Your Guide to Snohomish County Tax Deed Auctions and Real Estate Deals

Looking to get into real estate without paying full price? Snohomish County, Washington, might be a great place to start. Each year, the county holds a tax deed auction where investors can buy properties with unpaid taxes. You don’t need to be a local, and the entire auction happens online.

How Tax Deed Sales Work in Washington

Washington doesn’t offer tax lien certificates like some other states. Instead, it sells tax deeds. That means you’re bidding to own the actual property, not just a lien. If taxes haven’t been paid for three years, the county steps in and sells the property through public auction.

Snohomish County Tax Deed Sale Details

Detail	Description
Tax Sale Type	Tax Deed Sale
Typical Sale Date	November (Annual Sale)
Redemption Period	None (Washington does not have a redemption period for tax deed sales)
Interest Rate	Not applicable (You’re buying the property, not earning interest)
Bid Procedure	Premium bid (highest bid wins)
Deposit	$2,000 pre-deposit required via Bid4Assets
Auction Platform	Bid4Assets.com
Property List Availability	About 6 weeks before sale
Payment	Full payment due quickly after sale; certified funds only
Title Warranty	None (Properties sold as-is, with no guarantees)
County Contact	Snohomish County Treasurer
More Info	Tax Foreclosure FAQ

Fun Facts About Washington State

• Property Tax Law: Washington State law requires counties to start foreclosure on properties with 3+ years of unpaid taxes
• No State Income Tax: Washington is one of the few states that doesn’t collect personal income tax
• Tech Hub: Seattle is home to giants like Microsoft and Amazon, making it one of the most tech-driven economies in the country

Local Attractions and Economy

Popular Attractions
Washington offers everything from ocean beaches and forests to big-city attractions. Snohomish County includes scenic parks, rivers, hiking trails, and small historic towns.

Transportation
You’ll find strong road networks, easy access to I-5, and proximity to Seattle’s airport. Public transit like buses and rail also help residents commute efficiently.

Growing Economy
Snohomish County’s economy is supported by aerospace (Boeing is a major employer), healthcare, and construction. It’s one of the fastest-growing counties in the state.

Outdoor Lifestyle
Locals enjoy fishing, hiking, kayaking, and visiting small towns with charm and character. There’s a balance of suburban life and nature.

Why Washington is a Good Place for Tax Deed Investors

Washington is considered a good spot for tax deed investing because there’s no redemption period—meaning if you win a bid, the property is yours. The auction system is online and open to all, making it easy to get started.

Even though some properties may have title issues or require clean-up, you’re often paying far less than market value. It’s a real chance to build a property portfolio with lower upfront costs.

Auction Process in Snohomish County

1. Check the Listings: Bid4Assets posts available properties 4–6 weeks before the auction
2. Register and Deposit: Submit your $2,000 refundable deposit
3. Do Your Homework: Research each property—this includes checking for access, zoning, and any liens
4. Bid Online: Auctions usually start in early November
5. Pay Quickly: If you win, payment is due fast and in certified funds
6. Get a Deed: You’ll receive a Treasurer’s Deed after payment clears

Benefits of Over-the-Counter (OTC) Sales

If a property doesn’t sell at the auction, it becomes a tax title property. These may be offered later at a reduced price. There’s no bidding war here—just fixed pricing, which makes it easier to evaluate the cost.

Pro Tips for Tax Deed Investing in Snohomish County

• Always do your research. Visit the property research guide
• Look up zoning, access, and possible liens
• Never assume a house is livable—drive by or use Google Maps
• Check for environmental risks like flooding or contamination

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to live in Washington to bid?
No. Anyone can bid, even from out-of-state or overseas.

Can I inspect the property before buying?
Not inside. But you can do a drive-by or use satellite maps. Properties are sold “as is.”

What if I win but don’t pay?
You’ll lose your deposit and get banned from future auctions.

Are there title issues?
Yes, possibly. You might need to quiet the title if you want to resell quickly or finance the property.

Useful Links

• Snohomish County Tax Foreclosures
• Snohomish County Treasurer
• Bid4Assets Auction Site
• FAQs about Foreclosure Sales
• Investing in Washington Tax Sales
• Let’s talk about Tax deeds and how you can profit from them!
• Discover Tax Deeds and how you can find property for as little as $50! 

Final Thoughts

Snohomish County gives smart investors a chance to buy real estate at prices below market value. With no redemption period and an easy-to-use online system, it’s great for both new and experienced investors. Just remember—it’s buyer beware. Do your homework and know what you’re bidding on

Take Action

Track the schedule with the Auction Calendar and prepare to participate in tax sales. If you need expert guidance, schedule a call with us, and we will help you navigate the process. Explore our free resources for practical advice and tips to make confident decisions in tax sale investments.

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