Negotiating tax lien certificate IL

[Stephen R.]

I'm looking at a property that has outstanding taxes due. They have been sold by the county treasurer. I do have the name of the certificate owner. I'm looking for advice on negotiating the price. Is that even possible or do I contact the purchaser and ask what they want to remove the lien?

And am I correct in understanding that I cannot negotiate prior to taking title? 

Note: There are Illinois properties with future redemption dates

[Arissa Pedroza]

You cannot negotiate the tax that is due while still owed to the county.  In places like CA, the owner has a time period after the lien is sold in which the have a certain time period to protest the taxes, but not in IL.   In this case, someone has purchased the lien for a future profit.   Why would they want to negotiate the certificate?  Even if they are in a redemption period, they are earning interest in the even the owner redeems it and if they don't, they can foreclose and get the deed, so not sure why they would want to unload it but to answer your question, yes.