Property Taxes

[Chris Heeren]

Do you or someone you know purposely not pay the property taxes because they feel they can take that money and get a better return on their investment over the delinquent tax interest rate?? I believe as long as the property taxes are paid in full including interest charges from only the 3rd year back that the house will never go into Tax Lien Foreclosure?? This is what the current owner of a house I'm looking to purchase has told me he is doing. I thought it sounded a little fishy and wanted to know if others ever thought of going this route? Both houses I have bought have had several years of back taxes on them and I'm wondering if this is the reason why.

[Marshall Downs]

Chris, not sure how delinquent taxes accrue in WI, but here in MI it adds up to the tune of about 50% when factoring in penalties, interest and fees. Not many traditional investment vehicles where you can get that return. Sounds like an excuse to me, but without knowing your laws, not certain.