How to Find Tax Lien Homes
- 1). Determine where you would like to conduct your search. Most tax liens are held by sheriff departments, counties or individual municipalities. Check with the tax assessor or sheriff department in areas you are interested in to learn tax lien auction dates and times. For example, most jurisdictions hold tax lien auctions on a bi-weekly, monthly or yearly basis. Some counties offer auctions online for convenience. Anyone can bid on properties.
- 2). Visit the tax assessor or sheriff's department to find out about the tax lien homes in their jurisdiction. Most county governments now have tax lien homes listed online, or will be able to provide a list of all homes if you visit their office in person. You can also provide an address to determine if a tax lien exists on a specific property. Evaluate each property on the list that interests you, and check for zoning obstacles. Find out what payment methods are accepted.
- 3). Search local newspapers. Check for advertisements in your target area. For example, government agencies post public notices about tax lien auctions to inform the community. These notices usually include sheriff auctions of homes as well. Most states require that postings occur twenty to thirty days before the auction date.
- 4). Join an online database like Foreclosurelisting.com that collects foreclosure information and tax lien sales. Membership rates average ten to twenty dollars per month. Consider a free trial promotion before purchasing a membership.
- 5). Contact real estate agents to find out about tax lien homes. Real estate agents collect information about tax liens and foreclosures. They can also provide you with upcoming properties as they become available, and give you advice on particular neighborhoods.
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