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 Anyone ever hear of something like this?
#9194426
03/03/25 11:56 PM
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Concho
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So, my grandmother passed many years ago and was the lone owner of a piece of real estate, she did not have a will, and the family could not agree on selling the property or allowing one family member to buy out the others. One family member lived on the property for many years and was supposedly paying the taxes, after that family member moved away, the county filed legal action to take the property for back taxes. As none of the heirs could agree on anything really, no one fought for the property, and we assumed it was lost to auction. I in fact signed an affidavit to separate me from the legal action. Fast forward until today and I get a call from a company who supposedly paid the back taxes and is now saying I either sell them my interest in the property or I could be responsible/liable for my portion of the back taxes they paid...how is this legal/ethical?
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Re: Anyone ever hear of something like this?
[Re: Concho]
#9194431
03/04/25 12:02 AM
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Jimbo1
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So, my grandmother passed many years ago and was the lone owner of a piece of real estate, she did not have a will, and the family could not agree on selling the property or allowing one family member to buy out the others. One family member lived on the property for many years and was supposedly paying the taxes, after that family member moved away, the county filed legal action to take the property for back taxes. As none of the heirs could agree on anything really, no one fought for the property, and we assumed it was lost to auction. I in fact signed an affidavit to separate me from the legal action. Fast forward until today and I get a call from a company who supposedly paid the back taxes and is now saying I either sell them my interest in the property or I could be responsible/liable for my portion of the back taxes they paid...how is this legal/ethical? Time to consult a lawyer…a real lawyer.
Awake - Not Woke!
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Re: Anyone ever hear of something like this?
[Re: Jimbo1]
#9194437
03/04/25 12:17 AM
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Joined: Dec 2007
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Concho
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So, my grandmother passed many years ago and was the lone owner of a piece of real estate, she did not have a will, and the family could not agree on selling the property or allowing one family member to buy out the others. One family member lived on the property for many years and was supposedly paying the taxes, after that family member moved away, the county filed legal action to take the property for back taxes. As none of the heirs could agree on anything really, no one fought for the property, and we assumed it was lost to auction. I in fact signed an affidavit to separate me from the legal action. Fast forward until today and I get a call from a company who supposedly paid the back taxes and is now saying I either sell them my interest in the property or I could be responsible/liable for my portion of the back taxes they paid...how is this legal/ethical? Time to consult a lawyer…a real lawyer. Yep, I guess so, not sure how someone who wasn't asked to stick their noses into my business can now cause me a legal problem, but scammers are everywhere today.
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Re: Anyone ever hear of something like this?
[Re: Concho]
#9194439
03/04/25 12:21 AM
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Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 18,710
Jimbo1
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So, my grandmother passed many years ago and was the lone owner of a piece of real estate, she did not have a will, and the family could not agree on selling the property or allowing one family member to buy out the others. One family member lived on the property for many years and was supposedly paying the taxes, after that family member moved away, the county filed legal action to take the property for back taxes. As none of the heirs could agree on anything really, no one fought for the property, and we assumed it was lost to auction. I in fact signed an affidavit to separate me from the legal action. Fast forward until today and I get a call from a company who supposedly paid the back taxes and is now saying I either sell them my interest in the property or I could be responsible/liable for my portion of the back taxes they paid...how is this legal/ethical? Time to consult a lawyer…a real lawyer. Yep, I guess so, not sure how someone who wasn't asked to stick their noses into my business can now cause me a legal problem, but scammers are everywhere today. Just curious, did any other family members get the call?
Awake - Not Woke!
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Re: Anyone ever hear of something like this?
[Re: Concho]
#9194454
03/04/25 12:37 AM
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jetdad
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It doesn't sound like the taxing authorities foreclosed it. It sounds more like a tax lien loan service purchased the taxing authoritiy's lien position. This is a common occurance. Tax lien lenders are a predatory type lender that buy the taxing authoritty's priority position as the taxing authority's lien is always in a first lien position. Unless your affidavit included the taxing entities, your affidavit does not carry much weight. They would have to release you. You can't just absolve yourself from resposibiity. Unless there is something worth salvaging, I'd just walk away. That sounds like what you want to do. I'm not an attorney and you should get some competent legal advice as you would not want this to someow come back and bite you in the backside,
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Re: Anyone ever hear of something like this?
[Re: Jimbo1]
#9194455
03/04/25 12:38 AM
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Concho
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Yes, several of them I heard sold their percentage in the property, but I have no proof of that information.
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Re: Anyone ever hear of something like this?
[Re: Concho]
#9194459
03/04/25 12:43 AM
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Joined: Sep 2012
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Jimbo1
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Think I’d take the buyout and be done, assuming it was on the up and up.
Awake - Not Woke!
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Re: Anyone ever hear of something like this?
[Re: jetdad]
#9194461
03/04/25 12:44 AM
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Joined: Dec 2007
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Concho
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It doesn't sound like the taxing authorities foreclosed it. It sounds more like a tax lien loan service purchased the taxing authoritiy's lien position. This is a common occurance. Tax lien lenders are a predatory type lender that buy the taxing authoritty's priority position as the taxing authority's lien is always in a first lien position. Unless your affidavit included the taxing entities, your affidavit does not carry much weight. They would have to release you. You can't just absolve yourself from resposibiity. Unless there is something worth salvaging, I'd just walk away. That sounds like what you want to do. I'm not an attorney and you should get some competent legal advice as you would not want this to someow come back and bite you in the backside, The person who called me said, they paid the back taxes and stopped the legal action from proceeding, so sounds like you may be correct. The guy also claims they are now co-owner of the property..."Predator" would be too nice a word in my opinion to use for people like this.
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Re: Anyone ever hear of something like this?
[Re: Concho]
#9194463
03/04/25 12:46 AM
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Joined: Oct 2012
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Creekrunner
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Lots of bottom feeders when it comes to land like this. Although he/she will charge you, a real estate attorney is the only one that can accurately advise you on this. The only other choice is to quit answering the phone from anyone you don't know and "fogetaboutit." I seriously doubt they're gonna spend the legal fees to chase after you. Just scare tactics to see if they can improve their position on the property. How many acres we talkin'?
...and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. Gen. 1:28
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Re: Anyone ever hear of something like this?
[Re: Creekrunner]
#9194468
03/04/25 12:49 AM
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 27,516
Concho
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Lots of bottom feeders when it comes to land like this. Although he/she will charge you, a real estate attorney is the only one that can accurately advise you on this. The only other choice is to quit answering the phone from anyone you don't know and "fogetaboutit." I seriously doubt they're gonna spend the legal fees to chase after you. Just scare tactics to see if they can improve their position on the property. How many acres we talkin'? I think it is only an acre but maybe has some commercial use future.
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Re: Anyone ever hear of something like this?
[Re: Concho]
#9194470
03/04/25 12:52 AM
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Joined: Dec 2007
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Concho
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I told the guy I'd just take my part at closing when they sell...he didn't seem happy about that statement. I think it was such a small piece of property, and the family couldn't agree on selling or one member just using it, that everyone just didn't want to fight for it...
Last edited by Concho; 03/04/25 12:54 AM.
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Re: Anyone ever hear of something like this?
[Re: Concho]
#9194478
03/04/25 01:04 AM
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Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 5,630
jetdad
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The guy also claims they are now co-owner of the property.
In order for them to be a co-owner they would have to acquire the property first. This would have to come as a result of a sale or through foreclosure. It doesn't sound like either has ocurred. Typically they charge a high interst rate and depend on another lender or owner to pay it off to protect their interest. Sounds like an unscpulous tax lien loan lender if they are calling and harassing you. Years ago Texas put some laws in effect to reign in this predatory lending. As mentioned, you should get some good legal advice to see if you jave any further resopnsibility. You don't want some junk lawsuit or judgment magically appearing.
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Re: Anyone ever hear of something like this?
[Re: Concho]
#9194480
03/04/25 01:08 AM
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Joined: Dec 2007
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Concho
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Thanks everyone, sounds like I need a good real estate lawyer.
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Re: Anyone ever hear of something like this?
[Re: Concho]
#9194485
03/04/25 01:14 AM
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Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 15,602
ntxtrapper
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Uncle Zeek on here...
Artim Law Firm, PLLC
Estate, probate & taxes AND 07/02 FFL
2250 Morriss Road, Suite 205 Flower Mound TX 75028
972-746-0758 work
zac@artimlegal.com
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Re: Anyone ever hear of something like this?
[Re: jetdad]
#9194487
03/04/25 01:15 AM
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 27,516
Concho
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The guy also claims they are now co-owner of the property.
In order for them to be a co-owner they would have to acquire the property first. This would have to come as a result of a sale or through foreclosure. It doesn't sound like either has ocurred. Typically they charge a high interst rate and depend on another lender or owner to pay it off to protect their interest. Sounds like an unscpulous tax lien loan lender if they are calling and harassing you. Years ago Texas put some laws in effect to reign in this predatory lending. As mentioned, you should get some good legal advice to see if you jave any further resopnsibility. You don't want some junk lawsuit or judgment magically appearing. Yep, the guy changed his tune when I told him he was full of it, now says they can include an indemnity in the package saying they will never come back and sue me for what I'm selling them. I'll contact an attorney and make sure it is legal, if it is I'll take the offer just to end the situation. I never wanted to be involved anyway; we are talking about maybe enough to pay a deer lease spot for a year...
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Re: Anyone ever hear of something like this?
[Re: ntxtrapper]
#9194488
03/04/25 01:15 AM
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 27,516
Concho
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Uncle Zeek on here...
Artim Law Firm, PLLC
Estate, probate & taxes AND 07/02 FFL
2250 Morriss Road, Suite 205 Flower Mound TX 75028
972-746-0758 work
zac@artimlegal.com Thanks.
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Re: Anyone ever hear of something like this?
[Re: Concho]
#9194533
03/04/25 02:40 AM
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 10,848
The Dude Abides
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Karma… 
I am still looking for the perfect apron, one with reinforced knee areas would be perfect. Some people live an entire lifetime & wonder if they ever made a difference in the world, a veteran doesn't have that problem. Reagan
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Re: Anyone ever hear of something like this?
[Re: The Dude Abides]
#9194543
03/04/25 03:06 AM
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 21,480
TurkeyHunter
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Karma… Isn’t karma circular?
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Re: Anyone ever hear of something like this?
[Re: Concho]
#9194590
03/04/25 07:57 AM
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Joined: Mar 2010
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ntxtrapper
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“You cannot take someone else’s property by simply paying the property taxes for them in Texas. However, if there is a county or city tax lien or a foreclosure sale on a property, an individual may be able to buy the property through a government-regulated auction. If you pay taxes for estate property during the probate process, you do not receive ownership of the property, but you may be entitled to reimbursement from estate funds. The payment of property taxes can be one of the steps toward establishing ownership through a Chapter 29 proceeding or adverse possession, but Texas restricts these methods of ownership by imposing many additional requirements and allowing many defenses.” https://rmolawyers.com/blog/what-happens-if-you-pay-someone-elses-property-taxes-in-texas/
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Re: Anyone ever hear of something like this?
[Re: Concho]
#9194634
03/04/25 12:58 PM
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Joined: Oct 2024
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Paul 1167
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Paul T.
Fort Worth, TX
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Re: Anyone ever hear of something like this?
[Re: Concho]
#9194643
03/04/25 01:09 PM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 21,647
Sniper John
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"I get a call from a company". This seems like a red flag if you only got a call rather than a letter. If it were me I would have told them this sounds like a scam and to send me a letter with the details I can take to my lawyer to look over. And immediately hang up. If it was legit, you would receive something from them.
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Re: Anyone ever hear of something like this?
[Re: Concho]
#9194646
03/04/25 01:22 PM
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Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 4,276
Wytex
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Did you get notice of the sale before it went through? This seems to say of not then the sale is not valid. https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/docs/TX/htm/TX.34.htmI Wyoming the county can sell your property at auction for failure to pay property taxes and it takes only 1 year of non payment. You do have 2 years to pay the tax and interest to get your property back. This also talks about your situation it sounds like:https://rmolawyers.com/blog/what-happens-if-you-pay-someone-elses-property-taxes-in-texas/#:~:text=No.,of%20who%20pays%20the%20taxes.
Last edited by Wytex; 03/04/25 01:24 PM.
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Re: Anyone ever hear of something like this?
[Re: Wytex]
#9194651
03/04/25 01:31 PM
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 27,516
Concho
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Did you get notice of the sale before it went through? This seems to say of not then the sale is not valid. https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/docs/TX/htm/TX.34.htmI Wyoming the county can sell your property at auction for failure to pay property taxes and it takes only 1 year of non payment. You do have 2 years to pay the tax and interest to get your property back. This also talks about your situation it sounds like:https://rmolawyers.com/blog/what-happens-if-you-pay-someone-elses-property-taxes-in-texas/#:~:text=No.,of%20who%20pays%20the%20taxes. There was no sale, I received numerous calls from people who start out the conversation with "I know this sounds out of left field, but" and then they explain how they can help save your property from tax auction. At that point I would hang up. Then these folks called saying they have paid the taxes and paid off some of my relatives for their share of the property. As of this morning the tax appraisal office still shows the taxes as not paid, so I think my first call will be to them, then to the court where the suit was filed against the heirs, get as much info as I can, then call a good lawyer.
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Re: Anyone ever hear of something like this?
[Re: Concho]
#9194654
03/04/25 01:37 PM
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Joined: Dec 2007
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Concho
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I also forgot to say these folks want every family member to sign and notarize a warranty deed to them selling them the family member's share...They still haven't answered how I sell a property not deeded to me. The entire thing sounds fishy to me, I think this is someone just trying to get control of the property, then pay the taxes and sell the property. I guess I shouldn't answer phone calls where I don't know the caller, but I sometimes answer for the free entertainment.
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