Motley County, Texas Redeemable Tax Deed: How Tax Sales Work and How to Buy

Introduction of the county and about the article

Motley County is a small and quiet county in the West Texas Panhandle. It sits on rolling plains drained by branches of the Pease River and was organized in the late 1800s. With a population of just over a thousand people and the county seat in Matador, the community has a rural feel. This guide shows how Motley County conducts its tax sales. It explains when the auctions occur, what to expect at the sale, how long a property can be redeemed, and what investors should know before bidding. The goal is to give you clear and reliable information that stays useful year after year.

What is/Brief Overview of County’s Tax Lien/Deed Investing

Texas does not sell pure tax lien certificates; instead, the state uses a redeemable deed system. In a redeemable deed sale, the winning bidder receives a sheriff’s deed and must wait through a redemption period before gaining clear title. Motley County follows state law and sells redeemable tax deeds when owners do not pay their property taxes. The purchaser pays the taxes owed and any court costs. If the former owner redeems the property within the allowed period, the purchaser receives their investment back plus a penalty set by the state. If the property is not redeemed, the purchaser can proceed with ownership.

Important Details

Fun Facts About the County

• Small population: Only about 1,063 people lived in Motley County in the last census. Recent data show around 1.27k residents.
  
• Economic mix: Agriculture remains important. Beef cattle, horses, cotton, peanuts, wheat and guar contribute about $14 million in annual farm income.
  
• Oil and gas: The county once produced over 300,000 barrels of crude oil in a year.
  
• Major highways: U.S. Highways 62/70 and State Highway 70 cross the county, making it easy to reach Matador for the auction.
  
• Historic springs: Roaring Springs, south of Matador, was a stop for Native peoples and later a popular campground; today it offers a golf course, swimming pool and RV park.
  
• Local museum: The Motley County Historical Museum, housed in a 1928 hospital building in Matador, displays artifacts about early settlers, ranching, Native history and the old hospital.
  

Attractions & Economic Highlights

Motley County’s attractions contribute to its quiet charm. Visitors enjoy hunting, fishing and camping along the Pease River and at Caprock Canyons State Park nearby. Roaring Springs Ranch Club offers a small golf course and swimming pool. The county’s museum provides a glimpse of frontier life. Transportation is mainly by road; U.S. 62/70 and State 70 run through the county. Agriculture dominates the economy, but there are also oil and gas wells. Residents enjoy a relaxed lifestyle with community events at local parks and the fairground.

Why This County is Ideal for Tax Lien/Deed Investors

Motley County’s low property values and slow population growth make its redeemable deeds attractive. The average home price is around $81,100, while the median household income is over $62,000. Investors can acquire properties for a small fraction of retail value and earn a high penalty rate if the owner redeems. The county’s economy is stable, with agriculture and energy providing steady returns. Because the county is rural, many parcels are vacant or underused. That means less competition and more opportunities for investors who do careful research.

Auction Process for Tax Lien/Deed Sales

Texas law outlines how counties must conduct tax sales. All sales occur on the first Tuesday of each month between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.. If the first Tuesday falls on January 1 or July 4, the sale moves to Wednesday. Sales are held at the county courthouse, often on the courthouse steps or a designated public area. Motley County typically conducts its sale at the south door of the courthouse in Matador.

How the Auction Works

The sale begins when the sheriff or constable reads each property description and states the minimum bid. The minimum bid equals the taxes, penalties and costs due or the appraised value, whichever is less. Interested bidders must register before the sale and show a valid driver’s license or state ID. Bidding is oral; participants call out amounts higher than the minimum. The property goes to the highest bidder who pays cash or a cashier’s check immediately. Personal checks are not accepted, and failure to pay can result in a 20 percent penalty.Texas law also allows counties to hold online auctions, but Motley County currently uses in‑person sales. Some counties require a bidder to provide a statement of no delinquent taxes, so it is wise to contact the tax office in advance.

Maximum Potential Returns and Expected Returns on Motley County Tax Deed Certificates

Investors earn returns through redemption penalties. For homestead and agricultural property, the redemption period lasts two years. If the owner redeems in the first year, the purchaser receives the purchase amount plus 25%. If redemption happens in the second year, the penalty jumps to 50%. For non‑homestead property, the redemption period is 180 days, and the penalty is 25%. Because the penalty is calculated on the total investment plus any taxes and costs paid, investors can see high effective yields. However, returns depend on whether the owner redeems; if the property is not redeemed, the investor must take steps to obtain clear title.

Open to All Investors / Foreign Investor Participation

Texas does not restrict who may purchase redeemable deeds. Any adult, including foreign investors, can bid at the sale as long as they register and provide valid identification. International buyers should note that the sale requires cash or cashier’s check in U.S. currency. Because Texas is friendly to foreign investment, investors from overseas often participate, especially in rural counties with low prices. Always check with the county tax assessor-collector for any local rules and be prepared to provide a statement showing you owe no delinquent taxes.

What Due Diligence Entails

Due diligence is critical in redeemable deed investing. Before bidding, investors should:

• Inspect the property from the public right‑of‑way. Confirm that the land exists and is accessible; do not trespass.
  
• Check title records. Review deeds, maps and lawsuit files in the county clerk’s office. See whether there are mortgages, liens or other encumbrances.
  
• Verify taxes owed and minimum bid. The opening bid covers delinquent taxes and costs. Make sure you understand any current year taxes not included.
  
• Review zoning and use restrictions. Although rural property often has few restrictions, confirm the allowed uses.
  

Risks of Skipping Due Diligence

Investors who skip research may end up with landlocked parcels, properties with environmental problems or buildings needing demolition. The sheriff’s deed conveys title without warranty, so there is no guarantee of clear title or insurability. There may be liens for mowing, demolition or homeowners’ association fees. Additionally, buyers cannot make major improvements during the redemption period because the property may be redeemed. Always budget for potential legal work to quiet title after the redemption period ends.

Why Motley County is a Top Choice for Tax Lien/Deed Investors

Economic and Tax Advantages

Motley County’s agriculture‑based economy provides stability. Farms and ranches produce cattle, cotton and peanuts, while oil and gas wells add to county revenues. Property taxes fund schools and roads, and the county enforces delinquent taxes through regular sales. Because the population is small, there are fewer bidders than in urban counties, so investors face less competition.

Real Estate Market Overview

The median home value in Motley County is about $81,100, far below national averages. Many properties are vacant or underused, offering chances to acquire land cheaply. Investors willing to hold property through the redemption period may later lease it for grazing or resell it at market value. The combination of low purchase price and high redemption penalty can make the return on investment attractive.

Conclusion

Motley County’s redeemable tax deed sales offer an accessible way to invest in West Texas real estate. Auctions occur on the first Tuesday of each month at the county courthouse. To participate, bidders must register and bring identification and funds. The process is simple: oral bidding, minimum bids based on taxes owed, and payment on the spot. Purchasers receive a sheriff’s deed, but the former owner has time to redeem — two years for homestead or agricultural land and 180 days for other property. Investors earn a 25 to 50 percent premium if the property is redeemed. With low property values and stable agriculture, Motley County appeals to both local and foreign investors. Always perform due diligence, research the property and verify any liens before bidding.

Pro Tips

• Arrive early: Registration usually opens shortly before 10 a.m.; arriving early helps you complete paperwork and review the bid sheet.
  
• Bring extra funds: The winning bidder must pay immediately. Having extra cash or multiple cashier’s checks allows you to bid on more than one property.
  
• Check with the tax office: Ask whether a statement showing no delinquent taxes is required. Obtain this ahead of time to avoid delays.
  
• Inspect properties in person: Even rural parcels can have problems. Drive by to confirm location and condition.
  
• Plan for redemption: Do not invest money you may need quickly. Redemption can take up to two years, and you cannot occupy or improve the property during that time.
  

FAQs for Motley County, Texas Tax Deeds

1. Can I renovate the property during the redemption period? No. Owners can redeem up to two years or 180 days depending on the property. The purchaser should only maintain and secure the property; major improvements may not be reimbursed.
   
2. How do I quiet title after the redemption period? After redemption expires and the property is not redeemed, you may need to file a lawsuit to quiet title. Consult a real estate attorney familiar with Texas tax sales to obtain clear title and title insurance.
   
3. Are there other liens or taxes on the property? Yes. The auction covers past due taxes, but current year taxes and liens for mowing, demolition or homeowners’ association fees may remain. Check records before bidding.
   
4. Can I finance the purchase? No. Payment must be made in full on the day of sale, either in cash or by cashier’s check. Some investors use private funds or lines of credit arranged ahead of time.
   

What happens if the winning bidder fails to pay? If a bidder fails to pay after winning, they may be liable for a penalty of 20 percent of the property value and costs. This penalty enforces seriousness at the auction.

Useful Links

• Auction Calendar
• How to Profit from Texas’s Redeemable Deeds
• Let’s talk about redeemable tax deeds and how you can profit from them!
• Discover Tax Deeds and how you can find property for as little as $50! 
• Learn How to maximize profits at the Texas Tax Sales

Need a hand?

Want to explore real estate investing in Motley County? Visit our Auction Calendar for the latest listings. Our free resources will help you begin, and you can always book a call for expert guidance.

Sign up or log in to view the full content.

Free help available

Get a Tax Deed in the next 30 days

Need a hand on your first deal at up to 90% off? Book a free call and we’ll guide you step by step.

Auction
Calendar Book a free
call Free
resources

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