FAQ on Tax Liens and Deeds for investing.
Which States is the best to invest in?
The best State to invest depends upon your goals. If you are interested in
a
return on your investment than a Lien State is the way you want to go.
Iowa
is a great Lien State to invest in because it pays currently 24% interest
with a 2 year redemption period. If you are more interested in trying to
acquire property, a Deed State is the best choice. Texas is possibly the
best Deed State to invest in with a 6-month or a 2-year redemption period.
To redeem property in Texas the owner must pay a 25% penalty, which you as
the investor receive.
How often are auctions held?
States will vary for example Texas has auctions on the 1st Tuesday of each
month. Not every county in Texas will have Deeds but you will find
several
worthwhile counties to look into. Other States will have auctions once a
year. Most Lien states will hold their auctions once a year however this
is
not necessarily the case.
Can I bid in other States and Counties?
In most cases as long as you do not owe property taxes in the County you
can
attend auctions anywhere in the United States.
What if a Law Firm is handing the auction?
Life becomes a little easier for you. Contact the Law Firm and they are
usually more than happy to help. (Believe it or not) They can even tell
you
about property that did not sale at pervious auctions that you could
acquire
right on the spot. However you must do you research first.
What is the difference between a Lien State and a Deed State?
Lien States will give you a financial position in the property and after
the
redemption period has expired you will be able to apply for the deed.
Because a Lien State does not give you the Deed you often times will have
a
smaller investment at the auction usually just the amount of the back
taxes.
Deed states will give you title to the property at the auction and you can
occupy (or whatever) after the redemption period.
At Deed State auctions the cost can and will often times be bid up to over
half of the market value of the property and sometimes even more than
value
of the property.
How do I collect if the taxes are paid?
Go to your mailbox. The county will send you a check.
What do I collect if the taxes are paid?
You will collect your principal and whatever the interest rate is or
penalty. For example you purchase a Deed in Texas for $1000, when it is
redeemed you will get a check back for $1250. Principal plus penalty.
Why does the county government do this?
The county government has to pay for the services it offers to its
citizens.
So if you as an investor are willing to pay the late property taxes, the
county is willing to have the property owner pay you interest and/or
penalties.
How can I determine the value of what I am buying?
You can use several methods. The quickest way is to go to the County
*****sors website and just look it up. The County *****sors more than
likely will not *****s the value to be the same as the market value so do
some research, and give yourself a guide and system for the future.
What if the property owner pays off the back taxes?
You get paid
How do I get title to the property?
Each State has different rules concerning the title coming to you. It
would
be very wise to take the time to read the county website. Suffice it to
say
that if the taxes are not paid before the redemption period expires the
County will have a process for you to take title and possession of the
property. Be warned you must never contact the current property owner. We
have not come across a single county that allows you to make any form of
contact with the owner.
Is it possible to lose my investment?
Yes! Despite what you may have read or heard from the late night
Infomercial Gurus you can loose you investment in several ways. IRS
liens,
Owner declaring bankruptcy, property is declared as an Environmental
Hazard,
other lines placed by the County. I have even seen where a lien place by
a
School District will cut into your profits.
What risk do I run when I buy a Tax Lien or Deed?
If you have done your research you will select good properties. If you
have
done your research you will not over bid for these properties. Because
the
County government is backing you and doing the collection for you, you are
going to be in pretty good shape. Please keep in mind however, people can
and do lose money even at Tax Lien and
Deed auctions. Get yourself a system and stick to that system.
Posted by:
Tattered Financial Group
www.tatteredfinacialgroup.com/welcome.aspx
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