Sell My House Fast Bethlehem PA 18015 Tax Lien: Your Complete Guide to Getting Out Fast

Sell my house fast Bethlehem PA 18015 tax lien—that's why you're here.

You're not looking for theory.

You're looking for a way out.

Maybe you missed a few tax payments.

Maybe you inherited a property that was already behind.

Maybe life just got in the way.

Whatever happened, you're now staring at letters from Northampton County.

The Tax Claim Bureau at 669 Washington Street in Easton.

Words like "upset sale" and "judicial sale" that sound terrifying.

And a clock that's ticking.

Here's the thing most people don't realize:

You can still sell your house—even with a tax lien on it.

I'm Tyler Swenson, founder of ClearEdge Home Buyers.

Since 2016, I've helped over 200 homeowners across Eastern Pennsylvania sell properties in tough situations.

Tax liens included.

I've been featured in The Morning Call and Lehigh Valley Business.

I speak regularly at REIA meetups throughout Eastern PA.

And I've seen every version of the tax lien situation you can imagine.

Let me show you exactly how this works in Bethlehem's 18015 zip code.

What Exactly Is a Tax Lien on Your Bethlehem Property?

Let's start with the basics.

A tax lien is a legal claim the government puts on your property when you don't pay your taxes.

In Pennsylvania, property taxes come from three sources:

• City of Bethlehem (they collect their portion directly)

• Northampton County (where most of 18015 falls)

• Bethlehem Area School District

Miss any of these?

A lien gets attached to your property.

That lien is a matter of public record.

Anyone searching the title can see it.

And here's the kicker:

The lien doesn't just sit there quietly.

It grows.

Interest accrues at 0.75% per month in Northampton County.

Fees pile up.

And if you don't act, your property heads toward a tax sale.

How Pennsylvania Tax Sales Work (The Timeline You Need to Know)

Pennsylvania's tax sale process has specific deadlines.

Miss them, and you could lose your home.

Here's the timeline:

Year 1: The Tax Goes Delinquent

Your property tax is due by December 31st of the year it's levied.

Miss that date?

It's now delinquent.

By January 15th, the local tax collector turns your unpaid taxes over to the Northampton County Tax Claim Bureau.

Spring of Year 2: Notice of Claim

The Tax Claim Bureau sends you a "Notice of Claim."

This tells you a claim has been entered against your property.

The tax claim becomes "absolute" if not paid by December 31st of that year.

Year 2-3: Heading to Upset Sale

If you still haven't paid by July 1st of the second year after the original bill?

Your property gets advertised for the Upset Sale.

You'll receive certified mail notices.

Your property gets posted.

It's serious now.

September: The Upset Sale

Upset Sales happen in September.

Properties with two or more years of delinquent taxes get auctioned.

The starting bid?

All the unpaid taxes, interest, and costs.

If It Doesn't Sell: Judicial Sale

Properties that don't sell at the Upset Sale move to a Judicial Sale.

This is worse for you.

At a Judicial Sale, the property sells "free and clear" of all liens—including mortgages.

That means your equity can vanish.

Last Stop: Repository Sale

Properties that still don't sell end up on the Repository list.

At this point, someone can buy your property for just the costs owed.

Why Tax Liens Make Selling Your House Hard (But Not Impossible)

Having a tax lien on your Bethlehem property creates real obstacles:

Traditional buyers get scared off.

When a buyer's title company runs a search, that lien shows up immediately.

Most retail buyers don't want the hassle.

They'll move on to the next listing.

Banks won't finance it.

Lenders require clear title.

A tax lien is about as clear as mud.

FHA, VA, conventional—they all say no until that lien is resolved.

Realtors struggle to market it.

Many agents won't even take the listing.

Those who do have to disclose the lien situation.

That shrinks your buyer pool dramatically.

Your equity is at risk.

Every month you wait, more interest and fees accumulate.

That's money coming directly out of what you'd pocket from a sale.

But here's what most people don't understand:

You absolutely CAN sell a house with a tax lien in Pennsylvania.

The lien just needs to be satisfied at closing.

The South Side and 18015: Why Your Location Actually Helps

If you're in Bethlehem's 18015 zip code, you've got something working in your favor.

This area is in demand.

The South Side has transformed over the past decade.

Lehigh University is right there.

SteelStacks brings thousands of visitors for concerts and events.

Wind Creek Casino opened nearby.

New restaurants and shops line Third and Fourth Streets.

Here's what 18015 looks like by the numbers:

• Median home values run around $240,000-$280,000

• Median household income sits around $58,000-$65,000

• Property tax rates hover near 2.85%—one of the higher rates in Lehigh County

• About 50% owner-occupied, 50% renter-occupied

• Strong rental demand from Lehigh University students

The neighborhoods here—from Fountain Hill to the South Side Historic District—attract buyers looking for character and walkability.

And here's what makes 18015 unique for tax lien situations:

The high property tax rate means more people fall behind.

That 2.85% effective rate on a $250,000 home is over $7,000 per year.

Add in school taxes and municipal taxes?

Easy to see how people get underwater.

But the strong market demand also means your property has real value—even with a lien attached.

Cash buyers like us see the potential.

We're not scared off by liens because we know how to handle them.

Your Options for Selling a House with a Tax Lien in Bethlehem PA

You have three main paths:

Option 1: Pay Off the Lien, Then List Traditionally

If you have the cash to clear the lien, great.

Pay it off.

Get the satisfaction from the Tax Claim Bureau.

Then list with a realtor.

You'll have access to the full buyer pool.

But this requires upfront money you might not have.

Option 2: List with the Lien and Hope

You can list your property with the lien still attached.

Some buyers will still be interested—mainly investors.

But you'll wait longer.

You'll likely get lowball offers.

And every month you wait, more fees accumulate.

Option 3: Sell to a Cash Buyer (Fastest Route)

This is where ClearEdge Home Buyers comes in.

We buy houses with tax liens.

Here's how it works:

• We assess your property's value

• We calculate the lien payoff amount

• We make you a cash offer that accounts for the lien

• At closing, the lien gets paid from the proceeds

• You walk away with the remaining equity

No waiting for bank approvals.

No hoping a traditional buyer will stick around.

Just a clean sale that clears your lien problem.

How to Sell Your House Fast in Bethlehem 18015 with a Tax Lien

Here's the step-by-step process if you want to move quickly:

Step 1: Get Your Payoff Amount

Contact the Northampton County Tax Claim Bureau.

They're located at 669 Washington Street in Easton.

Phone: 610-829-6186

Ask for a current payoff amount including all interest and fees.

This number changes daily, so get a fresh quote.

Step 2: Know Your Property's Value

Look at what similar homes in your neighborhood have sold for recently.

In 18015, you're looking at:

• Row houses and twins: $150,000-$220,000

• Single-family homes: $220,000-$320,000

• Properties near Lehigh University command premiums

Step 3: Contact ClearEdge Home Buyers

Reach out to us for a no-obligation cash offer.

We'll evaluate your property.

We'll factor in the lien payoff.

We'll give you a number—usually within 24-48 hours.

Step 4: Choose Your Closing Date

Need to close fast? We can do 7-14 days.

Need more time? We'll work with your schedule.

You're in control.

Step 5: The Lien Gets Paid at Closing

At the settlement table, the title company pays off the tax lien directly.

The county gets their money.

The lien gets satisfied.

You get the remaining proceeds.

Done.

What Happens If You Do Nothing?

I've seen this play out too many times.

Homeowners who stick their head in the sand.

Who avoid the letters.

Who hope it somehow goes away.

It doesn't.

Here's what happens:

Your property goes to Upset Sale.

Someone bids on it.

If they win and pay, you lose the house—but you might still owe the mortgage.

If it doesn't sell, it goes to Judicial Sale.

At Judicial Sale, the property sells free and clear of everything.

Including your mortgage.

Any equity you had? Gone to pay creditors.

Worst case: Repository Sale

Someone picks up your property for just the accumulated costs.

Could be a few thousand dollars.

For a house worth $200,000+.

All because you didn't act.

Real Talk: Property Taxes in Bethlehem Are High

Let's be honest about why so many people fall behind here.

Bethlehem has some of the highest property taxes in Pennsylvania.

The effective tax rate in 18015 runs around 2.85-4.42%.

On a $250,000 home, that's $7,000-$11,000 per year.

Just in property taxes.

Add your mortgage, insurance, and utilities?

It's a lot.

When times get tough—job loss, medical bills, divorce—property taxes are often the first thing that slides.

I get it.

But ignoring the problem only makes it worse.

Why Work with ClearEdge Home Buyers?

Since 2016, we've built ClearEdge from the ground up—starting with a single duplex on Birch Street in Scranton.

Now we've helped over 200 homeowners across Eastern PA.

Here's what makes us different:

We're local. I live and work in this market. I know the neighborhoods, the tax situations, and what properties are really worth.

We've been featured locally. The Morning Call and Lehigh Valley Business have covered our work.

We're active in the investment community. I speak regularly at REIA meetups throughout Eastern PA.

We handle complications. Tax liens, code violations, inherited properties, divorces—we've seen it all and know how to navigate it.

We're straight with you. No games, no lowball offers, no pressure. Just honest assessments and fair deals.

Ready to Sell Your Bethlehem Property with a Tax Lien?

If you're sitting on a property in 18015 with a tax lien hanging over your head, you have options.

Waiting only makes it worse.

Interest keeps accruing.

The county keeps sending notices.

And that upset sale date keeps getting closer.

Here's what to do right now:

Learn how our simple 3-step process works

Or if you're ready to see what your property is worth:

Request your free, no-obligation cash offer

Sell my house fast Bethlehem PA 18015 tax lien—now you know it's possible, and you know exactly how to make it happen.

Tyler Swenson is the founder of ClearEdge Home Buyers, a cash home buying company serving Eastern Pennsylvania. He has been featured in The Morning Call and Lehigh Valley Business, and speaks regularly at REIA meetups throughout Eastern PA.