The 16% Solution, Revised Edition: How to Get High Interest Rates in a Low-Interest World with Tax Lien Certificates » (Revised)

Joel S. Moskowitz is an attorney specializing in environmental law. He has argued before the U.S. Supreme Court, the California Supreme Court, and several courts of appeals. Miami is his home.

With home foreclosures at an all-time high and the erratic stock market damaging 401(k) accounts, people are looking for innovative ways to invest their money.

Moskowitz explains what tax lien certificates are (liens against property for unpaid taxes), why they are safe (certain states insure them), and how they fit into an overall financial plan. This new edition includes updates to the laws and procedures of states and counties that offer tax lien certificates.

* The 16% Solution has been updated to reflect current legal requirements and information.

* Seen as a great investment solution: "If you become a buyer of tax liens, we recommend reading The 16% Solution by Joel Moskowitz. It's a worthwhile investment." --Ken and Daria Dolan, Straight Talk on Your Money.

Preface to the Original Edition v

Foreword vii

Section 1 Why You Need Tax Lien Certificates 1

Chapter 1 What Are Tax Lien Certificates? 3

Chapter 2 Why Would You Want a Tax Lien Certificate? 8

Chapter 3 How Do Tax Lien Certificates Fit into Your Investment Plans? 12

Section 2 How You Can Buy Tax Lien Certificates 25

Chapter 4 Selecting an Area 26

Chapter 5 What to Look for in Properties 30

Chapter 6 Bidding at Local Auctions 34

Chapter 7 Bidding Online 39

Chapter 8 Armchair Values in "Leftovers" 43

Chapter 9 Buying from Other Investors 45

Chapter 10 Getting Local Officials to Help You 47

Section 3 How to Get Your Money or the Property 51

Chapter 11 How to Redeem Your Certificates 52

Chapter 12 Foreclosing on Tax Liens 54

Chapter 13 Managing and Marketing Foreclosed Properties 59

Section 4 Avoiding and Managing Risk 63

Chapter 14 "Worthless" Properties 64

Chapter 15 Environmental Problems 70

Chapter 16 Bankruptcy 77

Chapter 17 Scams 86

Chapter 18 FDIC Liens 88

Appendices 91

Appendix I Chart of State Laws 92

Appendix II The 16% Winner's Circle 93

Appendix III Environmental Forms for Commercial and Industrial Properties 166

About the Author 175