A MAN is finally getting his three-decade-old home back after six years of fighting for the title over a $588 tax debt.
Kevin Fair lost the title to his Nebraska home in 2018 because he failed to pay overdue property taxes.
Fair and his late wife, Terry, had paid off the house’s mortgage years before, but fell behind on payments when Fair left his job to care for Terry after her multiple sclerosis diagnosis.
Scotts Bluff County filed a lien against the home in Scottsbluff, which is about three hours north of Denver, Colorado.
Officials then reported the late payment in a local newspaper.
In 2015, the county sold the lien to a private investor, who paid the property’s taxes for three years.
According to the Associated Press, the $588 tax debt grew over time due to interest and fees, eventually amounting to a massive $5,268.
When investors demanded that the Fairs repay the debt in 2018, they were unable to do so, so the country transferred title and equity to the investor.
The Fairs were allowed to remain in the home while a legal struggle raged.
“They stand to make money, and I won’t have anything after living here for 25 years,” Fair told NBC station WOWT at the time.
Fair appealed the issue all the way to the United States Supreme Court, which ordered the Nebraska Supreme Court to review in 2022.
His complaint claimed that, while the state may be able to collect its debt, it should not be able to confiscate his home or the equity in it over the outstanding amount.
Nebraska’s law changed in 2023, so homeowners are no longer at risk of losing their equity due to unpaid property taxes.
One year after home equity was deemed unconstitutional, the investor returned the title to Fair, and the case was settled peacefully.
Fair has reclaimed her home, but the finale is bittersweet.
Terry died in 2019, so she never got to see the outcome of the house, which Fair’s mother gave the pair as a wedding gift.
Fair also had a stroke last month, and his attorney said he’ll need a ramp erected at the residence to accommodate him.
“He’s grateful, and there’s already been a show of support,” Christina Martin, senior attorney with Pacific Legal Foundation, told WOWT.
“If people want to reward Mr. Fair for preserving the fundamental rights of all Nebraskans, they can go to GoFundMe.
FAIR’S FUNDRAISER
A GoFundMe campaign set up for Fair has now received over $10,875 for the homeowner, more than doubling the target.
“Kevin’s perseverance in his legal battle has helped the property rights of all Nebraskans,” the fundraiser’s description by organizer Collin Callahan states.
“Now is 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 Scotts Bluff County attorney’s office has yet to respond to The United States Sun’s request for comment.