If you’re behind on property taxes in Rochester, NY, you may have already received a notice of a tax lien on your home. The moment that lien is recorded, your options start to narrow—and the clock begins to tick. Many homeowners in this position feel overwhelmed, uncertain, and unsure of what steps to take next.
The good news? You still have time, and you still have options.
In this guide, we’ll explain what a tax lien is, how it impacts your ability to sell, and why working with a local buyer like Brett Buys Roc Houses LLC—a trusted “we buy houses” company in Rochester NY—can be your best move to avoid financial disaster.
What Is a Tax Lien and Why Does It Matter?
A tax lien is a legal claim the government places on your property due to unpaid taxes. It doesn’t mean the government owns your house yet—but it does mean they have a right to it if you don’t resolve the debt.
In Monroe County, if property taxes go unpaid long enough, the lien can lead to foreclosure or a tax auction. The presence of a lien complicates selling your home, refinancing, or transferring the title.
This is why acting quickly and strategically is critical.
How a Tax Lien Affects Selling Your Home
When a tax lien exists:
- Title companies won’t allow the sale to close until the lien is resolved.
- Traditional buyers using bank financing typically walk away from these homes.
- Even if listed with an agent, few offers come in due to the complexity.
This creates a difficult position for sellers—but not an impossible one.
Your Options When Selling a Home With a Tax Lien
Option 1: Pay Off the Lien in Full This is the most direct route. You’ll need to contact Monroe County and get an official payoff letter. After paying the lien, the release will be recorded, clearing the way to sell freely. However, this requires access to a large lump sum.
Option 2: Negotiate or Settle the Lien Some municipalities offer hardship settlements or reduced payoff options. You may be able to negotiate a lower amount—especially if you’re in the process of selling. But this takes time, paperwork, and a bit of luck.
Option 3: Sell to a Local Cash Buyer Who Understands Tax Liens This is often the most realistic option when time is limited. We buy houses in Rochester NY that have tax liens and understand how to work with local offices to resolve them quickly. In many cases, we can absorb the lien as part of the transaction or use part of your home’s equity to pay it off during the sale.
Why Choose Brett Buys Roc Houses LLC
We’re not a faceless company. We’re Rochester locals with over 90 five-star reviews and an A+ BBB rating. We specialize in tough situations like tax liens, foreclosure notices, and homes in distress.
Here’s what working with us looks like:
- Fast cash offer in 24 hours
- No repairs, no commissions, no clean-outs
- We coordinate with your county to resolve tax issues
- Close in as little as 20–40 days
- Help with moving costs or relocation support if needed
You don’t have to fix the problem alone—we’ll walk you through it.
The Risk of Waiting Too Long
We’ve seen many sellers in Rochester wait too long, thinking they’ll figure it out. The reality? A tax lien that becomes a foreclosure judgment or auction situation severely limits your options.
Even experienced buyers like us can only help if you reach out before deadlines hit.
If you’re facing liens and thinking, “I need to sell fast,” don’t let time slip away. Let’s explore your options now—while you still have them.
Final Thoughts
Tax liens are stressful, confusing, and often leave homeowners feeling stuck. But with the right help and a clear strategy, you can regain control.
We buy houses in Rochester NY—even with tax liens—and we know exactly how to guide you through the process. Whether you need help understanding your payoff, negotiating with the county, or want to sell fast with no hassle, we’re here.
👉 Visit brettbuysrochouses.com to request a no-obligation offer and get ahead of your tax lien today.