Buy Your Dream Property for Pennies on the Dollar! Dive into the world of government seized property deals where properties go for up to 90% off. Yes, you read that right! Whether it’s your first home or your next investment, this is your chance to score big!
If you’re looking for an affordable way to get into real estate, government seized properties might be your best bet. These properties, sometimes available for just a few hundred dollars, can be found at auctions and over-the-counter (OTC) sales.
In this guide, we’ll break down:
- What government seized properties are
- How you can buy them
- Where to find the best deals
What Are Government Seized Properties?
When property owners fail to pay property taxes, the local government steps in. Depending on the state, one of two things happens:
- Tax Lien States – The government sells a tax lien certificate to investors, allowing them to collect unpaid taxes plus interest.
- Tax Deed States – If the taxes go unpaid for too long, the property is auctioned off to the highest bidder.
If a property doesn’t sell at auction, it becomes government-seized and may be available over the counter for a fraction of its value.
Why Do These Properties Sell for Cheap?
Governments don’t want to hold onto properties. Their priority is funding essential services like schools, roads, and emergency services. If a property doesn’t sell at auction, it gets listed at the amount of unpaid taxes—which could be just a few hundred dollars.
This is why you can buy real estate for up to 90% below market value.
Where to Buy Government Seized Properties?
The best place to start is your county tax collector’s office or state land commission website. Some states have online databases where you can search for properties.
For example, in Arkansas, you can visit the Commissioner of State Lands website (cosl.org) to find both auctioned and post-auction properties available for direct purchase.
How to Search for Available Government Seized Properties?
- Visit Your State or County Website – Many counties have lists of available tax-deed properties.
- Look for Auction Schedules – Find out when the next tax deed sale will take place.
- Check for Over-the-Counter Sales – Some properties remain unsold and can be purchased directly.
- Research the Property – Use mapping tools like Google Maps or county GIS systems to see property details.
Types of Government Seized Properties You Can Buy
You’ll find all kinds of real estate at tax deed auctions, including:
- Single-family homes
- Multi-family buildings
- Vacant land
- Commercial properties
- Mobile homes
- Parking lots
- Even old businesses like funeral homes or golf courses
For example, one investor bought a former limousine business in Arkansas for just $6,000, rented it out for $1,000 per month, and later sold it for $70,000.
How to Buy a Government Seized Property in 5 Simple Steps?
- Find Listings Online – Search state or county websites for available tax deed sales.
- Research the Property – Use Google Maps, county assessor records, and real estate sites to estimate the value.
- Check the Auction Rules – Each county has different bidding rules, deposits, and purchase requirements.
- Place Your Bid or Buy Directly – Attend the auction or buy unsold properties over the counter.
- Sell, Rent, or Build – Flip the property, hold it for rental income, or develop it for resale.
Why Government Seized Property Is a Smart Investment
- Massive Discounts – Buy for pennies on the dollar.
- No Credit Needed – No banks or mortgages required.
- Quick Resale Opportunities – Sell to investors, home builders, or neighbors.
- Flexible Investment Strategies – Flip, rent, or develop based on your goals.
Example of a $500 Land Flip
Imagine buying a piece of land for $500 at a tax deed sale.
- You list it for $4,000 on Facebook Marketplace.
- A neighbor wants it to expand their yard and buys it for $3,500.
- You just made a $3,000 profit in a few days.
Pro Tips for Buying Government Seized Properties
- Check the Property’s Condition – Drive by if possible or hire a local inspector.
- Understand Local Laws – Some states have redemption periods where owners can reclaim their property.
- Look for Undervalued Properties – Vacant land near residential areas is often a great buy.
- Avoid Landlocked Parcels – If a property has no road access, it might be useless.
How to Get Started Today?
Ready to start investing in government seized properties?
- Grab our free mini-course on tax lien and deed investing.
- Download the National Tax Deed Directory to access every county’s contact information.
- Start searching for available properties in your area.
