Howard County, Texas Redeemable Tax Deed Auctions Guide

Introduction to Howard County and This Article

Howard County is a West Texas county centered on Big Spring, where Interstate 20 meets U.S. 87. It covers about 901 square miles and has roughly 34 860 residents. This guide explains how Howard County conducts redeemable tax deed auctions, including dates, bidding rules and redemption procedures.

What Is a Redeemable Tax Deed Sale?

Texas auctions redeemable tax deeds, not tax liens. If property taxes remain unpaid, the county forecloses and sells the property at public auction. The winning bidder receives a deed but must wait through a redemption period during which the former owner can repay the tax debt plus penalties. If the owner does not redeem, the purchaser keeps the property. Investors buy the property subject to redemption rather than a lien.

Important Details (Table Format)

Fun Facts About Howard County

• Population: The population climbed during the oil boom and now sits around 34 860.
  
• Name and geography: Named for Volney E. Howard, the county spans about 904 square miles at the edge of the Llano Estacado.
  

Attractions & Economic Highlights

Parks such as Big Spring State Park and Comanche Trail Park, along with Moss Creek Lake, offer outdoor recreation. Historic sites include the Heritage Museum of Big Spring and the Vietnam Memorial. Interstate 20 and U.S. 87 run through the county. The local economy relies on energy, agriculture and healthcare, and events like the Fiddle Fest celebrate community culture.

Why This County Is Ideal for Tax Deed Investors

Minimum bids equal the back taxes, so properties often sell below market value. The local oil sector supports housing demand. Investors earn a 25 % penalty if owners redeem in the first year and 50 % in the second. These fixed returns and low entry costs make Howard County appealing for new and experienced buyers.

Auction Process for Howard County Tax Deed Sales

Tax sales are held between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month, moving to Wednesday if the first Tuesday is January 1 or July 4. Howard County conducts auctions at the north doors of the courthouse at 300 Main Street in Big Spring. Sales start at 10 a.m. Central Time and continue until all properties are offered.Arrive early with a government‑issued ID to register. Bidding opens at the amount owed for taxes and costs. Howard County uses a premium bid format—the highest bid wins. You must pay in full by 4 p.m. with cash or certified funds; there is no financing. Properties are sold as is. Buyers receive a deed subject to redemption: 180 days for most properties and two years for homestead or agricultural land. If the owner redeems, the buyer earns a 25 % or 50 % penalty. If not, you may pursue quiet title. Buyers pay recording fees and future taxes. Properties may be withdrawn if delinquent taxes are paid before the sale.

Maximum Potential Returns and Expected Returns

Returns come from penalties rather than interest. If the owner redeems within one year, you earn 25 %; redemption in the second year pays 50 %. These rates are fixed and not pro‑rated. If the property is not redeemed, you keep it and may profit after clearing title and making repairs.

Open to All Investors and Foreign Participation

Texas welcomes local and foreign bidders at tax deed auctions. Howard County does not conduct online sales, so out‑of‑state buyers must attend or send a representative. International participants may need extra identification or a local agent. Contact the tax assessor‑collector early for requirements.

Importance of Due Diligence

Take time to research. Read the foreclosure notice and map the property to verify access, zoning and neighborhood quality. Check deed records for mortgages, IRS liens or HOA assessments that might survive the sale. Drive by to gauge exterior condition; you cannot enter. Estimate repair costs and resale value. Skipping these steps can lead to hidden liens, environmental issues or costly disputes.

Buying Over‑the‑Counter (OTC) Deeds

Unsold properties are “struck off” to the taxing units and may later be sold over‑the‑counter. Howard County does not publish an OTC list online, so contact the tax assessor‑collector for availability. OTC sales usually require an offer equal to the delinquent taxes, involve no bidding competition and have no redemption period, but due diligence remains essential.

Why Howard County Is a Top Choice for Tax Deed Investors

Howard County lies along Interstate 20 and U.S. 87. Oil fields, farms and hospitals provide steady jobs, and property taxes are moderate. Home prices are low, and sale lists often include vacant lots and rentals. Minimum bids equal delinquent taxes, so investors can buy below market value and either earn the redemption penalty or hold the property for appreciation.

Conclusion

Howard County holds tax sales on the first Tuesday of each month. Winning bidders must pay in full and receive a deed subject to redemption—180 days or two years depending on property type. You earn a 25 % or 50 % penalty if the owner redeems. If not, the property is yours. Always research thoroughly and confirm procedures with the county.

Pro Tips

1. Register early: Arrive before 10 a.m. to sign in and review the list.
   
2. Bring cashier’s checks: Prepare several amounts to pay bids exactly.
   
3. Inspect from the street: Drive by each property and set aside funds you can tie up for months.
   

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I get clear title after the redemption period? No. File a quiet title action to get insurable title.
   
2. What if the property is occupied? You cannot evict during redemption; after it ends, follow Texas eviction laws.
   
3. Can I finance my bid? No. You must pay in full by 4 p.m. using cash or certified funds.
   
4. Are there other liens? Tax sales remove property tax liens but may not erase IRS, HOA or mechanic’s liens. Check title records.
   

Can I renovate during the redemption period? Improvements made before redemption ends may be lost if the owner redeems.

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

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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