What You Need to Know Before Buying Tax Sale Property in Pickens County

Tax sales in Pickens County, Georgia give you a chance to invest in properties that are behind on their taxes. If you’re new to this or just looking for the latest details, this guide will walk you through the process step by step.

Brief Overview of Georgia Tax Deed Investing

Georgia is a tax deed state. This means when you buy a property at a tax sale, you’re getting a tax deed, not full ownership right away. The original owner still has 12 months to pay back the taxes (plus a 20% penalty) and keep their property. If they don’t pay, you can move forward with a legal process to claim full ownership.

This setup offers strong returns for investors who are careful and do their research.

Important Tax Sale Details – Pickens County, Georgia

Item	Details
Tax Sale Type	Tax Deeds
Auction Schedule	First Tuesday of each month (if properties are available)
Time of Auction	Starts at 10:00 AM Eastern Time
Auction Location	Pickens County Courthouse – 50 North Main Street, Jasper, GA 30143
Redemption Period	12 months from the date of sale
Interest Rate	Flat 20% penalty (not annualized)
Bidding Process	In-person live auction; bidding starts at amount owed
Payment Method	Cashier’s check or certified funds, due immediately after winning
Title Type	Tax deed only; you may need a quiet title to get full ownership
Deposit Required	No deposit required, but registration is mandatory
Registration Time	On the morning of the sale — arrive at least 30 minutes early
Contact Office	Pickens County Tax Commissioner’s Office – Phone: (706) 253-8882
Legal Notices Published In	The Pickens County Progress
Online Listings	Georgia Tax Sales – Pickens Listings (when available)
Property Lookup	Pickens County Property Records (QPublic)

Why Pickens County Is Great for Tax Deed Investing

Pickens County has a lot to offer for investors:

• Good supply of land and homes at prices lower than the metro areas
• Scenic locations near the Appalachian Mountains
• Growing demand from people moving in from metro Atlanta
• A peaceful, slower pace of life with access to outdoor recreation

Fun Facts About Georgia

• Georgia was established in 1732, the last of the 13 colonies.
• As of the most recent data, over 10.9 million people live in the state.
• Georgia law gives property owners 12 months to redeem tax-deed properties.
• Investors get a flat 20% return if the property is redeemed.

Attractions and Economic Highlights

Popular Attractions

Pickens County is close to parks, hiking trails, and mountain communities like Big Canoe and Bent Tree. You’ll also find historic downtown Jasper, golf courses, lakes, and scenic drives.

Transportation

Major roads like Highway 515 connect Pickens to Cherokee and Cobb Counties. There’s no local airport, but Atlanta’s international airport is just over an hour away.

Economic Development

Georgia supports industries like farming, manufacturing, logistics, and construction. In Pickens, residential development is growing as more people look to build homes in mountain communities.

Community Appeal

The area attracts retirees, remote workers, and second-home buyers. Nature, space, and peace — all within driving distance of Atlanta — make it a popular spot for long-term investment.

What Makes Georgia Tax Deed Certificates a Smart Investment

High Returns with Low Risk

You can earn a 20% return on your investment if the owner redeems the property. That’s more than most savings accounts or CDs. And if they don’t redeem, you could end up with the property itself.

How the Auction Works

1. Register in person the morning of the sale
2. Bring a photo ID and sign an affidavit
3. Auction starts at 10:00 AM
4. Bidding begins at the total tax amount owed
5. Full payment is due right after you win
6. You receive a tax deed

Maximum Potential Returns

In Georgia, the maximum return on a redeemed property is 20%, no matter how long it takes the owner to pay. If the property isn’t redeemed, you may end up with a property worth more than what you paid — but you’ll need to file for a quiet title to sell or use it.

Open to All Investors

Anyone can bid — including out-of-state and international buyers. Georgia doesn’t require residency, which makes it one of the more accessible states for tax deed investing.

Understanding the Pickens County Tax Sale Process

Tax Sale Steps

• Legal notice published in the newspaper before the sale
• Registration begins on the auction morning
• Bidders gather at the courthouse
• Winning bid is paid right away
• Tax deed is issued by the county

Expected Returns

If redeemed, you earn 20%. If not, you start the barment process and may gain full ownership. Either way, you need to plan carefully and do your research.

Foreign Investor Participation

Many investors from outside Georgia — even outside the U.S. — buy tax deeds in Georgia. There are no restrictions as long as you follow the rules and can pay in full on auction day.

Importance of Due Diligence in Georgia Tax Sales

What You Need to Do

• Use the QPublic system to research property info
• Drive by the property, if possible
• Check if it’s landlocked or has building restrictions
• Understand the quiet title process

Why Skipping Research Can Hurt

• You could buy a lot with no access
• Some homes may need major repairs
• You’ll lose money if you overpay for a property with legal issues

Buying Over-the-Counter (OTC) Tax Deeds in Pickens County

How to Buy OTC Properties

Not all properties sell at auction. Some are added to a list that can be bought directly from the county. Call the Tax Commissioner’s Office to ask for the list and the process.

Benefits of OTC Purchases

• No bidding war
• You still get the 20% return if the owner redeems
• Fixed prices give you more control

Why Georgia Is a Top Choice for Tax Deed Investors

Economic and Tax Advantages

Georgia has a business-friendly tax environment and a growing population. Property taxes are relatively low, and land values are rising in rural counties like Pickens.

Real Estate Market Overview

Home prices are going up across Georgia. Pickens offers affordable entry points into the real estate market — especially for buyers priced out of metro Atlanta.

Conclusion: Pickens County Is a Solid Place to Invest

If you’re looking for solid returns, clear rules, and a chance to own land or property in a peaceful area, Pickens County is a smart option. Just make sure you do your homework.

Pro Tips for Pickens County Tax Sales

• Check the legal ad section of The Pickens County Progress a few weeks before the auction
• Use QPublic to research each parcel
• Visit the property or view satellite images online
• Talk to a real estate lawyer if you win and plan to keep the property

FAQs About Pickens County Tax Deed Sales

Do I need to live in Georgia to participate?
No. Anyone can bid — in or out of state, even international buyers.

Can I pay later or get financing?
No. You must pay in full right after the auction.

Do I get the property right away?
Not exactly. The owner has 12 months to pay you back. If they don’t, you can file for full ownership through quiet title.

Where can I see upcoming sales?
Check the Pickens County website and The Pickens County Progress.

Useful Links

• Pickens County Tax Commissioner
• Georgia Tax Sales – Pickens Listings
• The Pickens County Progress
• Unlock Property Deals at a Fraction of the Cost in Georgia
• Discover the intriguing world of Hybrid Auctions
• Discover Tax Deeds and how you can find property for as little as $50! 
• Want to get started with Tax Liens? Watch this video!
• Learn About the 90% Off Georgia Real Estate!!

Need a Hand?

Pickens County tax sales are up! Visit our Auction Calendar to see the current listings. Use our free resources for support, and book a call if you want personalized assistance from an expert.

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