I own a home in California that is paid for. What happens if I don't pay the property taxes?

Don't know about CA, but in Corrupticut the town or city takes it. Most of the time a politician will get it for the value of the taxes, so it will never hit the market.

Jail time

the beautiful state of California can seize your home legally for not payment & sell it to get their money ...............................................

The town can take ownership of your property and can sell it for the amount of back taxes you owe along with any administration and filing fees. The town is not allowed to sell the property for profit.

If you want to lose your property, then do nothing. Otherwise, you could possible make some payment arrangements to get caught up on your property tax liability. Or, because you own the property, you have 100% equity in the property, which is ideal for the purpose of getting a line of credit to pay your property taxes. If you are 65 years or older (maybe 62 years old, you'll have to check), you can get a Reverse Mortgage. But, beware because a Reverse Mortgage has a stipulation that you are responsible to pay for all property taxes or THEY foreclose on your property.

You do have options to keep your real estate, if you want to keep it.

The state can SEIZE the property and sell it to cover the property taxes. Unless you make the highest bid at the auction, you no longer own the house.

The taxing authority can foreclose and take the property.

The county will put it up for auction.

Eventually they take it and sell it.

Your local government seizes it then they sell it off at a sheriffs auction.

You lose the home.