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If a home has been foreclosed how is the original owner responsible for back taxes?

I asked a question about HUD homes earlier and I got a wonderful answer. But in the case of foreclosure, how is the old owner responsible for back taxes? Obviously they had to walk away from the home so how would they be responsible to pay any back taxes owed? PLUS I want to KNOW what back taxes are owed BEFORE I buy a foreclosed home...

Public Comments

1. Foreclosure eliminates all junior liens and taxes are subordinate to the first mortgage. If it makes you more comfortable just add a condition to your offer the all back taxes have been paid. That should cover it. realtor.sailor
2. Sailor is correct they the lender who foreclosed will deliver good title and go after the person who foreclosed for any balance owed
3. The old owner is responsible for back taxes because he owned the home at the time the taxes were due. When you buy a home you should have a title search done and have title insurance this will free you from being legally responsible for any money owed on the house.There can be leans and judgments on the home and when you become the new owner without title insurance you also are legally responsible for them. With foreclosed homes they can be great bargains and also can be money pits too. Have them inspected carefully, and thoroughly. The owner does have what we call in Real Estate Terminology "The Right Of Redemption" Where the owner is allowed to pay what is owed on the home and take the home back, and they have one year to do this. So if you do purchase foreclosed property I would NOT do any major repairs, until the home is your free and clear. Best Wishes!
4. The foreclosure on the mortgage has nothing to do with property taxes. The mortgage lender only collects it to ensure the loan is not jeopardized. Just go to the Town Clerk or County clerk and they can tell you how much back tax is owed. The mortgage lender who foreclosed would have to settle this debt before selling the home.
5. No. Property taxes "run with the land" and in the event of a foreclosure, the bank will either pay them or the person that purchases the house will. They are levied to the PROPERTY not to the individual. Some folks get very confused by that. PS: The so-called 'Realtor' above has been smoking crack if he thinks a foreclosure eliminates all junior liens and back taxes. Obviously he has zero experience in foreclosures....just ask the people purchasing foreclosures or those that think that a foreclosure is the end to it....ever heard of a "deficiency judgment" buddy? Didn't think you did.