can the city of houston force a homeowner to sell his property?

Answer 1

back taxes and:
also the city has a right to the front of the property and can enforce the purchase of the front..for street widening parking etc. but that is to be bought.. so if the city is changing and needs streets they will buy the property and do everything reasonable..my friend did a great property exchange with the city..
also the city through by-laws, variances, historical sites can make it very uncomfortable for someone that does not want to sell.

Answer 2

Most states have a law called "eminent domain" where land can be taken from homeowners for the good of the community. For example, to build a road. The laws usually require the government to provide fair compensation for the land that is taken. So, in essence, they can force you to "sell" property by taking it through eminent domain and then offering "fair" compensation.

Answer 3

Based on the United States Supreme Court ruling based on a New London, CT, case -- Yes. The Court expanded the meaning of Imminent Domain, greatly.

Answer 4

If they are the ones buying it, it's called Eminent Domain. They are required to give you a fair price. You probably should contact a real estate lawyer and let them deal with.

Answer 5

you prolly own this thing called a deed to your house. Which in all actuality is nothing but a rental agreement between you and the government. So yes they can do just about anything they want.

Answer 6

They can buy it from you as a "taking" the Supreme Court recently ruled this can be done for as little a reason as encouraging economic development.

Answer 7

If it's an Eminent Domain case, yes, they can, but you can fight it. Start with a good lawyer:

A google search revealed this:
http://lawyers.findlaw.com/lawyer/firm/Eminent-Domain/Houston/Texas

Hope that helps!