Georgia Tax Sale Strategy: Why Dawson County is a Smart Investment Spot

Dawson County, Georgia is becoming more popular with real estate investors looking for affordable property through tax deed sales. With growing development, scenic landscapes, and its location near Atlanta, Dawson County offers great opportunities. This guide explains how the tax sale process works and how you can get started.

Tax Sales in Georgia: A Quick Overview

Georgia is a tax deed state, which means when you buy a property at a tax sale, you receive a tax deed. However, you won’t get full ownership right away. Georgia law gives the original owner a 12-month redemption period to repay the taxes, penalties, and fees. If they don’t, the investor can file a quiet title action to gain clear ownership of the property.

Important Details for Dawson County Tax Sales

Detail	Information
Tax Sale Type	Tax Deeds
Typical Sale Date	First Tuesday of the month (when properties are available)
Redemption Period	12 months
Interest Rate	Minimum of 20% if redeemed
Bid Procedure	In-person, highest bid wins
Deposit	No pre-deposit required, full payment due after auction

Tax sales in Dawson County are handled by the Tax Commissioner’s Office. Auctions are announced in advance on the official county website and in the Dawson County News.

Auction Details

• When: First Tuesday of each month (only when properties are available)
• Time: Starts at 10:00 AM Eastern Time
• Where: Dawson County Courthouse – 25 Justice Way, Dawsonville, GA
• Registration: Must be done in person the morning of the sale; bring a government-issued ID

Bidding starts at the total owed in taxes, penalties, and interest. The highest bidder must pay immediately using certified funds. You will receive a tax deed, but it won’t guarantee clear title. You may need to file a quiet title action after the 12-month redemption period.

Fun Facts About Georgia

• Population: Over 11 million residents
• Property Tax Rate: Below the national average
• State Law: Requires a full 12-month redemption period
• Capital City: Atlanta, home to one of the world’s busiest airports
• Historic Note: Georgia has used property taxes as a main revenue source since the 1800s

Attractions and Economic Highlights

Popular Attractions

• Appalachian Trail access
• Amicalola Falls State Park
• Georgia Racing Hall of Fame
• Seasonal festivals, wineries, and historic downtowns

Transportation

• GA-400 offers direct access to Atlanta
• Nearby airports include Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport
• Ongoing road expansions improve local infrastructure

Economic Development

• Growth in retail and residential developments
• Investment in logistics and construction sectors
• Strong demand for land and housing development

Community Appeal

• Outdoor recreation like hiking, fishing, and camping
• Safe and friendly towns
• Close-knit communities with modern amenities

Why Georgia Is a Great State for Tax Deed Investors

Georgia is one of the most investor-friendly states when it comes to tax deed sales. The 12-month redemption period offers strong returns while giving previous owners a fair chance to reclaim their property.

What Makes Georgia Tax Deed Certificates a Smart Investment

High Returns with Lower Risk

Georgia guarantees a minimum return of 20% on redeemed properties. This makes it one of the better low-risk investment options when compared to savings accounts or bonds.

Auction Process in Dawson County

• Auctions are live and in person
• Held at the Dawson County Courthouse
• No pre-registration—arrive early on auction day with a valid ID
• Bidding starts at the total amount due
• Full payment is due immediately (certified check or cashier’s check only)

Maximum Potential Returns

• Guaranteed 20% return if the property is redeemed
• If the property is not redeemed, you may gain ownership of real estate at a fraction of its market value
• Highest returns usually come from undeveloped land or homes with acreage

Open to All Investors

Investors from anywhere—including foreign buyers—can take part in Georgia tax sales. There are no residency requirements. You just need to attend in person or appoint someone who can.

Understanding the Georgia Tax Sale Process

How the Auction Works

1. Watch for public notices or visit Dawson County’s website
2. Attend the auction in person and register on-site
3. Bidding starts at the amount owed on the property
4. Pay immediately if you win the auction
5. Wait 12 months for the redemption period
6. File a quiet title action if the property is not redeemed

Expected Returns on Tax Deed Certificates

• Guaranteed 20% penalty return
• Potential for even greater returns through resale or long-term appreciation

Foreign Investor Participation

Foreign buyers are welcome in Dawson County. There are no legal restrictions on international investors participating in tax deed sales in Georgia.

Importance of Due Diligence in Georgia Tax Deed Investing

What Due Diligence Entails

• Check property records using Dawson County QPublic
• Review zoning and land use restrictions
• Use satellite imagery or visit the property when possible
• Check for liens, utility issues, or environmental hazards

Risks of Skipping Due Diligence

• Property may be landlocked or unsuitable for development
• Legal fees may be required to clear the title
• You might overpay for properties with little resale value

Buying Over-the-Counter (OTC) in Georgia

How to Purchase OTC Tax Deeds

If a property is not sold at auction, it may become available over-the-counter. These can be bought directly through the Tax Commissioner’s Office.

Benefits of OTC Purchases

• No bidding competition
• Fixed pricing
• Still includes 20% redemption return if redeemed

Why Georgia Stands Out for Investors

Economic and Tax Advantages

• Growing economy with new development zones
• Property taxes are lower than the national average
• Easy access to urban and rural investment areas

Real Estate Market Overview

• High demand for residential land and buildable lots
• Steady price appreciation in areas like Dawsonville
• Strong market for vacation rentals and custom builds

Conclusion

Dawson County gives real estate investors a chance to earn strong returns with manageable risks. Georgia’s clear rules, redemption timelines, and buyer-friendly process make it a top choice for tax deed investing.

If you do your homework and stay consistent, you can find excellent investment opportunities in this growing region.

Pro Tips

• Stick to properties with road access
• Research any zoning or land-use restrictions
• Properties near GA-400 or the Appalachian Trail often hold more value
• Consider attending an auction just to watch before placing your first bid

FAQs

Do I need to be a Georgia resident to invest?
No, anyone can attend and bid.

Can the property owner reclaim the property?
Yes, within 12 months by paying back taxes and a 20% penalty.

What if the property isn’t redeemed?
You can file for quiet title to gain full legal ownership.

Can I use a credit card to pay?
No. Only cashier’s check or certified funds are accepted.

Useful Links

• Dawson County Tax Commissioner
• Dawson County Official Website
• 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?

Dawson County offers tax-sale properties that could be perfect for your next investment. Visit our Auction Calendar to find the latest listings. Use our free resources, and book a call if you need personalized advice.

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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