Tax lien investing can give your portfolio exposure to real estate — all without having to actually own property. Experts, however, say the process is complicated and warn that novice investors can easily get burned.
Again, if you believe your taxes were delinquent, and were thus properly sold, then you need to do a simple redemption. You may redeem your taxes by going to the Cook County Clerk's Office, ordering an "Estimate of Redemption" and then paying that redemption bill.
Each year, delinquent property taxes are offered at the Annual Tax Sale so that local governments receive the revenue needed to operate. The property itself is not sold, but a third party pays the outstanding tax amount and places a tax lien on the property.
What is an Escrow? An Escrow is an arrangement for a third party to hold the assets of a transaction temporarily. The assets are kept in a third-party account and are only released when all terms of the agreement have been met. The use of an escrow account in a transaction adds a degree of safety for both parties.
Escrow Examples In a real estate transaction, the buyer and seller will sign a contract that outlines the terms of the sale. The buyer will then make a deposit into an escrow account. The escrow agent will hold onto the deposit until the seller transfers ownership of the property to the buyer.
An escrow account provides a secure and impartial way to protect both buyer and seller during a transaction by not releasing the funds until all conditions have been met. This can help prevent fraud, mismanagement and other problems that can arise.
Escrow is a financial process used when two parties take part in a transaction where there is uncertainty about the fulfillment of their obligations. Situations that may employ escrow include internet transactions, banking, intellectual property, real estate, mergers and acquisitions, law, and more.
Steps in the escrow process Opening an escrow account. The first step is to open an escrow account, which is usually done by the seller, but can also be done by the buyer. Appraisal and home inspection. Your mortgage lender will order an appraisal of the home. Obtaining insurance coverage. Final walkthrough. Closing.