Texas tax sale redemption and title insurance

[John Harrell]

I bought a tax sale property 8 months ago, non homestead. Title Co. will write policy but exclude redemption for 2 years. Here is the kicker. The homeowner whose name is on the deed died in 2010. There was no will and last family member died in 2014. The county removed homestead exemption beginning in 2011. The house was abandoned.  I was told that after 5 years of not being a homestead there are some  Title companies that will write a clean policy. Does anyone know of a title co. that will do this? I have a buyer if I can clean this up. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

John 

[Arnie Abramson]

The title issue is not redemption.  It is the fact that for 2 years anyone with an equitable interest has the right to contest the sale if they were not properly notified of the sale.  Title companies hang their hats on that in Texas.  That is probably why they will not give you clear title until the 2 year period is up.  Some title companies require longer.