What is the process for foreclosing on property?
Once the three year period is up following the May 16 delinquency, the county sends the property owner several notices, including publication in area newspapers, that the property is subject to foreclosure. During this time the owner has the option of paying the oldest year that is delinquent, in addition to some fees. This removes the property from the foreclosure proceedings since there are no longer any taxes that are three years delinquent. If the oldest year is not paid by the first of October, the county files what is called a Judgment and Decree of Foreclosure. Once this document is filed all of the property taxes, interest and fees have to be paid in order to remove the property from foreclosure. From that point there is a two year period of redemption. During this time the property owner can come in and pay all of the taxes, interest and fees to remove the property from foreclosure. After the two year redemption period the county takes title to the property.
