What Are Tax Deed Properties, And Why Should You Be Aware Of Them?
Tax deed properties can be important for any potential real estate investor. Essentially, a tax deed property is one where the owner has failed to pay property taxes and thus forfeited ownership of the home or land. Tax deed sales are a way for counties and local governments to recoup what they are owed while allowing people to gain valuable assets at a fraction of what they might have originally cost.
Buying tax deed properties can be especially attractive to investors who don’t have a large starting capital and wish to acquire real estate investments with potentially high returns. Furthermore, state regulations differ on what happens with foreclosed properties, making it essential to brush up on your local regulations if you’re considering buying tax deed properties. All in all, it’s an exciting proposition for many real estate investors, but research is key to ensure you understand what rules apply before buying tax deeds.
The Risks Associated With Buying Tax Deed Properties
You May Not Get the Property
One of the risks associated with buying tax deed properties is that you may not actually get the property. This can happen if the property is redeemed by the owner or if other liens on the property take precedence over the tax lien.
You May Not Be Able to Resell the Property
Another risk associated with buying tax deed properties is that you may not be able to resell the property. This can be a problem if you’re unable to find a buyer or if the property needs significant repairs that you’re unable to make.
The Property May Have Environmental Issues
Another potential issue with tax deed properties is that they may have environmental issues. This could include things like lead paint, asbestos, or underground storage tanks. These issues can be expensive to remediate, making the property difficult to sell.
The Property May Have Code Violations
Another issue that you may encounter with tax deed properties is code violations. This could include things like zoning violations, building code violations, or fire code violations. These issues can be costly to fix and may make it difficult to sell the property.
You May Not Be Able to Get Insurance on the Property
Another potential problem with tax deed properties is that you may not be able to get insurance on the property. This could be due to the environmental issues mentioned above or due to the fact that the property is in a high-crime area. Without insurance, it would be very difficult to sell the property.
You Could Get Sued by the Previous Owner
One final risk associated with buying tax deed properties is that you could get sued by the previous owner. This could happen if they feel you’ve wrongfully taken their property or believe you owe them money for back taxes.
How To Reduce Your Risk When Buying A Tax Deed Property
Do Your Homework
The first step to reducing your risk when buying a tax deed property is to do your homework. You’ll need to research the property thoroughly to ensure it has no outstanding liens or judgments against it. You should also visit the property in person to assess its condition and make sure it’s located in an area you’re comfortable with.
Hire A Qualified Real Estate Agent
Another way to reduce your risk when buying a tax deed property is to hire a qualified real estate agent. A good agent will be familiar with the process of buying tax deed properties and will be able to help you navigate the often-complex process. They’ll also be able to provide you with valuable information about the property itself and the surrounding area.
Get A Loan Pre-Approval
If you plan on financing your purchase, getting a loan pre-approval from a lender before bidding on a tax deed property is important. This will give you an idea of how much money you’ll be able to borrow and will help you stay within your budget. It’s also important to remember that most lenders will require a higher down payment for a tax deed property than they would for a traditional home purchase.
Know Your Maximum Bid
When you’re ready to start bidding on tax deed properties, it’s important to know your maximum bid ahead of time. Bidding blindly can often lead to overspending, so it’s crucial that you have a firm budget in mind before entering into any auctions. Once you’ve determined your maximum bid, stick to it no matter what!
Have Realistic Expectations
Having realistic expectations when buying a tax deed property is also important. Remember that these properties are often sold as-is, which means significant repairs may be needed before the home is livable. If you’re not prepared to make major repairs, purchasing a tax deed property is probably not wise.
Use Caution When Making An Offer
Finally, use caution when making an offer on a tax deed property. If the property is being sold at auction, remember that you’re competing against other potential buyers who may be willing to pay more than you are. If you’re making an offer on a traditional sale, be sure to have your loan pre-approval in hand so you don’t end up paying more than the home is worth.
On A Final Note
Tax deed properties are homes or land where the owner has failed to pay property taxes and forfeited ownership. Buying tax deed properties can be attractive to investors with limited capital. Risks include not getting the property, being unable to resell it, environmental issues, code violations, and not getting insurance on the property. But, one can reduce risk by doing homework, hiring a qualified real estate agent, getting a loan pre-approval, knowing your maximum bid, having realistic expectations, and using caution when making an offer. So next time you plan to buy tax deed properties, contact Tax Lien Code for a better understanding.
