Kerr County, Texas Redeemable Tax Deed Sales – Everything Investors Need to Know

Introduction to Kerr County and this Guide

Kerr County is in the scenic Texas Hill Country, about an hour north‑west of San Antonio. The county has 1,109 square miles of rolling hills, rivers and small towns. Its seat, Kerrville, is known for arts, music and outdoor recreation. With a population of around 53,000 residents and a strong property market, Kerr County offers opportunities for investors. This guide explains how tax‑defaulted properties are sold, what the rules are, and why these sales are worth exploring. It also points out fun facts, economic highlights and helpful links.

Overview of Kerr County’s Tax Deed Sales

Texas uses a redeemable tax deed system. When property owners fail to pay their property taxes, local governments can sell the real estate at a public auction to recover the delinquent taxes. In Kerr County, these sales are called trustee or foreclosure sales. The winning bidder receives a deed to the property, but it is subject to a statutory redemption period. If the former owner redeems the property within the allowed period, the investor is refunded the purchase price plus a substantial penalty. If not redeemed, the investor receives full ownership.

Important Details – Quick Reference Table

Detail	Description
Tax sale type	Redeemable tax deed
Typical sale date	First Tuesday of each month
Redemption period	180 days for non‑homestead; up to 2 years for homestead/agricultural property
Interest / premium	25 % of purchase price if redeemed during first year; 50 % if redeemed in second year
Bid procedure	Premium (bid up) method
Deposit / payment	Full payment due at sale
Typical registration	Required; bidders must not owe county taxes
Auction location	Front entrance of Kerr County Courthouse, 700 Main Street, Kerrville

Fun Facts About Kerr County

• Hill Country history: Kerr County was created from Bexar Land District in 1856 and named for James Kerr, a pioneer surveyor. Early settlers made wooden shingles and traded along the Guadalupe River.
  
• Population: The county has about 53,166 residents, a median age of 48.6 years, and a median household income of roughly $67,927.
  
• Economic activity: Modern Kerr County’s economy is worth about $399 million, with sectors like health care, retail and tourism. The median property value is around $285,100.
  
• Cultural notes: Kerrville hosts the famous Kerrville Folk Festival, and the county features many art studios. The area is also part of the Texas Wine Trail and attracts visitors to nearby vineyards and outdoor adventures.
  

Attractions & Economic Highlights

Kerr County offers much more than tax sales. For visitors, Kerrville‑Schreiner Park on the Guadalupe River provides boating, hiking and camping. The Museum of Western Art showcases sculptures and paintings celebrating the American West. The Hill Country Arts Foundation hosts plays and art exhibits. Other attractions include the Riverside Nature Center, Flat Rock Park and numerous wineries. Transportation is convenient with Interstate 10 connecting Kerrville to San Antonio and El Paso. State Highway 27 runs east–west through the county, and the Kerrville Municipal Airport serves general aviation. The economy is driven by health care, tourism, small manufacturing and retirement services. Outdoor recreation, including fishing and hunting, makes the county appealing to residents and investors alike.

Why Kerr County Tax Deeds Appeal to Investors

Kerr County’s redeemable tax deeds offer high returns with managed risk. The penalty paid upon redemption is 25 % in the first year and 50 % in the second year. These rates are higher than many traditional investments, and the investment is secured by real property. Because Texas law permits non‑local investors to buy tax deeds, opportunities are open to anyone who conducts proper research. The county’s steady population growth and rising property values provide a strong market for resale or rental when a property is not redeemed.

Auction Process for Kerr County Tax Deed Sales

Kerr County’s tax deed auctions are governed by the Texas Tax Code. They are typically held on the first Tuesday of each month at the courthouse entrance. Sales must occur between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.. To participate, bidders must register with the county tax assessor‑collector’s office and certify that they do not owe delinquent taxes.

How the Auction Works

1. Notice of sale: The county publishes a list of tax‑delinquent properties and posts notices near the courthouse at least three weeks before the sale.
   
2. Registration: Bidders sign in and may need to show identification and a statement that they owe no local taxes. Some counties open registration an hour before bidding; contact the tax office for exact times.
   
3. Opening bid: The minimum bid equals the total of unpaid taxes, penalties, interest and costs, or the property’s appraised value if higher.
   
4. Bidding: The auctioneer calls each property by cause number. Bidding is premium (bid‑up); bidders raise the price until only one remains.
   
5. Payment: The winning bidder must pay in full immediately after the sale—usually with cashier’s checks, money orders or cash. Personal or business checks are not accepted.
   
6. Deed issuance: After payment, the sheriff or constable prepares a Sheriff’s deed, which transfers interest to the buyer subject to redemption.
   
7. Post‑sale obligations: The buyer must record the deed with the county clerk. If the property is redeemed, the buyer receives the purchase price plus statutory premium. If not redeemed, the buyer gains clear title after completing a quiet title process.
   

Maximum Potential Returns and Expected Returns

Returns on Kerr County tax deeds depend on whether the property is redeemed. If the former owner redeems within six months (typical for non‑homestead property), the investor receives 25 % of the purchase price as a penalty. If the property is a homestead or qualifies as agricultural land or mineral interest, the redemption period lasts two years, with a 25 % premium in the first year and 50 % in the second year. Unlike traditional interest, these premiums are fixed, so even a brief redemption yields the full percentage. If the property is not redeemed, the investor owns the real estate outright. Some investors resell or rent the property, generating additional income. However, potential repairs, legal fees and quiet title costs should be factored into expected returns.

Open to All Investors and Foreign Participation

Texas law does not restrict tax deed participation to residents. Local, out‑of‑state and international investors can bid. In Kerr County, the only requirements are that a bidder register, provide valid identification and be free of delinquent taxes. The county does not prohibit foreign ownership, making these deeds accessible to global investors. Since many properties in the county are vacant or run‑down, investors from outside Texas can find bargains. Foreign investors should work with a local attorney or title company to understand transfer procedures, quiet title actions and potential property repairs.

Importance of Due Diligence in Kerr County Tax Deed Investing

What Due Diligence Entails

Investors should never bid on property without research. Due diligence includes verifying the property’s location, size and condition through site visits or satellite imagery. Check for title issues, liens, or judgments that might survive the tax sale, such as municipal liens or HOA dues. Obtain maps and appraisal data from the Kerr Central Appraisal District website and review recorded documents at the county clerk’s office. Consider zoning restrictions, access to roads and utilities, and potential environmental problems.

Risks of Skipping Due Diligence

Skipping research can lead to costly mistakes. Buyers may end up with landlocked parcels, dilapidated structures, or properties encumbered by federal tax liens. Some properties have occupants or require expensive repairs. Buyers are responsible for vacating occupants and handling legal proceedings. Failure to account for quiet title costs can delay resale. These risks underscore the importance of reviewing records and even driving by the property before bidding.

Buying Over‑the‑Counter (OTC) Deeds in Kerr County

Sometimes properties offered at auction remain unsold. Kerr County may sell these properties over the counter after the auction. To buy OTC deeds, contact the tax assessor‑collector’s office to request a list of available properties. Buyers usually pay the base amount of delinquent taxes plus costs. There is no bidding, so the price and premium are fixed. OTC purchases offer advantages: no competitive bidding, and the redemption premium is still collected if the property is redeemed. However, unsold properties often have issues such as poor condition or undesirable location, so careful due diligence is still needed.

How to Purchase OTC Deeds

1. Request an OTC list from the Kerr County tax office.
   
2. Identify the property and confirm with staff that it remains available.
   
3. Submit payment via cashier’s check or money order for the amount listed.
   
4. Once payment clears, the county issues a sheriff’s deed.
   

Benefits of OTC Purchases

• No competition: Investors pay a set price without bidding wars.
  
• Fixed return: The redemption premium remains the same, so investors know their potential yield.
  
• Immediate purchase: OTC deeds can be acquired at any time, avoiding the once‑a‑month auction.
  

Why Kerr County is a Top Choice for Tax Deed Investors

Economic and Tax Advantages

Kerr County’s strategic location along Interstate 10 places it within reach of major markets like San Antonio and Austin. Its economy combines health care, manufacturing and tourism, providing stable employment and property demand. The county has a modest tax rate and a growing population of retirees and young families, contributing to rising home values. Texas also has no state income tax, which makes holding property more attractive. Investors benefit from high redemption premiums and a predictable legal framework.

Real Estate Market Overview

The county’s median home value has risen to roughly $285,100, and demand for housing remains strong. New subdivisions and rural tracts attract buyers seeking scenic living near the Hill Country. While some tax‑delinquent properties are vacant lots or fixer‑uppers, others are homes in established neighborhoods. The mix of property types allows investors to pursue short‑term profits through redemption premiums or long‑term gains by rehabilitating and reselling.

Conclusion

Kerr County, Texas, offers investors a compelling blend of high potential returns, secure deeds and reasonable risk. Tax deeds are sold on the first Tuesday of each month at the Kerr County courthouse. Bidders must register, pay with certified funds and be prepared to conduct thorough due diligence. Investors earn fixed premiums of 25 % or 50 % depending on the redemption period. With rising property values and a growing economy, Kerr County continues to attract both local and global investors. However, success hinges on careful research, adherence to county procedures and patience. For the latest sale dates, forms and regulations, contact the county tax office or visit their website.

Pro Tips for Kerr County Tax Deed Investors

• Arrive early: Registration often begins about an hour before the sale. Arriving early allows time to register and review last‑minute property cancellations.
  
• Bring multiple cashier’s checks: Since you cannot write personal checks, prepare several cashier’s checks in various amounts so you can combine them to cover the final bid.
  
• Check property in person: Whenever possible, drive by the property to verify its condition and access. A satellite map does not reveal broken structures or encroachments.
  
• Budget for quiet title: After the redemption period, you may need a quiet title action to obtain insurable title. This legal process can cost several thousand dollars and should be included in your budget.
  
• Stay informed: Kerr County occasionally updates sale policies or moves the auction location. Subscribe to the county’s public notices and tax sale announcements to stay current.
  

FAQs about Kerr County Tax Deeds

1. What happens if the property is occupied? The buyer is responsible for following Texas eviction laws to remove occupants. Consult an attorney before taking action.
   
2. Can I finance my purchase? No. Full payment is required immediately after winning the bid. Investors should arrange funds ahead of time.
   
3. How do I clear the title after the redemption period? You may need to file a quiet title lawsuit or obtain title insurance. Consult a real estate attorney to determine the best approach.
   
4. Are there hidden liens? Federal tax liens, HOA dues or municipal liens may survive the sale. Research county records and perform a title search during due diligence.
   

Can I renovate or sell the property during the redemption period? You may take possession and make repairs, but if the former owner redeems, you will not be reimbursed for improvements. Many investors wait until after the redemption period to begin major work.

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?

Kerr County’s tax-sale listings are available now. Visit our Auction Calendar and explore the properties. Our free resources will help guide you through the process, and if you want help crafting your strategy, book a call with an expert for direct guidance.

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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