Providence property-record questions
For a property-record question in Providence, start with the City of Providence Recorder of Deeds. The office page is a local starting point; the title company checks the records for the particular sale.
Providence, RI · Providence County / Back taxes and liens
Can I Sell My Providence House With Back Taxes or Liens?
When you sell to us, we can set it up so you don't have to prepay anything — it comes out at closing.
Yes. We buy houses as-is in Providence and Providence County, including houses with back taxes or liens. You don't fix anything — not one thing. Tell us what notice or payoff question is in front of you; you can call before you have every record.
Call 888-274-5006 to talk through the property.
We'll give you a written cash offer within 24 hours.
We give written cash offers in 24 hours.
Share the address and what you know about the lien, tax notice, or payoff.
How payoffs work
The payoff comes out at closing
When you sell to us, we pay the closing costs. Your liens are paid off from the sale at closing.
The creditor or tax office confirms its current payoff amount and instructions. The title company checks the property records and brings the current payoff information into the closing figures. Your mortgage, liens, back taxes and share of current property taxes are separate from the closing costs we pay.
Records and next step
Start with the notice or statement you have
Bring the property address and, if handy, the parcel number, tax bill or notice, payoff statement, letter from a lender or other creditor, and any court paper. The lender, creditor, or tax office named in the notice can confirm its current balance and payment instructions. The title company checks the property records for the sale.
You can call before you have everything. We can start with the address and talk through the notice or payoff question that is making the sale difficult.
If the payoff is the problem
When the balance feels too high
Think the payoff is more than the house is worth? Ask us — we've gotten lenders to come down before.
What happens next
Talk first; decide after you read the terms
1. Talk about the property
Tell us the Providence address, the house's condition, and what you know about the lien, tax balance, or notice. You can start with what you have.
2. Review the house and written terms
We review the house as it stands and give you a written cash offer and written terms before you commit. Read the terms and decide whether they fit.
3. Check title and payoff details
The title company reviews the property records and works with the relevant creditor or tax office to confirm current payoff information for the transaction.
4. Close with the agreed terms
At the title-company closing, the current settlement figures show the sale, closing costs, payoffs, and what remains after those items.
Written offer and written terms before you commit; title-company closing.
Providence records and Rhode Island tax
Local records, notices, and conveyance tax
Mortgage foreclosure and tax-sale notices
A mortgage foreclosure concerns a lender's mortgage claim; a tax sale concerns unpaid property taxes. They are different processes, with different notices and balances. Check the notice in front of you and contact the lender or tax office named there. For mortgage-foreclosure information, see the Providence foreclosure page.
Rhode Island real estate conveyance tax
Rhode Island charges a real estate conveyance tax on the deed when it is recorded. Since October 1, 2025, the rate is $3.75 for each $500 of the price, or any part of $500. The price includes a mortgage or lien that stays on the property. By law, the seller pays unless the parties agree otherwise.
For residential sales in 2026, a second tax at the same rate applies to the part of the price above $824,000. That threshold is adjusted for inflation each year.
When you sell to us, we pay the closing costs, including Rhode Island's real estate conveyance tax. Your mortgage, liens, back taxes and share of current property taxes are separate.
Compare possible net proceeds
Use the Providence home-sale net proceeds calculator with your own estimates for the house, mortgage, lien or tax balance, repairs, and other costs. Just an estimate — the actual number could be more or less depending on the home's condition.
Providence property liens and back taxes questions
Questions about selling with liens or back taxes
Can I sell my Providence house with back taxes or liens before paying them?
Yes. When you sell to us, we can set it up so you don't have to prepay anything — it comes out at closing. We buy houses with back taxes and liens, and the payoff is handled through closing. Call with the property address and whatever notice or payoff information you have; you do not need to have every record first.
What should I have ready when I call about a lien or tax balance?
Start with the property address. If you have them, bring the latest payoff statement, tax notice or bill, lien or court notice, deed, parcel information, or a letter from the creditor or tax office. The creditor or tax office confirms its current balance and instructions; a title company reviews the property records and closing figures.
Is a mortgage foreclosure the same as a tax sale?
No. A mortgage foreclosure concerns a lender's claim under a mortgage; a tax sale concerns unpaid property taxes. They are separate matters. Read the notice in front of you and contact the lender or tax office named in it. For mortgage-foreclosure information, see the Providence foreclosure page.
Where can I ask about Providence property records?
The City of Providence Recorder of Deeds is the official local office link for property-record questions. The title company reviews the records for the particular sale and checks the payoff information with the creditor or tax office.
What is Rhode Island's real estate conveyance tax?
Since October 1, 2025, Rhode Island charges $3.75 for each $500 of the price, or any part of $500, when the deed is recorded. The price includes a mortgage or lien that stays on the property. In 2026, a residential sale above $824,000 also pays that rate on the amount above the threshold, which is adjusted for inflation each year. When you sell to us, we pay the closing costs, including Rhode Island's real estate conveyance tax. Your mortgage, liens, back taxes and share of current property taxes are separate.
What happens after I contact you?
We talk about the property and what you know about the lien or tax notice, review the house as it stands, and give you written offer terms before you commit. The title company works with the relevant creditor or tax office to check the property records and current payoff information for closing.
Testimonials are real, from our transactions, verified and approved by our attorneys. The reviews below keep each seller's recorded location; they are not presented as Providence transactions unless their location says so.
What sellers say about USA Home Buyers
Here's what sellers have said about working with us.
“The three-decker on Charlton Street had a chimney collapse in February — took out the back wall of the second floor. Structural damage, water intrusion from the open wall. My insurance company offered $37,000. Contractor said $61,000. I'm not fighting that battle. USA Home Buyers made a fair offer the next day. Closed in nine days.”
“Massachusetts foreclosure is non-judicial — the lender can foreclose by advertisement without going to court, and it can happen in as little as three months. I was behind and didn't realize how fast it would move. USA Home Buyers explained the timeline and had a written offer the same day I called. Closed in eleven days. Foreclosure cancelled.”
“I had a rental on Grafton Street that I'd been managing for eight years. Problem tenant, lead paint issues, city notices piling up. I couldn't afford to fix it and didn't want to go through eviction. USA Home Buyers bought it as-is with the tenant still there. Done in 11 days.”
Talk through the property
Call 888-274-5006 or use the form above. Start with the Providence address and the notice or payoff information you have.