Home Equity Theft: How a Man’s Home Was Seized Over $8.41 in Unpaid Taxes

Homeowner

This is why you do not collateralize a $10 debt with a $60,000 asset. 

In 2014, Uri Refaeli lost his home after it was foreclosed on and seized by Oakland County, Michigan. In 2011, Rafaeli purchased a small $60,000 property for his business, Rafaeli, LLC. To make matters worse for Michigan, the state also has a shady reputation for using this practice to its own benefit.

While he had paid his 2012 and 2013 property taxes in full, he discovered that he had accidentally underpaid in 2011. When he made this realization and tried to correct his mistake in 2013, he forgot to account for the interest that had accrued on his back taxes. As a result, he underpaid by a measly $8.41. The county seized and sold his property for $24,500. Rafaeli never saw a dime of this money.

Via Fee.

Right-Mind