Burnet County, Texas Tax Sales: A Guide for Investors

Tax auctions in Texas let people buy property for much less than its usual price. This also helps local governments get the money they need from unpaid property taxes. Burnet County is located northwest of Austin and includes the Highland Lakes area, which has several lakes on the Colorado River. The county used to rely on farming, but now it is all about tourism. Many people visit for fun activities like boating, fishing, hiking, and camping. As more people move to Burnet County, with about 56,839 residents expected by 2025, it’s becoming a good place for investors looking at tax sales.

In Texas, counties sell redeemable tax deeds instead of tax lien certificates. When property owners owe back taxes, the county holds an auction to sell the property. The buyer gets full ownership only if the original owner does not pay their taxes within a certain time. Burnet County has both in-person and online auctions for this. Here, you’ll find answers to common questions and some tips to help you get the most out of your investment

Quick Facts About Burnet County Tax Sales (Table)

Unique Features of Burnet County for Tax Deed Investing

Burnet County is a pretty place with lakes and hills. It’s close to Austin, making it a good spot for buying tax deeds. Many people visit for fun activities like boating and fishing, which helps the local economy. Some homes are getting more expensive as people from Austin look for cheaper options. However, there are still some properties that have unpaid taxes.

The county has a population of about 56,839. The average household earns around $77,158, and about 8.8% live in poverty. Once mostly about farming, the area is now more focused on tourists. Key jobs come from schools, the county government, a semiconductor company, and a local hospital.

Getting around is easy with major highways and a small airport. People can also ride a historic train for fun trips. Local attractions include parks, caves, and museums. These places not only bring in visitors but also help keep property values up.

Why Burnet County Is Ideal for Tax Deed Investors

Economic Factors and Real Estate Trends

Burnet County is not far from Austin, but it still feels rural. Many families are moving here to find cheaper homes outside the city. This has made home prices go up. Near Marble Falls and Lake Buchanan, waterfront lots cost a lot, while empty land in the countryside can be cheaper. Lots of tourists visit, which creates a steady need for vacation homes and rentals. Investors can buy tax deeds for less money. They can sell them to people wanting a vacation spot or keep them to make money later.

Auction Process for Burnet County Tax Deed Sales

The auctioneer calls out each property by its case number and legal name. The starting bids include unpaid taxes, extra fees, interest, and court costs. Bidders shout their offers. The person with the highest bid wins and must pay right away with cash or a cashier’s check. In online auctions, bidders type in their highest offer. The system automatically raises bids until that amount is reached. Bidders have to sign up and show valid ID. For online sales, they might need to use a credit card. All properties are sold as-is. Buyers must check for any title problems, liens, and how the property is in general.

Expected returns

If someone buys a property and it is paid off later, they get extra money, which is either 25% or 50%. They also get back the taxes and fees they paid. If the time to pay back runs out and they don’t get the money, the buyer can take the property and sell it. How much money they make depends on how much they paid, where the property is, and what the market is like. Compared to stocks or bonds, this kind of investing can bring bigger gains and is less risky.

Foreign investor participation

Texas law allows out‑of‑state and international investors to participate in tax deed sales. Online auctions make it easy for foreign investors to bid; they simply need to register and comply with payment rules. Because Burnet County’s auctions sometimes require on‑site payment, international investors often choose the online platform.

Due Diligence in Burnet County Tax Sale Investing

What due diligence entails: Before bidding, investors should:

1. Inspect the property location. Use the county’s interactive GIS map or visit the site to check access, terrain, improvements and condition.
   
2. Check title and liens. Although delinquent tax liens are cleared by the sale, other liens (e.g., HOA fees, municipal liens) may remain. Hiring a title company or using the county clerk’s records can reveal these encumbrances.
   
3. Verify zoning and land use. Ensure the property can be used for your intended purpose (residential, commercial, agricultural). The county’s Development Services office can provide this information.
   
4. Estimate market value. Compare similar properties on real estate websites or consult a local realtor to estimate resale value.
   

Risks of skipping due diligence

Failing to research could lead to buying landlocked property, environmentally contaminated land or parcels with large liens. Because tax deed sales are final and the county offers no warranties, investors must take responsibility for due diligence. However, the ability to walk away with a 25 % premium if the property is redeemed mitigates some risk.

Over‑the‑Counter (OTC) Purchases

Sometimes, properties don’t sell at auctions. When that happens, the county may offer them for sale over the counter. You can buy these over-the-counter (OTC) deeds at any time by paying the minimum bid. This minimum bid usually covers any unpaid taxes and fees.

Pro Tips for Burnet County Tax Deed Investors

• Register Early: If you want to bid online, make sure to sign up at least 24 hours before the auction ends. If you plan to go to the auction in person, get there early and bring a photo ID and a cashier’s check.
• Bring Different Payment Options: You need cash or a cashier’s check to bid. It’s smart to have extra cashier’s checks for different amounts. This way, you can pay the exact amount you need without going over your budget.
• Set a Maximum Bid and Stick to It: Don’t get carried away with bidding because it can cost you more money. Figure out what the property is worth and then take off a bit for any repairs or surprises you might find along the way.
• Know About Homestead Exemptions: When a property has homestead or agricultural exemptions, you might have to wait two years for a clear title. Make sure to include this waiting time in your plans for buying the property.
• Check If the Property Is Occupied: If people are living in the property, you might need to evict them, which takes time and money. Empty land is usually easier and less risky.
• Talk to Local Experts: It’s a good idea to get help from local people like real estate agents, title companies, or lawyers. They can guide you through the process of checking the property and selling it later on.

Conclusion

Burnet County has tax deed sales that let people buy properties for less than their usual price. If someone buys a property and the owner pays them back, they can earn some extra money too. The county is growing, has fun things to do, and is close to Austin. This makes it a good place for real estate. If you want to invest, you can go to the monthly auctions on the first Tuesday of each month. It’s important to do your homework on the properties and learn the rules about getting your money back. With the right approach, you can make good money with less risk. Whether you live nearby or come from another country, Burnet County is a friendly place for tax deed investing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Useful Links and Resources

• 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

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Interested in exploring tax deed investing further? We’re here to help. Check out our Auction Calendar to find your next property. Book a consultation with our team to discuss strategy, perform due diligence or find upcoming opportunities. Visit our website to access free resources and join our community of successful investors.

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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