Researching a property before you bid
Information only, not investment or legal advice. Sale dates, terms and deadlines change; always confirm with the county before you register or bid.
Most tax sale losses come from buying a property the buyer never looked at. These checks are free or cheap and catch most problems.
Find it on the map
Start with the county's parcel map or GIS viewer using the parcel number from the sale list. Confirm the lot's shape, size and that it has road access. A surprising number of tax sale parcels are slivers, drainage strips or landlocked lots.
Check the assessor record
The assessor's page shows the assessed value, building details, land use and sometimes photos. A very low value can signal vacant land, a demolished building or a problem lot.
Look at it
Use street-level imagery, satellite views, or drive by if you can, without trespassing. Look for vacancy, fire damage, boarded windows or signs of occupancy.
Search the records
- Recorder or register of deeds: mortgages, liens and other recorded claims.
- Code enforcement or building department: open violations, demolition orders or condemnation.
- Environmental records: old gas stations, dry cleaners and industrial sites can carry cleanup costs.
- Bankruptcy: an owner in bankruptcy can freeze your rights for a long time.
Understand what survives the sale
Ask the county, or a local attorney, which debts survive a tax sale in that state. The answer differs between states and between lien and deed sales.
Decide your walk-away price
Write down the most you'll pay for each property before the sale starts, and stick to it.