after 3 years of delinquency.
- Verify buyer legit: Check Michigan/Georgia real estate licenses to avoid scams.
Bottom line: If you have a tax lien on your property in Michigan or Georgia, selling to a cash buyer is the fastest way to stop a tax foreclosure auction, avoid paying thousands upfront, and walk away with cash (or equity) without repairs or fees.
