Last Updated on August 24, 2026
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Author: Jessa May Bautista
Reviewed by: Josh Blanchard
Fact Checked by: Jack Aldous
How to Get Tax Deed Properties Cheap & Fast
Start with the county’s delinquent property tax list and look for properties scheduled for an upcoming tax sale. Before the auction, contact the owner and see if they are willing to sell the property directly. If you reach an agreement, you may be able to pay the delinquent taxes and purchase the property before it reaches the auction.
Table of contents
What is the quick tip?
Here’s a simple tip: Get the list of homes in the county that haven’t paid their taxes. Before the auction starts, try to contact the owners. Most counties in the U.S. have to share a list of these homes. This list usually includes the addresses and when the homes will be sold. By looking at this list and doing some basic research, you can find homes that might be a good deal. You can reach out to the owners and see if they’d want to sell their house privately instead of going to auction. If you help the owner pay their taxes, you might be able to buy the house for much less than what it is worth.
What Is a Tax Deed?
A tax deed is the instrument the county uses in a tax deed sale to transfer title to a property after real estate taxes stay unpaid long enough. The county then sells the property to recover the unpaid taxes owed.
Key Takeaways
- To get properties affordably, contact owners of delinquent tax properties before auctions start.
- Research your local tax sale lists for homes with unpaid taxes, as counties must release these.
- Negotiate directly with owners to potentially buy properties at a lower price without auction competition.
- Always perform due diligence, including checking property conditions and redemption rights to avoid pitfalls.
- Different states have varying laws regarding tax deed sales; always verify local regulations.
Why this strategy works
- Less competition: Pre-auction outreach lets you negotiate with the owner instead of bidding at auction, which avoids bidding wars and competing buyers.
- Time to inspect: Contacting the owner before the sale gives you time to verify liens and check the property condition before you pay.
- Helps owners: In the right case, you can pay delinquent taxes before the sale and give the owner a way out without losing the property at auction.
- Flexible terms: Pre-auction negotiation gives you more room to agree a win-win price without the auction process setting the pace.
Step‑by‑step guide to getting cheap tax‑deed properties
Getting cheap tax‑deed properties
- Identify upcoming tax sales
Visit your local county treasurer or tax collector’s website. The taxing authority usually maintains a list or website of tax sale properties, including addresses and sale dates. For example, Los Angeles County posts its tax sale list online.
- Research the properties
Perform due diligence just as you would for any real‑estate purchase. Check property records, zoning, outstanding liens and estimated market value. Failure to research can lead to disputes.
- Check redemption and bidding laws
Each state has different rules. Some allow owners to redeem the property by paying back taxes up until 5 pm the day before the sale; others have redemption periods after the sale. Ensure your strategy is legal in your state.
- Find and contact owners
Use skip‑tracing tools or public records to locate the owner’s mailing address or phone number. Approach them with empathy: explain that you can pay off their taxes and offer them some equity in return. Many homeowners prefer this to losing the property at auction.
- Negotiate and draft a contract
Agree on a purchase price and ensure you cover all delinquent taxes, interest, and penalties. Work with a real‑estate attorney to draft a contract and arrange escrow.
- Pay the taxes and close
Once the sale is complete, immediately pay the taxes to remove the county’s claim. Record the deed and confirm that no other liens remain.
Local considerations
Tax deed rules are different in each state. In Washington, when a tax deed auction happens, the property is sold without a chance to buy it back later. Owners can still pay their unpaid taxes up until the day before the auction.
In California, the first bid starts with the unpaid taxes, penalties and costs, and the property is sold to the highest bidder at auction.
In Florida and Texas, redemption periods vary by state and county.
taxes plus some extra fees. Property owners have until 5 PM the night before the auction to pay off their taxes and keep their property. In states like Florida and Texas, people might get a few months after the auction to pay off their taxes and get their property back. Always check your county’s website or talk to a lawyer to understand the rules where you live.Common mistakes to avoid
- Skipping due diligence: Not all tax‑delinquent properties are bargains; some have structural issues or liens.
- Ignoring redemption rights: If the owner has a right of redemption, your purchase could be reversed.
- Failing to budget for repairs and back taxes: Ensure you understand the total cost, including taxes, interest, legal fees and potential repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
A tax deed property is a piece of land or a house that the owner has not paid taxes on for a long time. The county can sell these properties to get the money owed.
You can check your local county’s website. They usually have a list of homes that haven’t paid taxes. This list will tell you where the properties are and when they will go up for auction.
Yes, it can be risky. Some properties might have big problems like damage or other debts. It’s important to do research and check the condition before buying.
You can use public records to find the owner’s address or phone number. When you reach out, be friendly and let them know you can help them pay their taxes and buy the property. Many owners will appreciate the help.
Conclusion
Buying properties that have overdue taxes before they go to auction can be a great way to get real estate for less money and do it fast. You can start by getting the list from the county. Then, do some research and check out these properties. If you find the owner, you can make a fair offer. This way, you can avoid busy auctions and help homeowners at the same time. Always check local laws and talk to experts. Don’t be afraid to try this smart way to find good real estate deals. It might just lead you to some affordable options
If you’d like personalized help getting started, feel free to schedule a free call with our team or explore our free resources to learn more.
