Tax Deed Sales - What Are They?

Tax deed sales are the selling of certain properties which has delinquent or outstanding payments. A government agency usually takes control of real estate whose owners may have some difficulty paying their taxes and other payments connected to the lot or the house. It is actually a force sale which is preempted by notice of failure to pay taxes and other warnings to the owner. A public auction is held to sell off the property after the legalities have been met after due notice has been given to those who may have some concerns over the property.

Unlike a tax lien sale, where the taxes are brought up for payment in behalf of the property owner, tax deed sales are events where the property is actually for sale after the owner has failed to comply with the government agency's requirements. Sales of this kind are usually final and legally binding. 

The Auction

The auction in which the property is put up for sale or bidding may be a combination of other properties. These days of advanced technology, has enabled various bidders from all over the country, some even the world, to take part in the auction without being actually present. The properties put on auction are usually described and posted for all to see online or in actual. Tax deed sale are usually the result of a foreclosure. Bidding usually starts at the cost of the delinquent taxes along with penalties and other expenses. The increments of each bid will be stated before the auction starts and can vary from $10 to $100. Those who wish to participate in the bidding may need to register beforehand in order to have access to the legal packages of the properties on the auction block. 

Some properties might not be sold and these will be reverted to the government. Some of the county government agencies in charge of the auctions may give the current owners a chance to redeem or reclaim their property even after it has been sold. These chances are called hybrid sales where there is an agreement among the current owner, the government and the winning bidder. There is a pre-stated redemption period which is usually just a few months after the auction. Winning bidders should not make improvements or remodeling on the property if this clause is include din the auction. 

Tax deed sales will have specifications before the auction starts. It is best to register early and to familiarize oneself with the rules and regulations of each sale.