home equity loan after BK on home I own outright except for past due prop tax (totaling $4000)

The BK isn't the issue as you haven't filed it yet but the low credit scores will currently keep you from qualifying for a conventional home equilty loan. I'd try to get what you're after from a hard money lender B4 you file your BK.

I plan on paying the prop tax... I WILL NOT BE LOSING MY HOUSE

I doubt any major lender will lend if you're in BK.... for anyone to lend on that property, you would have to be out of the bk.. Once you're out, there are lenders that will lend to you however they are not conventional lenders... they would be Hard Money, and it won't be cheap... their costs and fees are high, but there is a loan product out there for you... WilliamAcres.com

you might want to call me in the morning... i have experience with state of AZ property taxes... WilliamAcres.com

The likelihood of you obtaining a HELOC or even a loan secured by the property is slim due to your bankruptcy. Depending on the age of the age of the delinquent taxes, they may already have been sold as a tax lien. Your attorney should have told you that the bankruptcy court can force your creditors to repay to the trustee payments you have made to them in the last 180 days. You definitely need to discuss this with your BK attorney to see what you options are. ~ Bert Carpenter, The LoansA2z team of NOVA Home Loans ~ NMLS 40586 ~ www.LoansA2z.com

A HELOC will not be possible in a BK or a recent BK.

If you have poor credit (below 580-600), your only option may be going through a finance company. As recommended by others, get the loan before you file the bankruptcy or you will have virtually no options.

If you've been turned down for a loan by your bank, just contact us. We've helped families that banks didn't want. Get approved in minutes. Rates as low as 3.5%. Send us an e-mail: jffdbridgeinc@live.com