From 2014 to 2021, 8,600 homes and more than $780 million in savings were lost to home equity theft1.
When an individual falls behind on their property taxes, no matter how small the debt, home equity theft allows state and local governments to seize the property and keep the full sale amount, beyond what they are owed in taxes, interest and penalties.
In the case of Tyler v. Hennepin County, the government seized 94-year-old Geraldine Tyler’s property and sold it for $40,000, paid off her accumulated debt of $12,700 and kept the remaining equity, leaving Tyler with nothing.
Regardless of the decision on this case, it is time to end home equity theft in all forms. The Alliance is a non-partisan, nonprofit organization that works to improve property owner protections and this is one of our top priorities. Show your support for ending home equity theft by signing the pledge!