Bowie County, Texas Tax Sale Guide – How Redeemable Deed Auctions Work

Investing in tax delinquent property can be a smart way to buy real estate for less money. In Texas, counties handle unpaid property taxes through special sales. These sales let buyers get a deed, but the original owner can still get their property back for a while. This article talks about Bowie County in Texas. It explains when and where the auctions happen, how to take part, and why people from around the world want to invest there. All times mentioned here are in Central Time.

Overview of Tax Lien/Deed Investing in Texas

In Texas, when a house owner doesn’t pay their taxes, the county sells the house at a tax sale. The owner can buy it back later if they pay up during a certain time. Investors pay the owed taxes and get the house. If the owner pays to get their house back, the investors make money. If the owner doesn’t pay, the investors keep the house. Unlike other places where you just buy tax liens, in Texas, investors can own the property and move in after the owner’s time to pay is up.

Important Tax Sale Details (Summary)

Bowie County Facts

Bowie County, located on the Texas-Arkansas border, is part of the Texarkana area. About 92,700 people live there, with an average household income of $56,600 and homes costing around $150,300. Public administration is the biggest job sector, with many workers earning about $68,377. The county’s economy reached $4.76 billion in 2023, mainly driven by health care, retail, and manufacturing.

Named after James Bowie, a hero of the Texas Revolution, the county is also known for attractions like the Perot Theatre and the unique Ace of Clubs House. Outdoor activities like hiking and fishing are popular, and the Museum of Regional History shares the area’s past.

The region has great transportation links, making it easy for businesses to thrive. It welcomes industries in manufacturing and shipping, while residents enjoy a low cost of living and an expanding arts scene.

Why Bowie County Is Ideal for Tax Deed Investors

High Returns with Manageable Risk

In Texas, if you buy properties with unpaid taxes, you can make good money when the owner pays up. If they pay in the first year, you get an extra 25%. If they pay in the second year, you get an extra 50%. This money comes from what you already paid, like taxes and fees. It’s way better than what banks give you. You also get the property deed. If the owner doesn’t pay, you can keep or sell the property.

Auction Process and Bidding Strategy

Bowie County auctions are clear and simple. Each piece of land has a list with the minimum bid, including unpaid taxes. Bidding happens in person, but you might find some online auctions for groups of empty lots.

Set a spending limit based on similar properties and repair costs. Remember, you must pay right away, so bring cash or a cashier’s check. After winning, quickly file your sheriff’s deed to start the redemption period.

Once you win the bid, make sure to file your sheriff’s deed quickly. Doing this will start the time frame for anyone wanting to claim the property back.

Maximum Potential Returns

Bowie County has simple auctions. Each property has a bid sheet. This shows the starting price, which is the back taxes and fees. You need to bid in person, but sometimes you can buy lots online through MVBA. 

Before you bid, set a limit based on what similar properties sell for. Think about any repairs you might need to do too. Bring enough money with you, either cash or a cashier’s check, because you have to pay right away. If you win, make sure to file your sheriff’s deed quickly to start the clock for redemption.

Open to All Investors

Texas law does not restrict participation based on residency, so both U.S. and international investors can bid at Bowie County’s auctions. The only requirement is to obtain a bidder certificate certifying that you owe no delinquent taxes. This openness, combined with strong returns, makes Bowie County an attractive destination for global investors.

Understanding the Tax Sale Process

1. Identify upcoming sales. Check the Bowie Central Appraisal District’s website and the MVBA tax sale portal for the list of parcels and minimum bids.
   
2. Perform due diligence. Research each property’s location, condition and market value. Visit the site, review maps and check for liens or code violations. Title insurance is not guaranteed.
   
3. Register and obtain bidder certificate. Submit the notarized request and $10 fee no later than the Friday before the sale.
   
4. Attend the auction. Be at the courthouse by 10:00 AM with your bidder certificate, photo ID and funds. Bidding starts at the minimum bid and proceeds orally until a high bid is reached.
   
5. Pay immediately and file deed. Pay the clerk and record your sheriff’s deed. This starts the redemption period.
   
6. Wait out redemption. During the redemption period you can take possession (after 20 days) but avoid major renovations because the owner can still redeem. If the owner redeems, collect your principal plus the statutory premium.
   

Due Diligence – Don’t Skip It!

Before you bid on a property, take a good look at it. Tax sale land can be tricky. It might not have access, be unsafe, or have money owed to the city. Check county records and maps, and think about asking a title expert for help. You can move in after 20 days, but the original owner might still get it back. Don’t do big changes during this time to avoid losing money. Not researching can lead to buying land that is useless or has dangers.

Over‑the‑Counter (OTC) Purchases

Bowie County sometimes has properties that didn’t sell at auction. Investors can reach out to the appraisal district to buy these leftover pieces of land. These purchases are done over the counter. You need to pay at least the minimum bid, and the same rules apply for redemption. The best part is you don’t have to deal with bidding wars, and you know the price right away.

Pro Tips for Bowie County Tax Sales

• Budget for taxes: You are responsible for subsequent property taxes during the redemption period. Factor these into your return calculations.
  
• Check zoning and access: Make sure the property has road access and appropriate zoning. Some parcels are small strips of land or easements that are difficult to develop.
  
• Get on the mailing list: Sign up with MVBA and the Bowie appraisal district for updates on upcoming sales.
  
• Bring the right payment: Cash or cashier’s check only; personal checks and credit cards are not accepted.
  
• Stay until the end: Properties are sold in the order listed; the one you want may be last.
  

FAQs

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?

Start building your portfolio with tax-sale properties in Bowie County. Our Auction Calendar shows what’s coming up. Get familiar with the process using our free resources, and if you need more support, Book a call with an us to walk through your goals and next steps.

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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