Robin McElroy, a resident of Morgan Park in Chicago, was taken aback when she received a letter from the Cook County Circuit Court informing her that her family home had been sold due to unpaid property taxes. This surprising turn of events began in 2019 when McElroy started receiving notices from various tax buyers alleging that she had not been keeping up with her property tax payments. However, she was certain that she had all the receipts showing otherwise since she had bought the house in 2012.
After conducting an inquiry, McElroy discovered in April 2019 that the Property Index Number (PIN) assigned to her home on the Assessor’s website had been mistakenly swapped with that of her neighbors. A PIN is a unique numerical code used for legal descriptions of land plots for real estate taxation purposes. Despite assurances from the Treasurer’s Office in 2019 that there were no grounds for a property sale, McElroy received another letter from the court five years later stating that her home had indeed been sold for delinquent taxes.
Upon further investigation, it was revealed that the PIN mix-up had not been rectified over the years, leading to McElroy losing her home and facing tax issues. The Assessor’s Office acknowledged the error with the swapped PIN and finally corrected the mistake. Despite this, McElroy sought written confirmation to ensure that all issues were resolved without any doubt.
Unfortunately, this ordeal caused McElroy significant mental and financial stress as she had to seek legal assistance to address the problem, resulting in substantial lawyer fees. It is crucial for homeowners to address any defects in their property’s legal description, such as PIN issues, to avoid unnecessary financial burdens in the future.
Moreover, homeowners should be vigilant about PIN slamming, where additional land parcels are included in a property’s legal description without their knowledge. This can lead to extra property taxes and financial challenges for property owners. To prevent such issues, homeowners can consult real estate professionals, order surveys, or review public records to understand the land parcels associated with their property’s PIN.
In conclusion, the case of Robin McElroy serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of ensuring the accuracy of property-related information, such as PINs, to avoid potential legal and financial complications. By staying informed and seeking proper guidance, homeowners can protect themselves from unforeseen issues and safeguard their properties effectively.