Walla Walla County, Washington Tax Deed Sales: A Smart Investment Opportunity

Are you looking to invest in real estate at prices below market value? Walla Walla County, Washington, offers a great chance through its tax deed foreclosure sales. When property owners don’t pay their property taxes for three years, the county puts those properties up for auction. As an investor, you can buy them at competitive prices.

The process is handled through GovEase, where you can register and bid online. Before the auction, the Treasurer’s Office files a Certificate of Delinquency and notifies the property owner. If taxes still aren’t paid, the property is listed for sale. If you win the bid, you get full ownership of the property through a Tax Deed. Just make sure to check for other liens before you bid.

Walla Walla is a growing area with a strong rental market and attractive real estate. Even though home prices dropped slightly in 2024, it’s still a good time to find deals. Some homes sell quickly and even go for high prices in desirable locations like College Place.

The next tax sale could be coming soon, so make sure you’re ready. Visit the auction site and prepare ahead of time. If you’re unsure about anything, you can always book a call with an expert to guide you.

Important Details for Walla Walla County Tax Sales

Item	Details
Tax Sale Type	Tax Deed
Typical Sale Date	Annually (check the auction calendar)
Redemption Period	None after sale
Interest Rate	Not applicable (this is not a lien sale)
Bid Procedure	Premium Bid (highest offer wins)
Deposit	Required to bid (confirm with Treasurer’s Office)
Auction Website	GovEase
County Treasurer	Walla Walla Treasurer’s Office
County Website	Walla Walla County

Fun Facts About Washington State

• Washington is home to over 7.8 million people.
• It has no state income tax, which is attractive to both residents and investors.
• Washington is a tax deed state, which means the winning bidder gets full ownership after the sale.
• The state is well-known for apples, coffee, and being the birthplace of tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon.

Attractions and Economic Highlights

Popular Attractions

Walla Walla County features wineries, local theaters, outdoor parks, and historic sites. It’s also known for its charming small-town feel and friendly communities.

Transportation

The county is served by U.S. Route 12 and has the Walla Walla Regional Airport. Most residents and visitors rely on personal vehicles to get around.

Economic Development

Farming, especially wheat and wine grapes, drives much of the local economy. There are also jobs in education, healthcare, and retail. The area has steady economic activity with room for growth.

Community Appeal

Walla Walla offers outdoor fun like hiking, fishing, and wine tasting. The town blends old charm with new development, making it attractive for long-term investment or living.

Why Washington State is Great for Tax Deed Investors

Washington is a smart place to invest if you’re looking for high returns without waiting through a long redemption period. In tax deed sales, the winning bidder becomes the property owner right after full payment. There’s no waiting around for the original owner to redeem it.

What Makes Washington Tax Deed Investing Worth It?

High Returns with Low Risk

Tax deed investing can offer great returns, especially if you buy properties at below-market prices and sell or rent them for profit. It’s considered a low-risk investment when you research properly before bidding.

Auction Process

Walla Walla holds its auctions online through GovEase. You’ll need to register, pay a deposit, and bid. Auctions begin at the total owed in back taxes, and the highest bidder wins. Payments must be completed by the county’s deadline.

Maximum Returns

Returns depend on the property’s location, condition, and your investment plan. Some properties are worth much more than the auction price, which allows for good maximum returns.

Open to All Investors

You don’t have to live in Washington to participate. The county accepts bids from out-of-state and even international investors, offering broad investment opportunities.

Understanding the Walla Walla Tax Sale Process

How It Works

1. Taxes go unpaid for three years.
2. The county files a legal foreclosure.
3. Property is listed on the auction site.
4. Investors bid online through GovEase.
5. Winning bidder pays and gets a Tax Deed.

Expected Returns

Returns depend on how much you pay versus the property’s actual value. If you’re able to sell or rent the property, profits can come fairly quickly.

Foreign Investor Participation

Yes, foreign investors can register and bid. Make sure to follow the county’s instructions and provide any needed identification or documents.

Importance of Doing Your Homework

What Due Diligence Means

Before bidding, you should:

• Look at the location on Google Maps or visit in person.
• Check if there are any unpaid liens or taxes.
• Make sure you understand zoning rules.
• Review the property’s condition if possible.

Risks of Skipping Research

If you don’t do your homework, you could end up buying a property with major issues. It might be in poor shape, landlocked, or come with legal problems. Always check before you bid.

Buying Over-the-Counter (OTC) Deeds in Washington

How to Buy OTC Deeds

If no one buys a property at auction, it might become available over-the-counter. These properties can be bought directly from the county. Contact the Treasurer’s Office to see what’s available.

Benefits of OTC

• No auction competition
• Set price with no bidding
• Available year-round

Why Washington Is a Top Choice for Tax Deed Investing

Economic and Tax Advantages

Washington has no state income tax and a steady economy. That means more value for your investment, especially for long-term holds or rental income.

Real Estate Market Overview

The Walla Walla market has seen strong buyer activity. Homes are selling faster than they used to, even with a small price dip. Some areas still see high demand and offer good resale value.

Conclusion

Walla Walla County, Washington, is a great place to invest in tax deed properties. With no redemption period, quick auctions, and strong local demand, investors can find great opportunities. Just remember to research each property and follow the auction rules carefully.

Pro Tips

• Use online maps to check property access.
• Review the Treasurer’s website before each auction.
• Register early on GovEase to avoid delays.
• Always set a budget before you bid.

FAQs About Walla Walla County Tax Deeds

Can I bid from another state?
Yes, all auctions are online and open to out-of-state and international bidders.

Is there a redemption period after the sale?
No, Washington is a tax deed state. The winning bidder becomes the property owner right away.

How do I check for liens?
Search public records or hire a title company for help.

What happens if I win?
You must pay in full, then you receive the Tax Deed from the county.

Useful Links

• Walla Walla County Treasurer’s Foreclosure Page
• Walla Walla Treasurer’s Office
• Walla Walla County Website
• GovEase Auction Platform
• Redfin – Walla Walla Housing Market
• 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! 

Get Ready for the Next Auction

Check our auction calendar and be ready to bid. Don’t miss your chance to secure incredible deals at the next tax sale! Need expert guidance? Book a call now and get insider tips to navigate the process with confidence. Explore our free resources for key strategies and smart investment moves

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About Dustin Hahn

Dustin Hahn is a Tax Lien & Deed investor with over 22 years of experience and hundreds of deals under his belt. He created Tax Lien School.com to help you buy Tax Deeds up to 90% off mortgage free and earn up to 36% ROI with Tax Liens. This site was voted the “Most Useful Resource” for new investors. Dustin’s YouTube Channel is the #1 Channel on Tax Liens & Deeds with over 98,000 Subscribers and 3600 videos to help you start. “The Best Time To Start Real Estate Investing Was 20 Years Ago, The Second Best Time Is TODAY!”

20+yrs

5–10deals/mo

2009TLS founded