Tax Foreclosure Properties: Are They For You?
Tax foreclosure properties are homes or other real estate that are sold to investors. They are usually acquired when an owner doesn’t pay the property tax that is associated with the real estate they own after three years. The property is granted a two year time frame in which the homeowner is expected to pay what is due on the property. If the account is not made current within the two years, the property is deeded to the county. These homes are then placed up for auction and sold to the highest bidder. The new buyer holds the rights to the home, as long the money owed is not paid.
Newbie real estate investors are able to buy these properties at well below market prices. These types of properties can be found in a wide range of places and can be listed in newspapers and periodicals as well as the web. In order to purchase a property the bidder must be present and the bidding starts at a minimum bid. Depending on your state, you may be charged a 10% non-refundable down payment at the time of purchase, or other such fee. A temporary certificate is given to the buyer at the time of sale until a deed can be prepared. This deed is normally prepared within 60 days of the action.
All properties sold at these actions are sold on an “as is” basis. If the new buyer of a property doesn’t respond to the notification after one month, then they will lose their down payment. The property is then offered to the next highest bidder or bid on again by new bidders and other hungry investors.
These investment opportunities are easy to find and many websites produce lists of tax foreclosures. Contacting a Realtor is another useful way to find great deals. Make sure you investigate the properties as many of the properties are sold at absurd prices, and many of them need extensive work and repair.
Determine the area in which you want to search for tax foreclosure properties. If it is not in your area, consider the traveling expenses. Get estimates of what the property is actually worth and what the cost of repair will be before making an offer on it. Make sure that you understand the rules involved in the auction as each state’s rules may by different.
If you want to find out more about tax foreclosure properties, then visit No Risk Investor and see how to choose from among the best tax lien foreclosure properties.