Are Tax Deeds for You?

The sale of tax deeds can bring outstanding profits for any investor. In today's economic climate, it is understood that investing in real estate can be risky. The real estate market with a record number of foreclosures also represents an opportunity for many investors. A non-traditional way to invest in real estate is tax deed sales. This method is more complicated than traditional real estate sales and comes with some risk. If handled properly, you could find yourself making a significant profit or buying a home for yourself at a big savings.

What Is It?

In most states, tax deeds are sold at auction when local real estate taxes become delinquent. In short, when a property owner is required to pay real estate taxes to the county or other taxing authority and fails to do so, that taxing authority has the right to force the sale of the property. While the homeowner may be unable to pay these funds, those who are buying the home need only purchase it for the back taxes associated with the property plus any fees, interest charges or legal fees associated with the process. In many cases, this can amount to a significant savings in terms of the value of the home. The county, which is often the taxing authority, offers the property up for auction in order to raise the funds to pay the delinquent bill.

Before You Invest

Before you decide that tax deeds are a type of investment you want to make, you should know as much as possible about the property. Individuals who purchase properties like this are buying a property sold in as-is condition. Sometimes inspections and even viewings for the property are limited or not available. You may not be able to visit the property at all. However, this does not mean these are bad investments.

If an individual buys a property that is in bankruptcy, foreclosure or is being sold because of a lien on it, it is the buyer's right to learn as much as possible about the property before making the investment. Thorough research is often recommended to ensure you know what you are getting into. You should also know about the value of the property in its current condition, if possible. Since most of these auctions do occur with significant advance warning (often at least 30 days prior to the auction) you should have time to do the research necessary to learn more about the property.

Tax deeds can be a very lucrative type of investment. Do consider working with a title service or real estate professional to help ensure you are buying the right property at the right price. The more you know about it before you invest; the better off you will be in the long term. Consider this prior to making any real estate purchase.