Lynn County, Texas Redeemable Tax Deed Guide: Investing in Tax Sales

Introduction

Bordered farmland covers most of Lynn County on Texas’s South Plains. The county seat, Tahoka, anchors a quiet landscape of cotton fields and oil wells. With fewer than six thousand people, land values stay low. This guide explains how the county conducts its tax deed sales and why investors seeking solid returns pay attention. The county’s small towns welcome visitors.

What Is a Redeemable Tax Deed?

Lynn County sells redeemable tax deeds rather than liens. When owners fail to pay taxes, the county auctions a sheriff’s deed to the property, but the former owner retains the right to redeem. State law requires sales on the first Tuesday of a month between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and most counties start at 10 a.m. Homesteads have a two‑year redemption; other property has 180 days.

Important Details

Feature	Summary
Tax Sale Type	Redeemable tax deeds; no tax lien certificates.
Typical Sale Date	First Tuesday of each month between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m..
Redemption Period	Two years for homestead or agricultural property; 180 days for other property.
Interest Rate/Penalty	25 percent premium if redeemed within first year, 50 percent in second year.
Bid Procedure	In‑person oral bidding; highest cash bid wins.
Deposit/Payment	Pay with cash or cashier’s check on sale day.

Fun Facts About Lynn County

• Small population: about 5,600 people live in the county, giving it a rural feel.
  
• Cotton country: cotton covers more than half of the county and provides most farm income.
  
• Historic sites: Tahoka hosts the Pioneer Museum, and O’Donnell honors actor Dan Blocker.
  

Attractions & Economic Highlights

• Outdoor recreation: fish, camp or picnic at Double Lakes and Tahoka Lake.
  
• Transport: U.S. Highways 84, 87 and 380 connect the county to Lubbock and the South Plains.
  
• Economy: cotton farming dominates; small oil, wind and cattle operations add diversity.
  

Why Lynn County Appeals to Tax Deed Investors

Affordable land prices, generous redemption penalties and a stable farm economy make Lynn County attractive for investors. Rural parcels usually sell for modest sums, but the 25 percent premium offers strong returns. The county’s proximity to growing Lubbock supports resale or rental opportunities.

Auction Process for Tax Deed Sales

Texas law says tax deed auctions must be held on the first Tuesday of a month between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Lynn County usually begins at 10 a.m. at the courthouse. Bidders must register and sign an affidavit that they owe no delinquent taxes. Only in‑person oral bids are accepted, and payment must be cash or cashier’s check.

1. Check notice: The county posts sale lists at the courthouse and online three weeks before the auction.
   
2. Register: Arrive early and present valid ID; sign an affidavit stating you have no delinquent taxes.
   
3. Bidding: Each property is called; call out your bid to compete.
   
4. Payment and deed: Pay by cash or cashier’s check immediately and receive a sheriff’s deed subject to redemption.
   
5. Redemption: The former owner may redeem by paying your purchase price plus the statutory premium within the redemption period.
   

Maximum Potential Returns and Expected Returns on Lynn County Tax Deeds

Texas rewards investors with a premium instead of interest. If the former owner redeems in the first year, you earn a 25 percent premium; if redemption happens in the second year on homesteads you receive 50 percent. For non‑homestead property the premium is 25 percent. These returns beat many bonds.

Open to All Investors / Foreign Investor Participation

Texas allows anyone who attends the sale and certifies no delinquent taxes to bid. International investors must attend and pay in U.S. funds. Consult a local attorney about tax and title matters.

What Due Diligence Entails

What Due Diligence Entails

Before bidding, review the sale list, inspect properties from the street, check for access and utilities, and run a title search to look for mortgages or liens. Budget for quiet title costs and future taxes.

Risks of Skipping Due Diligence

Skipping research can leave you with landlocked lots, unsafe structures or costly liens that survive the tax sale.

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

How to Purchase OTC Liens/Deeds

If a parcel receives no bid at auction it is struck off to the county. Investors can request a struck‑off list and submit a written offer at the minimum price.

Benefits of OTC Purchases

Over‑the‑counter deals remove the pressure of bidding. You can research properties thoroughly and avoid bidding wars. Prices are often lower, the redemption premium is the same, and you can plan closing on your own schedule. There is no competition.

Why Lynn County Is a Top Choice for Tax Deed Investors

Economic and Tax Advantages

The county’s stable cotton economy creates predictable land demand and low holding costs. Texas taxes are moderate, and investors benefit from a generous redemption premium and predictable sale schedule. No income tax sweetens returns.

Real Estate Market Overview

Land prices in Lynn County are low compared with cities like Austin or Dallas. Most parcels are farms, ranches or vacant lots. Highways and nearby Lubbock offer access and growth potential for resale or leasing.

Conclusion

Lynn County’s tax deed sales offer a mix of affordability and high returns. Auctions are held on the first Tuesday of each month, require cash payment and reward investors with strong redemption premiums. By researching properties, registering properly and understanding redemption rules, investors can enjoy profitable outcomes with manageable risk.

Pro Tips

• Arrive early: bring cash and cashier’s checks to cover unexpected bids.
  
• Inspect: drive by each property to check access and condition.
  
• Check liens: run a title search or hire a title company.
  
• Plan exit: consider resale strategies before you bid.
  

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if the owner does not redeem? If the redemption period expires the buyer can seek clear title through a quiet title action or title insurance. Once title is clear you may take possession, rent or sell.

Can I enter the property during the redemption period? The former owner retains the right to occupy. Do not change locks or move in until redemption expires and the title is clear. You may maintain the yard but avoid improvements.

Do mortgages or liens survive the tax sale? Most property tax liens have priority over mortgages. However, federal tax liens, city liens and special assessments can survive. Check the title report and budget for paying any surviving liens before reselling.

How do I finance repairs or improvements? Tax deed purchases must be paid in cash at auction. After you receive title you can finance repairs through loans or partnerships. Plan your financing strategy before bidding to avoid cash flow problems.When can I resell or rent the property? After redemption expires and the title is cleared, you may sell or rent. Rural tracts appeal to farmers, ranchers or recreation buyers. Work with real estate agents to find buyers or tenants.

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?

Thinking about starting your investment journey in Lynn County? Browse our Auction Calendar for upcoming tax-sale properties. Use our free resources to understand the process better, and if you want expert help, don’t hesitate to book a call.

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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