Hunt County, Texas Redeemable Tax Deed Sales: What Investors Need to Know

Introduction

Hunt County sits in northeastern Texas about 50 miles northeast of Dallas. The county seat, Greenville, anchors a region of farms, ranches and small towns. For real estate investors, Hunt County holds regular tax foreclosure sales where delinquent properties are sold at auction. This guide answers common questions about how Hunt County conducts tax sales, explains the auction process and highlights why the county is attractive for redeemable tax deed investing.

What Is Hunt County’s Tax Deed System?

Texas is a redeemable tax deed state. When owners fail to pay property taxes, the county can foreclose on the property and sell it at a public auction. The winning bidder receives a Sheriff’s or Constable’s deed but the former owner gets one last chance to redeem the property by repaying the taxes plus a penalty. For most non‑homestead property the redemption period is 180 days, while homesteads and agricultural land may be redeemed within two years. If the owner redeems the property, the investor receives the purchase price plus a penalty; if not, the investor gains full ownership.

Important Details

Item	Summary
Tax Sale Type	Redeemable tax deed—property is sold subject to redemption, not a lien.
Typical Sale Date	Held the first Tuesday of each month at 10:00 a.m. Central Time.
Redemption Period	180 days for most property; up to two years for homestead or agricultural land.
Penalty (Return)	25 % penalty if redeemed in the first year and 50 % in the second year.
Bid Procedure	Live oral auction; high bid wins.
Deposit / Payment	No deposit; full payment must be made the day of sale by cashier’s check.
Registration	Obtain a “Bidder’s Certificate” from the tax office ($10 annually) and arrive about 15 minutes early for on‑site registration.

Fun Facts About Hunt County

• Hunt County covers about 840 square miles of Blackland Prairie and has rolling stream valleys.
  
• Elevations range from 450 to 700 feet above sea level, with streams draining into the Trinity, Sulphur and Sabine rivers.
  
• The county was formed in 1846 and named for Memucan Hunt, a diplomat of the Republic of Texas.
  
• Temperatures average 33 °F in January and 93 °F in July; rainfall averages about 43 inches per year.
  
• According to Data USA, the 2023 population is about 105,000 with a median household income of around $70,112 and a median property value near $210,900.
  

Attractions & Economic Highlights

Hunt County offers a blend of recreation and commerce. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy Lake Tawakoni State Park, Graham Park and the Greenville Sports Park. The Audie Murphy/American Cotton Museum in Greenville tells the story of local agriculture and military hero Audie Murphy. Family‑friendly spots include Splash Kingdom Air Patrol water park and the Northeast Texas Children’s Museum.

The county is served by Interstate 30, U.S. Highway 69 and state highways that connect to Dallas and other markets. The economy is diversified: manufacturing employs about 6,400 people, followed by retail trade and health care. Median property values have been rising, and the homeownership rate is around 71 percent. Texas A &M University–Commerce, located in the county, provides an educated workforce.

Why Hunt County Is Ideal for Tax Deed Investors

Low entry prices, a growing population and diversified industries make Hunt County appealing. Manufacturing, retail and health care provide stable employment. Median home values around $210,900 are lower than in nearby Dallas, giving investors room for appreciation. The redeemable tax deed system offers high returns with relatively low risk: investors can earn a 25 percent penalty during the six‑month redemption period and up to 50 percent when homesteads are redeemed after a year. Compared with many financial assets, these returns are attractive, and unredeemed properties can provide significant equity.

Auction Process for Tax Deed Sales

How the Auction Works

1. Advertisement and Notice – Properties with delinquent taxes are advertised in the local newspaper and on the law firms’ websites about three weeks before the sale. The Perdue, Brandon, Fielder, Collins & Mott (PBFCM) site posts monthly lists and updates.
   
2. Registration – Bidders must obtain a Bidder’s Certificate from the Hunt County Tax Office confirming they do not owe any Hunt County taxes. The certificate costs about $10 per year. On auction day, arrive about 15 minutes early to register and receive a bidder number.
   
3. Date, Time and Location – Tax foreclosure sales occur on the first Tuesday of each month at 10:00 a.m. Central Time. Sales are held on the second floor of the Hunt County Courthouse at 2507 Lee Street, Greenville. If the first Tuesday falls on a holiday, the sale moves to the next business day.
   
4. Bidding – The auction is live and oral. The opening bid is typically the minimum amount that covers back taxes, penalties, interest and sale costs. Bidders call out their offers, and the highest bid wins. There is no bidding down of the interest rate because Texas sells deeds, not liens.
   
5. Payment – The winning bidder must pay 100 % of the bid on the day of the sale. Hunt County requires payment by cashier’s check payable to Hunt County Constable Pct 1; no cash or personal checks are accepted. Payment must be delivered to the Constable’s office at 2801 Stuart Street by the time set by the office.
   
6. Deed Issuance and Redemption – After payment, the purchaser receives a Sheriff’s or Constable’s deed. The deed is subject to the former owner’s right of redemption, which is 180 days for non‑homestead property and up to two years for homestead or agricultural property. If the owner redeems the property, the investor gets back the purchase price plus a 25–50 % penalty.
   

Maximum Potential Returns and Expected Returns

The maximum return from a Hunt County tax deed comes from redemption. For non‑homestead properties, the former owner has 180 days to redeem, paying the purchase price plus a 25 percent penalty. For homesteads and agricultural land, the owner has up to two years; the penalty is 25 percent if redeemed in the first year and 50 percent if redeemed in the second year. These penalties translate into annualized returns well above many traditional investments. If the property is not redeemed, the investor can take possession and either sell or rent the property, often at a price significantly higher than the purchase amount.

Open to All Investors / Foreign Investor Participation

Hunt County’s tax sales are open to the public. There is no residency requirement. Investors from other states or countries can participate as long as they obtain a bidder’s certificate and follow Texas laws. Foreign investors should appoint a local representative or attend in person because the auction is live and payment is due immediately. Texas law allows global investors to hold redeemable tax deeds; however, due diligence on property condition, title issues and local regulations is essential. The robust economy and rising population make Hunt County attractive to both domestic and international investors.

Due Diligence: What It Involves

Before bidding, investors should:

Steps to Perform Due Diligence

1. Research the Property – Identify the parcel on the appraisal district’s website to verify the legal description, assessed value and property address.
   
2. Inspect the Site – Drive by the property to check its condition, accessibility and neighborhood. Avoid entering the property because it may be occupied.
   
3. Check Title and Liens – Review courthouse records for liens, easements or judgments. Tax deeds in Texas do not wipe out all liens; some federal and municipal liens may survive the sale.
   
4. Understand Zoning – Verify the zoning or land-use restrictions to ensure your planned use is permissible.
   
5. Budget for Taxes and Costs – Post‑judgment taxes and fees are the buyer’s responsibility. Estimate repair, insurance and resale costs.
   

Risks of Skipping Due Diligence

Failing to research can lead to purchasing unusable land, structures requiring costly repairs or parcels with environmental issues. Unpaid municipal liens or homeowner association fees may persist. Investors who buy without verifying redemption status risk tying up funds for years. A simple title search and site visit can avoid many pitfalls.

Buying Over‑the‑Counter (OTC) Liens/Deeds in Hunt County

If a property does not sell at the monthly auction, it may become struck‑off and be held by the taxing units. Hunt County offers these “resale” properties through sealed bids. After redemption periods expire, the minimum bid is reduced and signs are posted on the property. Bids are accepted for about 30 days, and the highest acceptable bid wins. Interested buyers can obtain a list of struck‑off properties from the tax office or the law firm handling sales and submit offers during the bid window.

Benefits of OTC Purchases

• No competition – You submit a sealed bid rather than compete at a live auction.
  
• Flexible pricing – Minimum bids may be lower than at the original sale because taxes and costs have already been recovered.
  
• More time for research – The 30‑day bid window allows thorough due diligence without the pressure of a live auction.
  

Why Hunt County Is a Top Choice for Tax Deed Investors

Economic and Tax Advantages

Hunt County’s proximity to the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex attracts businesses seeking lower operating costs. Manufacturing, health care and retail provide steady employment. Property taxes support local schools and infrastructure but remain competitive with neighboring counties. Investors benefit from penalty returns of 25–50 percent, and unsold properties often have low reserve prices.

Real Estate Market Overview

Home prices in Hunt County are more affordable than in Dallas. Data USA reports a median property value of about $210,900 in 2023 and a homeownership rate near 71 percent. Population growth of around 3.27 percent and median household incomes above $70,000 signal demand for housing. Investors who acquire tax deeds can renovate and resell or rent properties into a growing market. The combination of rising values and high penalty rates makes Hunt County’s redeemable deeds appealing.

Conclusion

Hunt County conducts tax foreclosure sales on the first Tuesday of every month at 10:00 a.m. Central Time at the county courthouse. Bidders must obtain a Bidder’s Certificate from the tax office and pay the full amount by cashier’s check on the day of sale. The county sells redeemable tax deeds, giving former owners 180 days to two years to reclaim the property while paying investors a 25–50 percent penalty. With a growing economy, affordable housing and high potential returns, Hunt County offers an attractive environment for tax deed investors. However, thorough due diligence remains critical to avoid unwanted surprises. Investors should research property records, inspect sites and consult professionals before bidding.

Pro Tips

• Obtain your Bidder’s Certificate early. You can apply at the Hunt County Tax Office; the certificate is valid for one year and costs about $10.
  
• Arrive early on sale day. Doors open around 9:45 a.m. to allow time for registration and to review any last‑minute changes.
  
• Use the appraisal district website. Before bidding, check www.hunt‑cad.org for maps, property values and legal descriptions.
  
• Bring multiple cashier’s checks. Because you must pay in full immediately, bring several checks in different denominations so you can combine them to match your winning bid.
  
• Monitor struck‑off properties. After auctions, unsold properties may become available through sealed bids at reduced prices.
  

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What happens after I purchase a tax deed? You receive a Sheriff’s or Constable’s deed, which is subject to a redemption period. If the former owner redeems the property, you receive your bid amount plus a penalty. If not, you can record the deed and take possession.
   
2. Do I need to evict occupants after the sale? Possibly. Tax deeds do not guarantee vacant property. You may need to follow legal eviction procedures if the property is occupied.
   
3. Are there additional liens on tax deed properties? Tax foreclosure wipes out most liens, but some federal liens, municipal liens or HOA assessments may survive. Conduct a title search before bidding.
   
4. Can I finance my purchase? No. Payment must be made with a cashier’s check the day of the sale. Investors should have funds available or obtain financing before the auction.
   

Do I need to quiet the title after redemption expires? Yes. A quiet title action may be necessary to obtain insurable title before selling or refinancing. Consult a real‑estate attorney for guidance.

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?

Hunt County has tax-sale opportunities worth looking into. Check our Auction Calendar to view listings and schedules. Use our free resources to build your plan, and if you want to speak with someone about how to proceed, go ahead and book a call today.

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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