Wayne County Treasurer Eric Sabree Announces Lowest Tax Foreclosure Rates Since 2003

DETROIT, Mich – Wayne County Treasurer Eric R. Sabree announced today that tax foreclosures has reached a record low in 2024 in Wayne County. A total of 2,111 tax foreclosures were recorded in 2024, representing the lowest number of tax foreclosures in the county since 2003 when 1,184 were recorded.

"Our efforts to reduce the number of tax foreclosures in Wayne County has seen a steady decline in the last decade since the highest number of 28,323 in 2015," Sabree said. "We are proud of this effort, along with our many partners, who help us reach out to residents to assist them with access to the programs that help them avoid tax foreclosure." The news comes after Sabree petitioned the court to remove many homes from the tax foreclosure list based on hardship.

The City of Detroit's guarantee that several of those homeowners would be eligible for the Homeowners Property Exemption (HOPE) program, a property tax assistance effort, is one reason Sabree fought to take those homes off the forethe tax foreclosure list based on hardship.

The City of Detroit's guarantee that several of those homeowners would be eligible for the Homeowners Property Exemption (HOPE) program, a property tax assistance effort, is one reason Sabree fought to take those homes off the foreclosure list. "Several homeowners simply needed more time to apply for HOPE and get accepted into this important assistance program," Sabree said. "It is my strong view that we do all we can to prevent residents from losing their homes to foreclosure." Sabree said his office has an ambitious goal to have zero tax foreclosures in 2025.

Sabree pointed to a slate of programs and payment plans offered by the Wayne County Treasurer's Office, and the collaboration with local non-profits and community organizations that have been integral to reducing tax foreclosures in Detroit.

These include the Detroit Tax Relief Fund, established in 2021 by Gilbert Family Foundation, which completely eliminates delinquent property taxes for Detroit homeowners who have been approved for the HOPE program and the Pay As You Stay (PAYS) program. The Detroit Housing Network, an alliance of housing agencies managed by CHN Housing Partners and funded by Gilbert Family Foundation, also played an essential role in promoting the HOPE program.

Additionally, Rocket Community Fund's annual Neighbor to Neighbor canvassing program brought HOPE information and other tax relief resources directly to Detroit residents through door-to-door canvassing

"Safe, quality housing is foundational to the health and long-term stability of our communities," said Laura Grannemann, Executive Director of Gilbert Family Foundation and Rocket Community Fund. "Our organizations have been working to reduce Detroit's property tax foreclosures for more than 12 years and we are immensely proud to celebrate this achievement with our partners at the Wayne County Treasurer's Office."

Studies show that once a home is lost to foreclosure, the homeowner is less likely to purchase another home in subsequent years. Home ownership is a key component to wealth generation, especially for Black families. A report from the Urban Institute revealed that foreclosures have major impacts on neighborhoods, including declining property values, deterioration of properties, increased crime, local government fiscal stress and deterioration of local services.

The report also called a coordinated foreclosure response strategy important to address the issue. "It takes many partners to address this issue, and we are grateful for their support," Sabree said. "Without them, this work would be overwhelming. The tools and support we have help us save homes, which saves neighborhoods."