Next steps?


From: Sandra Moore <sandra.moore@piercecountywa.gov>
Sent: Tuesday, September 21, 2021 1:50 PM
To: Maureen Howard <mhoward@pchomeless.org>
Cc: Heather Moss <heather.moss@piercecountywa.gov>; John Barbee <john.barbee@piercecountywa.gov>; Bryan Schmid <bryan.schmid@piercecountywa.gov>; Gerrit Nyland <gerrit.nyland@piercecountywa.gov>; Tami Johnson <tami.johnson@piercecountywa.gov>; Michael Gonzales <michael.gonzales@piercecountywa.gov>
Subject: RE: 47 Moblie Homes - Surplus Property Question?
 

Ms. Howard and company…

 

As the 2021 real property foreclosure auction will be online soon, I thought I would take the opportunity to provide you with information regarding our piece of the puzzle.  Hopefully, I’ll address the foreclosure side of the questions posed to Allen regarding the mobile home distraint auction. 

 

Currently, Pierce County is foreclosing on 72 real property parcels for non-payment of property taxes dating back to 2018 and prior.  Here’s some information that might be pertinent to you.

  • 44 parcels are improved with a house or mobile home attached to the land with common ownership.  Some are owner occupied. 
  • 17 parcels are unimproved, residential land.  Seven of these properties are located on Anderson Island.
  • 3 parcels have structures other than homes/mobiles.  One is a lien-to where the owner is living in his travel trailer, one is a very rustic cabin which may or may not have any amenities and the last is a partially constructed dwelling. 

The remaining parcels are commercial properties, unbuildable pieces of land or confirmed wetlands. 

 

The foreclosure process is based on Revised Code of Washington 84.64.  in 2020 when Covid hit and offices were shutting down, Mr. Lonergan, the Assessor-Treasurer, contacted the deputy Prosecuting Attorney assigned to property tax foreclosure to see if there was any room to not move forward with the foreclosure process.  Sadly, it was determined we could push the date, but nothing allowed the county to not move forward. 

 

Throughout our process, we make several attempts to contact property owners.  Our letters provide information on how to apply for and receive exemptions and deferrals, one-time waivers of interest and penalty and informational resources on who to contact regarding additional assistance.  We also inform that filing for bankruptcy protection and making the required payments to the bankruptcy court will postpone or stop the foreclosure.  My team and I focus on helping taxpayers avoid foreclosure and work closely with the exemption/deferral team to assist those who qualify for reduction and/or deferral of property taxes.  We frequently called on Matt Santelli until he was promoted and are building a working relationship with Kris Dowling.  Additionally, Revised Code of Washington 84.36 is very narrow in defining a primary residence.  Again, I don’t think anyone ever thought someone might own property and want/need to live in their RV and consider it their home. 

 

However, state law also makes it clear that the county is required to foreclose if taxes aren’t resolved.  The law goes further, in an effort to protect property owners from unscrupulous investors, to require only parties with a recorded interest can pay the taxes once the foreclosure lawsuit is filed.  This means if the property owner(s) have died, and the property is owned by the estate/heirs, some type of legal process must occur before the Assessor-Treasurer’s office can accept payment.  It becomes challenging for all parties involved. 

 

Once the county has been granted judgment, the information is turned over to the online storefront, Bid4Assets.  Anyone is welcome to bid on a property knowing that payment in full is due within 48 hours of successful bid.  If a property sells for more than is owed to the county, the owner of record as of the date the lawsuit was filed is entitled to the surplus funds.  The only requirement is to complete an application within three years of the sale date. 

 

I’ve been doing this for 20+ years.  When I started, it was extremely rare to foreclose on a property with a home attached.  As times changed, it’s become common to sell multiple improved properties each year.  As you can see, the law is cut and dry.  I don’t think the founders ever thought people would get behind on paying the property taxes on their home.  There is no provision allowing the county to treat one parcel different from another solely based on the property being someone’s home. 

 

Revised Code of Washington 36.35.150 allows the county some discretion on disposition of surplus/tax title properties.  Pierce County’s Facilities Department oversees the surplus properties.  Maybe you’re already in touch with Michael Gonzales.  If not, I’ve copied him to loop him in.  He is best suited to address any questions regarding tax title properties. 

 

If you find you have additional questions or concerns regarding real property tax foreclosure, please let me know.

 

Kindly,

Sandy

Sandra Moore (she/her)

Foreclosure Avoidance Coordinator

Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer’s Office

253-798-7133

Sandra.Moore@piercecountywa.gov

www.piercecountywa.gov/atr

 

All email correspondence is subject to public disclosure per Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 42.56.070.

 

 

 

From: Maureen Howard <mhoward@pchomeless.org>
Sent: Monday, September 20, 2021 7:39 PM
To: Allen Richardson <allen.richardson@piercecountywa.gov>
Cc: Heather Moss <heather.moss@piercecountywa.gov>; John Barbee <john.barbee@piercecountywa.gov>; Bryan Schmid <bryan.schmid@piercecountywa.gov>; Gerrit Nyland <gerrit.nyland@piercecountywa.gov>; Sandra Moore <sandra.moore@piercecountywa.gov>
Subject: Re: 47 Moblie Homes - Surplus Property Question?

 

Mr. Richardson,

Do the 47 mobile homes qualify as Pierce County surplus property and if so,  and if they are vacant, shouldn't they be used to house people experiencing homelessness? 

 

Again, thank you for your assistance,

Maureen Howard

 

Maureen Howard

Senior Policy Analyst

Tacoma Pierce County Coalition to End Homelessness

3320 S. 8th St.

Tacoma, WA 98405

 

Tel.  253-756-8146 LL

        253-255-2200 cell

 

Living in Tacoma or Pierce County and Behind on rent?
Rental Assistance | Pierce County, WA - Official Website

 

"I'm no longer accepting the things I cannot change.  I'm changing the things I cannot accept."  Angela Davis

 

"Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, Necessary trouble."  John Lewis