Kimble County, Texas Redeemable Tax Deed: An Investor’s Guide to County Tax Sales

Introduction to Kimble County

Kimble County lies in the Texas Hill Country on the Edwards Plateau. The county seat, Junction, sits at the confluence of the North and South Llano Rivers. The county is named after George C. Kimble, who died defending the Alamo. This guide explains how Kimble County conducts tax sales, what investors can expect from redeemable tax deeds, and why this rural county offers unique opportunities for real estate investors.

Brief Overview of Kimble County’s Redeemable Tax Deed Investing

Texas counties sell redeemable tax deeds, not tax liens. When a property owner fails to pay property taxes, the county can auction the property. The winning bidder receives a sheriff’s deed but the original owner can redeem the property. For homesteads and agricultural land, the redemption period lasts two years. For other properties it is 180 days. If redeemed, the owner must pay the investor the purchase price plus a mandatory premium—25% during the first year and 50% during the second year for homesteads or agricultural properties. For non‑homestead properties, the premium is 25%. Investors therefore have the potential to earn high returns from redemption premiums while holding a deed secured by real estate.

Important Details

Key Aspect	Summary
Tax Sale Type	Redeemable tax deed
Typical Sale Date	First Tuesday of each month between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Central Time at the Kimble County Courthouse
Redemption Period	2 years for homestead or agricultural property; 180 days for other property
Interest/Premium	25% premium during the first year; 50% during the second year; 25% for non‑homestead property
Bid Procedure	Highest bid at least equal to taxes, penalties and costs; bidders must have a “no delinquent tax” statement
Deposit	Some counties may require a deposit; Kimble County usually requires payment in full at time of sale; cash or cashier’s check is accepted
Registration	Bidder must register before the auction and present identification; must obtain a statement from the tax assessor-collector showing no delinquent taxes
Location	Auctions are held at the Kimble County Courthouse, 501 Main Street, Junction, TX
Contact	Kimble County Assessor‑Collector (Sheriff Matthew Suttle c/o Kenda McPherson). Phone: 325‑446‑3717. Email: [email protected]
Updates	County posts foreclosure notices on its website; investors should monitor the county and appraisal district sites for upcoming sales

Fun Facts About Kimble County

• Rugged Hill Country geography: Kimble County covers about 1,251 square miles, with broken, rolling plains and valleys along the Llano River. Elevations range from 1,400 to 2,400 feet.
  
• Historic ranching industry: By the 1920s the county was a leader in Texas’ wool and mohair industry. Cattle, meat goats and Angora goats remain important economic products. Junction acts as the shipping center for livestock, wool, mohair, pecans and grain.
  
• Small population: The county had roughly 4,355 residents in 2023. Its only incorporated town is Junction, which hosts county government and most schools.
  
• Parks and recreation: South Llano River State Park lies five miles south of Junction. It offers camping, hiking, river floating, birding and dark‑sky stargazing.
  

Attractions & Economic Highlights

Kimble County’s natural beauty and rural character draw visitors. South Llano River State Park features hiking trails, bird blinds and tubing on clear Hill Country rivers. Junction’s city parks and the county’s many ranches provide opportunities for hunting, fishing and kayaking.

Transportation infrastructure includes Interstate 10, which crosses the county east‑to‑west, and U.S. Highway 83 connecting Junction to Kerrville. Ranchers and visitors also use a small general aviation airport near Junction.

The economy is largely agricultural. Cattle, sheep, goats and cedar products provide most local income. The county’s $10 million agricultural income in the 1980s was 90% livestock and crops. Retail trade and educational services are now the largest employment sectors. Tourism during hunting season and at the state park adds revenue.

The community enjoys annual events such as the Kimble Kow Kick on Labor Day and the Wild Game Dinner in November. A campus of Texas Tech University located in Junction provides higher education opportunities.

Why Kimble County Is Ideal for Redeemable Tax Deed Investors

Kimble County offers investors a chance to acquire rural property in a market where real estate demand is stable and property values are moderate. The county’s ranching economy and state park tourism support steady land values. Redeemable tax deeds provide high returns with controlled risk: the law mandates a 25–50% premium on redemption. Because most parcels are rural, competition may be lower than in urban counties, giving investors a better chance to secure bargains.

Auction Process for Tax Deed Sales in Kimble County

Kimble County follows Texas law for tax deed sales, which means auctions are held at the county courthouse on the first Tuesday of each month between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Central Time. Below is an overview of how the process works:

How the Auction Works

1. Notice of sale – The county posts a written notice at the courthouse and on its website at least 21 days before the auction. Notices include the property description, minimum bid and sale date.
   
2. Registration – Before bidding, investors must register with the sheriff’s office or the county’s designated agent. Texas law requires bidders to obtain a no‑delinquent‑tax statement from the tax assessor‑collector. Some counties offer online registration. Identification and proof of funds (cash or cashier’s check) are typically required.
   
3. Bidding – Auctions are open outcry or online. Bidding starts at the amount of taxes, penalties, interest and costs owed. The highest bid above this minimum wins. If no bid meets the minimum, the property may be bid off to the taxing units.
   
4. Payment – Winners must pay the full amount immediately or by the end of the auction day. Texas law allows payment by cash or cashier’s check.
   
5. Sheriff’s deed – Once payment is received and the bidder shows a current no‑tax‑due statement, the sheriff issues a deed. The deed conveys title subject to the original owner’s right of redemption.
   

Redemption period – The original owner can redeem the property within two years (homestead/agricultural) or 180 days (other property). The owner must reimburse the investor’s purchase price plus the statutory premium.

Maximum Potential Returns and Expected Returns on Kimble County Tax Deeds

Because Texas sells redeemable deeds rather than liens, investors receive a deed at the auction but risk the property being redeemed. When redemption occurs, the investor collects a 25% premium in the first year and 50% in the second year for homestead or agricultural properties. For non‑homestead properties, the premium is 25% for the six‑month redemption period. These guaranteed premiums make redeeemable deeds among the highest‑yielding tax sale instruments. If the property is not redeemed, the investor gains full ownership and can sell or develop it. Returns therefore vary: quick redemptions yield high annualized returns, while long‑term holds offer potential appreciation and rental income.

Open to All Investors / Foreign Investor Participation

Texas does not restrict who may bid at tax deed auctions. Individuals, companies and investors from outside Texas or even outside the United States can participate as long as they follow the registration rules and obtain a no‑tax‑due statement. Foreign investors should be aware of additional reporting and tax obligations in their home country. The county does not discriminate based on residency; however, buying rural property from abroad requires careful due diligence and local expertise. Some investors hire attorneys or property managers to represent them at auctions and manage holdings.

What Due Diligence Entails

Steps Investors Should Take

1. Research the property – Before bidding, review the legal description, acreage, and location. Use the county’s appraisal district website to verify assessed value and property boundaries.
   
2. Inspect the property – Whenever possible, visit the property or view satellite imagery. Determine access to roads, water and utilities.
   
3. Check title and liens – Tax deeds do not extinguish all liens. Investors should check for federal tax liens, HOA liens or easements. Hiring a title company or attorney can help identify encumbrances.
   
4. Estimate market value – Compare recent sales of similar properties and factor in potential rehabilitation costs.
   

Risks of Skipping Due Diligence

Failure to perform due diligence can lead to unwelcome surprises. Properties may be landlocked, encumbered by environmental issues or subject to expensive improvements. Unknown liens can survive foreclosure, leaving the investor responsible for additional debts. Some parcels may include occupied structures, requiring eviction or legal proceedings. In rural areas, access can be difficult and utilities may not be available. By thoroughly researching each property, investors can avoid costly mistakes.

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

After a tax sale, properties that do not receive bids may be struck off to the county. Many Texas counties make these “struck‑off” properties available for private purchase, often called over‑the‑counter (OTC) sales. To buy OTC properties in Kimble County, investors should contact the tax assessor‑collector’s office to request a list of available parcels. Buyers may negotiate directly with the county and must still obtain a no‑tax‑due statement. Prices are typically fixed at the judgment amount or market value, and there is no bidding competition. OTC purchases offer a way to acquire property at a known cost with the same redemption premiums as auctioned deeds.

Benefits of OTC Purchases

• No bidding competition: The price is set by the county, so investors avoid auction bidding wars.
  
• Fixed returns: The same redemption premium applies, providing clarity on potential yield if the property is redeemed.
  
• Flexible timing: Investors can research and purchase OTC properties at their own pace instead of attending a scheduled auction.
  

Why Kimble County Is a Top Choice for Tax Deed Investors

Economic and Tax Advantages

Kimble County’s economy is anchored by agriculture and tourism. Cattle, goats and cedar products generate steady income, while visitors to South Llano River State Park support local businesses. The rural character keeps property prices modest, and the low population density means less competition at auctions. Texas’ redeemable deed system offers high statutory premiums, making returns attractive relative to the risk of redemption.

Real Estate Market Overview

The county’s small population and limited residential development mean there is little speculative pressure on prices. Median property values are around $173,100, and the homeownership rate exceeds 78%. Investors can find acreage and ranch land at lower prices than in urban counties, with potential for recreational use or agricultural leasing. Because most properties are rural, taxes are relatively low, and owners who fail to pay often do so because they have inherited land rather than because of financial distress.

Conclusion

Kimble County offers a unique opportunity for investors interested in Texas redeemable tax deeds. Auctions occur on the first Tuesday of each month at the county courthouse. Successful bidders can earn a 25–50% premium on redemption and may acquire full ownership if the property is not redeemed. The county’s ranching economy, state park tourism and small population create a stable real estate market with less competition than urban areas. However, investors must conduct thorough due diligence—checking titles, inspecting properties and understanding local conditions—to avoid pitfalls. When approached carefully, Kimble County’s tax deeds can deliver high returns while contributing to the community’s tax base.

Pro Tips

1. Get your no‑tax‑due statement early: Request your delinquent tax certificate from the Kimble County assessor‑collector well before the auction. Without this statement, the sheriff cannot issue a deed.
   
2. Focus on rural acreage: Many parcels in Kimble County are large tracts of ranch land. These may attract fewer bidders and offer better long‑term value than small lots.
   
3. Check access and utilities: Some rural properties may lack road access or utilities. Use maps and local contacts to verify that you can legally reach and develop the land.
   
4. Plan for redemption: Budget for holding costs such as property insurance and minor maintenance during the redemption period. If the owner redeems, you’ll recover these costs plus the statutory premium.
   
5. Network with local experts: Building relationships with local ranchers, real estate agents and attorneys can provide insight into property values and potential issues unique to the county.
   

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need to renovate properties I buy at auction? Most tax deeds sold in Kimble County are land rather than structures. If you purchase a property with a building, you may need to perform repairs or bring it up to code. Inspect the property before bidding to understand potential costs.
   
2. How do I quiet title after the redemption period? To sell or finance the property, investors often file a quiet title action to clear any remaining claims. An attorney can help file a lawsuit after the redemption period expires to establish clear ownership.
   
3. Are there other liens on tax‑deed properties? Tax deeds do not erase federal tax liens, mechanic’s liens or HOA liens. Perform a title search to identify outstanding encumbrances before bidding.
   
4. Can I occupy or rent the property during the redemption period? Texas law grants the purchaser possession of the property, but the owner can redeem it. Occupying or renting during the redemption period is possible, but investors must return the property if it is redeemed. Consult an attorney to avoid violating tenants’ rights.
   

Can I finance my bid? Kimble County requires payment at the auction by cash or cashier’s check. Investors typically cannot use traditional financing at the sale but may refinance or borrow against the property afterward.

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?

Interested in investing in Kimble County? Check out our Auction Calendar for property listings and dates. Use our free resources to learn how to start, and if you want one-on-one advice from someone who’s been there, book a call for personalized support.

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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