Hawkins County, TN Tax Sales: How to Buy Properties at Auction (2025 Guide)

If you’re thinking about buying tax-delinquent properties in Tennessee, Hawkins County is worth a look. This quiet East Tennessee county offers real estate investment opportunities through public auctions held to recover unpaid property taxes.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about how the tax sales work in Hawkins County, how to join an auction, and what happens after you win a property.

How Hawkins County Tax Sales Work

Hawkins County holds online tax deed sales through GovEase. These auctions are typically held twice a year, often in August and December. The auctions are open to the public and allow investors to bid on properties with unpaid taxes.

You can bid from anywhere—just register online and link a U.S. bank account before the auction begins.

Hawkins County Tax Sale Details

Detail	Information
Sale Type	Tax Deed (not tax lien)
Auction Format	Online via GovEase
Auction Times	Starts at 10:00 AM ET
Typical Sale Dates	August and December
Redemption Period	1 year from sale date (Tennessee state law)
Bidding Process	Public outcry format (online), highest bidder wins
Starting Bids	Total amount owed in taxes, interest, and legal fees
Deposit Requirement	Linked U.S. bank account on GovEase
Payment Methods	Online payment via linked bank account
Court Confirmation	Required through Chancery Court
Final Deed Issued	If not redeemed within 1 year, buyer receives tax deed
Contact Office	Chancery Court Clerk – (423) 272-8150
Property Listings	Posted on GovEase and in The Rogersville Review or on the county site
County Website	[email protected]

Step-by-Step: How to Participate in Hawkins County Tax Sales

1. Register on GovEase
   Create an account and link a valid U.S. bank account.
2. Research Properties
   Check listings 30 days before the auction. Use the County Assessor’s site to review property details, if available.
3. Place Bids Online
   Auctions begin at 10:00 AM ET. Place bids in real time.
4. Pay Through GovEase
   If you win, payment is processed via your linked bank account.
5. Wait for Court Confirmation
   The Chancery Court must approve the sale before it’s final.
6. Track the Redemption Period
   The property owner has one year to repay taxes and reclaim the property.
7. Receive the Tax Deed
   If not redeemed, you’ll receive the deed and take ownership.

Interesting Real Estate Facts About Hawkins County

• Scenic and Affordable: Hawkins County is known for peaceful mountain views and affordable rural land.
• Popular for Land Buyers: Large parcels are often bought for recreation or future development.
• Small Town Markets: Areas like Rogersville and Church Hill have steady real estate activity.
• Flexible Zoning: Some parts of the county have little zoning, good for mobile or tiny homes.
• Low Cost of Entry: Starting bids are often much lower than market value.

Attractions and Economy in Hawkins County

• Outdoor Spaces: Holston River, Cherokee Lake, and area parks are popular for outdoor recreation.
• Historic Sites: Rogersville is one of the oldest towns in Tennessee.
• Transport Access: Easy travel via I-81 and U.S. Highway 11W to nearby cities.
• Local Economy: Driven by agriculture, small businesses, and light manufacturing.
• Appeal for Remote Buyers: Many investors and retirees look to this area for rural living.

Why Hawkins County Is a Smart Place for Tax Deed Investors

• Remote Access: Bid from anywhere using GovEase.
• Market Stability: Small-town real estate tends to be less volatile.
• Affordable Deals: Properties can sell for far less than their assessed value.
• Flexible Use: Fewer zoning restrictions can be appealing to creative buyers.

Important Reminders Before Bidding

• Sales Are Final – No refunds or cancellations after the auction.
• Properties Are Sold As-Is – You are responsible for checking condition and legal status.
• Redemption Period – The original owner has up to one year to pay back taxes.
• Legal Work May Be Needed – Quiet title actions are often required for insurance.
• Possession Is Delayed – You only gain full ownership after the redemption period.
• Other Liens Might Exist – Research title and public records before you bid.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I attend the auction in person?
No. Hawkins County auctions are now fully online through GovEase.

Is there a redemption period?
Yes. Property owners have one year after the auction to pay what they owe and reclaim their property.

Can I bid if I don’t live in Tennessee?
Yes. Anyone with a valid U.S. bank account can participate.

What happens if a property is redeemed?
You’ll receive your payment back, but not any costs for improvements or legal work you’ve done.

Can I get title insurance right away?
Not always. Many properties require a quiet title lawsuit before you can insure the deed.

Useful Links

• Hawkins County Official Site
• Chancery Court Clerk
• GovEase Auction Site
• County Property Assessor Search (if available)
• Why Tennessee Tax Sales Are a Smart Investment Choice
• 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! 

Pro Tips

• Check each parcel using the GIS and tax records before you bid.
• Call the Chancery Court for detailed answers about auction rules.
• Work with a real estate attorney for quiet title or lien issues.
• Stick to your budget and expect extra costs like clean-up or legal fees.

Final Thoughts

Hawkins County is a great option for tax deed investing, especially if you’re looking for affordable rural land or small-town properties. With the entire process available online and predictable auction dates, it’s an easy place to get started. Just remember: research is everything, and patience is key while waiting out the redemption period.

Get Ready for the Next Auction

Explore our auction calendar for upcoming sales and get ready to bid. Need expert advice? Book a call with us today! Plus, check out our free resources to gain the knowledge you need for confident investing

Don’t wait—start preparing today

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