How can I sell a property that has unpaid back taxes?

Couple years ago I purchased land off ebay. The seller promised a clear title with no liens or back taxes. When I did a title search there were no back taxes listed.

Few months after I purchased it, I went to pay property taxes online and that's when I noticed that there were back taxes owed. When I contacted the seller, he said he would pay it but never did and ignores my messages.

According to a realtor I talked to I don't have to pay the back taxes since it's billed to and owed by previous owner. So I can sell it like a property with a clear title and the new buyer won't legally owe it either. But I'm not sure about this.

So should I try selling it as is or should I just pay the back taxes owed and sue the seller instead?

babyboomer10012021-04-07T03:46:57Z

What sort of a dimwit would consult a realtor for legal advice? Realtors do not need any higher education whatsoever in order to be a realtor and they cannot give legal advice.  You should have consulted a lawyer.  Obviously, you didn't know how to search the title, because taxes do not suddenly show up months down the road.  You missed it, through careless viewing or whatever, you failed to properly look at what what there.  The seller can "say" anything he wants to but if you buy a house with taxes owing, then the taxes become your debt.  You can try to sell it with the taxes outstanding but, most people will offer that much less, figuring on paying your tax debt.  Some people will just walk away because it represents a red flag - no money to pay the taxes - no money to properly maintain the house.  They will wonder what else is wrong with the house.  If you want top dollar, pay the taxes.  You can sue the seller if you want.  Who is to say - you might be very convincing, but it would be much better if you have the seller's declaration in writing that he will pay his outstanding taxes.

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Anonymous2021-04-07T02:31:22Z

realtor is not expert on this....to sell it, you need to make enough profit to pay off the taxes....

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