This guide is under editorial review
We have temporarily withdrawn the earlier version while its legal, financial, timing, and market claims are checked against current primary sources. The right answer depends on the property, ownership, title, payoffs, occupancy, and any court or lender requirements.
Use the reviewed situation overview and source-reviewed homeowner guides. If a court, foreclosure, tax-sale, probate, bankruptcy, eviction, or code-enforcement deadline is involved, contact the appropriate licensed attorney or agency immediately.