Exciting Opportunities: Redeemable Deed Sales in Briscoe County, Texas

If you’re thinking about buying tax-foreclosed property in Texas, don’t just check out big cities. Rural areas can offer great deals, like Briscoe County. It’s a small county with less than 1,500 people, created in 1876 and named after a soldier from the Texas Revolution. The county seat is Silverton, and it has Caprock Canyons State Park, which is over 15,000 acres and home to bison. 

For investors, Briscoe County has redeemable deed sales that can bring in high interest penalties. This means you might find good opportunities in a quiet area.

Important details at a glance

The table below summarises key details for Briscoe County redeemable deed sales. Dates and times can change, so always check the county’s public notices or call the tax assessor/collector for the latest information.

Item	Summary
Tax sale type	Texas sells redeemable tax deeds. Investors receive a deed, but the former owner can redeem it.
Typical sale date	First Tuesday of each month, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Examples: Dec 1, 2020 (11 a.m.); Jul 5, 2023 (holiday adjustment).
Redemption period	6 months for most properties; 2 years for homestead, agricultural, or mineral interests.
Interest/penalty rate	25% premium if redeemed in the first year; 50% if redeemed in the second year. Non-homestead redeemed within 6 months = 25%.
Bid procedure	Live, in-person auction. Starts at taxes owed or market value. Highest bidder pays immediately with cash or cashier’s check. If no bids, property is struck off to the county.
Deposit	No formal deposit required. Bring valid ID and certified funds. Some counties require pre-registration—check notices.
Registration	Done on auction morning at the courthouse. No online registration.
Location	Briscoe County Courthouse, 415 Main St., Silverton, TX 79257.
Contact for information	Tax Assessor/Collector – Phone: (806) 823-2131 ext. 6, Email: [email protected]. Judge and Sheriff may also provide info.

Unique features of Briscoe County

Briscoe County is a quiet place with around 1,457 residents. Its small size means less competition for land at auctions. Silverton is the main town, offering rural land and ranch houses. Investors can own properties after a redemption period or get a 25% penalty.

The county has a ranching culture and was named after Texan soldier Andrew Briscoe. Caprock Canyons State Park is a popular spot for hiking and seeing bison. 

The county mainly relies on cattle ranching and farming crops like wheat. Wind energy projects are starting to pop up. There are good land deals at tax sales, especially near the park.

Life in Briscoe County is perfect for those who enjoy peace. You can hike, fish, and stargaze. Silverton has local cafes, and people here know each other well. Property taxes are low.

Why Briscoe County is ideal for tax deed investors

Economic factors and real estate trends

Briscoe County is losing people. There were 1,633 residents in 2010, but only 1,435 in 2020. Because of this, houses cost less than in big cities. You can find small homes or land for just a few thousand dollars, sometimes even for the amount of back taxes owed.

More people are working from home now. This might mean that nice country properties will become more popular. This could be a good chance for people who want to buy. The county is also ready to help new businesses and sometimes offers tax breaks for projects that help the environment.

High returns with manageable risk

Texas redeemable deeds can give great returns with penalties. If a property owner pays back within six months, the investor gets back the bid amount plus 25 percent. For homestead or farm properties paid back in the second year, that extra goes up to 50 percent. Unlike tax lien certificates, there’s a flat percentage. So, if the property is redeemed quickly, the profit can be really good.

When are Briscoe County tax sales held?

Tax sales take place on the first Tuesday of each month between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the Briscoe County Courthouse in Silverton. If the first Tuesday falls on January 1 or July 4, the sale moves to the next day. For example, a sheriff’s sale in December 2020 was held at 11:00 a.m, and a 2023 notice listed the date as July 5 due to the Independence Day holiday

What is the bidding process?

The county has a live auction. If you want to bid, get there early to sign up. Bring a government ID and a cashier’s check. The auctioneer will explain each property and give the starting bid. The starting bid is the lower amount between what you owe in taxes or what the property is worth. Bids go up in amounts decided by the sheriff or tax assessor. The highest bidder must pay right away with cash or certified funds. Personal checks and credit cards usually aren’t accepted. If no one bids high enough, the property goes back to the county. It might be sold privately later.

Maximum potential returns

Investors can make more money than just regular interest rates. If they take their money out in six months, they get a 25% bonus. That’s like earning about 50% in a year. If they wait until the second year, they get a 50% bonus, which means they earn 25% each year. Waiting to cash out can be better, but there’s a catch. If they don’t take the money out, they have to deal with managing it themselves or find someone to sell it for them.

Open to all investors

Briscoe County allows anyone to join the bidding game. Both U.S. citizens and people from other countries can take part. They just have to be there in person when the sale happens. Right now, Texas doesn’t need online auctions for Briscoe County. Some areas in Texas do have online bidding, so it’s smart for buyers to check for any new rules from the local leaders.

Understanding the Briscoe County tax deed sale process

How the auction works

1. Notice and advertising – The county posts a foreclosure notice at least 20 days before the sale in the courthouse and publishes the notice in a local newspaper.
   
2. Registration – Bidders register on the morning oBefore you bid on a property, it’s a good idea to check it out first. Look for it from a nearby street. Make sure to find it on the county map. Check if there’s access to the property and if there are any utilities available. Look into zoning rules too. Get a title search done to find any debts tied to the property. This can include things like IRS liens or homeowners’ association fees. Check the latest tax bills to ensure your bid covers all the taxes owed. Be careful with rural properties since they might have limited water or hard access. Always do your homework!

Returns on Briscoe County deeds

When investing in properties, remember to plan for property taxes that can add up during the redemption time. Non-home properties usually get redeemed quickly, often within six months, so investors can make good profits. 

For homes or farms, the redemption period is longer, tying up money for a bit but possibly offering higher returns (up to 50%). Don’t forget to account for extra costs like closing fees, recording fees, and any unpaid debts. Always check the property’s title before bidding.

Foreign investor participation

Texas lets people from outside the U.S. bid at tax sales. But in Briscoe County, they only have live auctions. This means that international investors must be there in person or send someone to bid for them. 

If being there in person is hard, investors can check out other counties in Texas that have online sales. This way, they can still take part in the bidding without traveling.

Importance of due diligence

What due diligence entails

Before you bid, check the property if you can. Look at it from a public road. Make sure to find it on the county map. Check if there’s access, water, and if you can build on it. Get a title search to see if there are any debts on the property, like taxes or fees. Look at the last tax bills to make sure your bid covers everything. Be careful with rural land, as it might have little water or hard-to-reach spots. Doing your homework is really important.

Risks of skipping due diligence

Not checking a property before buying can cause problems. The land could be trapped between other properties. There might be environmental issues or buildings that need to be removed. If you buy it, fixing those problems becomes your responsibility.

If the property is messy, you could lose money. A tax deed means the old owner could still claim the land, and some debts might follow it. If you’re unsure about Texas laws, getting help from a real estate lawyer or title company is a smart choice.

Over‑the‑counter (OTC) purchases

If properties don’t sell at auction and go to the county, they might later be sold as trustee or strike-off sales. These sales often happen at the tax office or through private deals. Prices usually start at the original minimum bid. If you’re interested in these properties, contact the tax office to see if there are any strike-off parcels available.

Why Briscoe County is a top choice for tax deed investors

Economic and tax advantages

Briscoe County has low property taxes compared to big cities. You can start buying land at tax sales for just a few thousand dollars. Since the county has a small population, there’s not much competition for buying land. Investors can get large pieces of land with nice views near Caprock Canyons State Park. The county is open to new energy projects, which shows they want to grow. They use redeemable deeds with easy-to-understand penalties, so investors know what to expect for returns.

Real estate market overview

Briscoe County has a small population and fewer homes are being sold. Houses here cost less than many other places. Some people might still want to buy land near Caprock Canyons for fun, especially since more folks are working from home. There’s a lot of land available, and having water rights matters. If you buy property, be ready to keep it for a while because it may take time to sell. The low prices make this easier to manage.

Conclusion

Briscoe County is a good place to invest. It’s simple to get started and you can earn good money. Every month on the first Tuesday, they have tax sales. This gives you many chances to buy properties. Since it’s a small area, not many people bid, which is a good thing. If you win, you can make 25 to 50 percent when people pay their taxes. You might even get some nice land in Texas. With a little research, investing here can be safe and smart.

If you want to invest, first do some research. Check out the property and make sure it’s good. Look at the title to see if it’s clear. Know how to get your money back if you need to. Talk to the county tax office about how to register and pay. If you’re confused, it’s smart to ask a lawyer who knows about Texas tax sales.

Pro tips

• Arrive early on sale day to complete registration and ask questions.
  
• Bring multiple cashier’s checks in different denominations so you can assemble your final payment easily.
  
• Do not overbid. Base your maximum bid on the property’s market value and potential resale value.
  
• After winning a bid, record your deed immediately to start the redemption period.
  
• Maintain insurance on the property during the redemption period to protect your investment.
  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is a deposit required to bid?
Briscoe County does not require a formal deposit in advance. However, you must have certified funds ready to pay if you win.

What payment methods are accepted?
Payment must be made immediately after the auction using cash or a cashier’s check/certified funds. Personal checks and credit cards are not accepted.

How does the bidding process work?
Bidding starts at the minimum bid (the lesser of taxes owed or the property’s appraised value). The auctioneer calls for higher bids until a winner is declared.

What happens if no one bids?
If no one meets the minimum bid, the property is “struck off” to the taxing unit and may later be sold as a resale or strike-off property.

Can out-of-state or foreign investors participate?
Yes. Briscoe County sales are open to all investors, but you must attend in person or have a representative bid for you. There’s no online auction option here.

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

Interested in Faulkner County investing? Check out our Auction Calendar to find your next property. Book a free call or access our free resources to start building your tax deed strategy today.

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Tax deed investing can be confusing. You don’t have to figure it out alone. Check out our Auction Calendar to find your next property. We have free resources and friendly help for investors. You can Set up a call with us to talk about what you want and get a plan just for you. Share your thoughts and questions in the comments. We’re here to help!

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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

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