Quote Originally Posted by ny biker View Post
For starters, I would go back to the county treasurer's office and try to get them to reimburse you. You might need to go above the person you've already spoken to. You do not own the house, you can prove that with documentation, you are in no way liable for the November payment.

If that doesn't work, you need to explain the situation to the buyer and ask them for help. They might say no, but then again they might reimburse you without hassle. If it were me, I would want to know so I can get my bank involved, because they should not be paying a tax payment that has already been paid. If they do, then once again the county has been overpaid. Also, I absolutely would want you to be reimbursed because it's just not right for you to pay taxes on my house.

I don't see how you can take the buyer to small claims court if you haven't tried other means to get the money from them.

Good luck!!
From the county's standpoint, I was the one liable for the November taxes. We pay property taxes in arrears. So, the November 2010 installment is for 2009. The buyer merely agreed to pay them per our contract. So, that's what his liability to me is based upon. I'd seek recourse against my lender, but short of a lawsuit, banks are not in the habit of coughing up money. They are beyond irritating to deal with.

I still haven't sent a letter to the buyer. I have one drafted, but I actually thought it would be better received in January. He should be getting an escrow analysis from his lender near the first of the year. From that, he should be able to see that he didn't pay the November installment.