A MAN is finally getting his home of three decades back after spending six years fighting for the title due to a $588 tax debt.
Homeowner Kevin Fair lost the title to his Nebraska home in 2018 after he failed to pay overdue property taxes.
Fair and his deceased spouse, Terry, had settled the mortgage on their home several years ago. However, they faced difficulties with payments after Fair left his job to provide full-time care for Terry, who had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
Scotts Bluff County placed a lien on the home in Scottsbluff, which is about three hours north of Denver, Colorado.
Officials then listed the late payment in a local newspaper.
In 2015, the county sold the lien to a private investor, who took care of the home’s taxes for three years.
Over the years, the $588 tax debt grew due to interest and fees, becoming a massive $5,268 bill, according to the Associated Press.
When the investors called for the Fairs to pay the debt in 2018, they couldn’t, so the country handed over the title and equity to the investor.
The Fairs were allowed to stay in the house while a legal battle ensued.
“They stand to make the money, and I won’t have anything after living here for 25 years,” Fair told NBC affiliate WOWT at the time.
Fair took the case all the way to the US Supreme Court, which ordered the Nebraska Supreme Court to reconsider in 2022.
According to his legal claim, although the state may have the right to recover its debt, it shouldn’t have the authority to confiscate his house or the excess value above the debt amount.
Nebraska changed its law in 2023 so homeowners are no longer at risk of losing their equity over unpaid property taxes.
A year after home equity was declared unconstitutional, the investor returned the title to Fair and the dispute was amicably resolved.
Now the home is Fair’s again – but it’s a bittersweet ending.
Terry passed away in 2019, meaning she didn’t get to the outcome of the house, which was given to the couple as a wedding gift from Fair’s mom.
Kevin’s perseverance in his legal battle has helped the property rights of all Nebraskans.”
Collin Callahan
Plus, Fair suffered a stroke last month, and his attorney said he’ll need a ramp installed at the house to accommodate him.
“He’s grateful and there’s already been a show of support,” Christina Martin, senior attorney at Pacific Legal Foundation, told WOWT.
“If people want to thank Mr. Fair for defending the constitutional rights of all Nebraskans, they can visit the GoFundMe.
“Every dollar will count. I know he is so moved by the giving.”
FAIR’S FUNDRAISER
A GoFundMe page set up for Fair has already raised over $10,875 for the homeowner, more than double the goal amount.
The description of the fundraiser organized by Collin Callahan highlights that Kevin’s determination in his legal fight has benefited the property rights of all residents of Nebraska.
“Now it’s our chance to help him have a happy Christmas by securing his home for the future.
“With a little help, Kevin can enjoy the rest of his senior years in his family home.”
The attorney’s office for Scotts Bluff County hasn’t returned The U.S. Sun’s request for comment.
