During a foreclosure sale, how are real estate taxes treated compared to other types of liens?

Real estate taxes are treated as a priority over other types of liens during a foreclosure sale. This means that any outstanding property taxes must be paid before other liens can be settled. The principle behind this priority is that real estate taxes are obligations to the local government, which ensures that municipalities can provide necessary services to the community, such as schools, police, and fire protection.

When a property goes into foreclosure, the lien associated with the property taxes remains as a first charge against the property. This ensures that the local government recoups its tax revenue even amidst the complexities of foreclosure proceedings, which can include various secured loans, judgments, and other financial interests. Thus, in the hierarchy of claims against the property, real estate taxes hold precedence over most other types of liens, including most mortgages, making it critical for potential buyers to be aware of any outstanding tax obligations prior to completing a purchase at a foreclosure sale.