It really depends on the wording of the tax judgment and the attorney for the tax office.  If the tax judgment gives the homeowner the option to cure prior to the tax sale or if the judgment gives the taxing authorities the power  to sell prior to the tax sale, then you can purchase the property and cure the tax obligation.  Many taxing authorities will let you do so.  Because there is a judgment, you will need to make sure they are on board with the purchase of the home because you don't want the tax judgment clouding your title to the property.