You need to speak with a real estate attorney. Generally speaking, a "life estate," as the name implies, is for the life of the estate's recipient--it seems like what you meant to do was to let him live there rent free until the taxes were paid, which is very different. It is possible that if you can show that you and he both did not intend to grant a life estate, that you can void it on the basis of mutual mistake. (If neither party actually intended what resulted, a legal document or transfer of interest can often be set aside since there was no mutual agreement.) Alternatively, if your brother knew exactly what was going on and lied or misrepresented to you about the effects of what you were doing, you may be able to void the estate on the basis of unilateral mistake (your mistake) and fraud.Failing that, even having given him a life estate, you will have certain rights, such as to mortgage the home, which you can take advantage of; a real estate attorney can advise you as to those, as well as help you see if you can in fact undo this life estate. Good luck.