Late property tax payments can result in expensive fees and penalties. A property tax loan can help you pay, but first, you need to make sure you choose the right lender. 

So, the property tax payment is overdue, and you're already expecting significant fees and penalties. You have no other way to pay for it than to ask for help from a property tax lender. That's a great idea to avoid higher costs. But, before you do that, make sure you choose the right lender. 

Here are four tips to help you screen property tax lenders and choose the right one: 

1. Check the lender's reputation.

Think about it: you would not allow a stranger you know anything about to have a lien against one of your most valuable assets. They could be ill-intentioned people who will take advantage of your decision. For the same reason, you need to check the reputation of the lender to ensure that they are trustworthy and legit. 

First, check whether or not the lender is an established business in the industry. Next, check the reviews and feedback offered by previous clients who took a loan from the same lender. 

Make sure that the lender you choose has only good reviews and feedback. 

2. Do they provide honest advice?

A good property tax lender will never simply sell you a property tax loan but instead do some teamwork with you to see whether or not this really is the best option for you financially. After all, the last thing you'd want right when you're dealing with some financial problems is to have to be stuck paying off a loan that wasn't really necessary. 

So, make sure that the lender you choose provides you with a lot of transparent information and advice that helps you make an informed decision. Don't just get a loan until you know for sure that it is an absolute must. A good lender will be honest about this. 

3. Will you be charged an application fee?

Not all, but some lenders can ask you to pay for an application fee even before they decide to give you a property tax loan, simply to consider giving you a payment plan. Other lenders, however, will review and, hopefully, approve your plan without charging you this extra money for simply applying. 

Make sure you ask the lender whether or not they charge an application fee before you apply. In other words, be sure to find out upfront if you'll have to pay this extra amount of money and how much it is. 

4. Will the lender be there for you in the future?

Most homeowners who get Texas property tax loans are able to pay back the lender successfully as soon as they overcome the financial issue that put them in this situation in the first place. However, for other borrowers, it may take a bit longer to recover financially from that issue. Check if, in case you'll be in the situation of the latter, the lender will be willing to help you pay your taxes in the future, too, just in case you need that help.