Medina County, Texas Redeemable Tax Deed Guide: Everything Investors Need to Know

Introduction

Medina County sits just west of San Antonio in the Texas Hill Country. Its rolling ranchland is bordered by the Medina and Frio rivers, and the county seat of Hondo is near its center. This article explains how Medina County conducts tax‐foreclosure auctions and why its redeemable tax deeds may appeal to investors. You’ll learn about auction dates and registration, redemption rules, bidding procedures and where to get updates.

Overview of Medina County’s Tax Deed System

Texas uses a redeemable tax deed system rather than issuing tax lien certificates. When property owners fail to pay taxes, the sheriff auctions the property and issues the winning bidder a deed without warranty. Medina County follows state law and holds these sales on the first Tuesday of the month, typically at 10 a.m. or 2 p.m., on the courthouse steps. Winning bidders must pay the amount of delinquent taxes plus costs in full with cash or a cashier’s check. After the sale, former owners have a statutory right to redeem the property within 180 days or two years depending on its use.

Important Details

Item	Summary (≤20 words)
Tax Sale Type	Redeemable tax deed; no tax lien certificates.
Typical Sale Date	First Tuesday monthly; recent notices scheduled at 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. .
Redemption Period	180 days for most property; two years for homesteads/agricultural land.
Interest Rate/Premium	Redeemer pays 25 % premium in the first year or 50 % in the second.
Bid Procedure	Open–outcry auction; cash or cashier’s check; highest bid wins.
Deposit	No deposit required; payment in full immediately; default incurs 20 % penalty.
Registration	Required on sale day; bring valid ID and complete bid form.
Location	North courthouse steps at the Medina County Courthouse in Hondo.
Updates	County tax office, local newspapers, law firm MVBA website.

Fun Facts About Medina County

• Population & Economy: Medina County had about 52,419 residents in 2023. Data USA reports a median household income of $73,462 and a median property value around $220,000. The county’s largest industries include health care, retail trade and educational services.
  
• Agricultural Heritage: In 2002 Medina County had 1,951 farms and ranches covering 804,941 acres; 64 % pasture and 29 % crops. Livestock sales accounted for $37.6 million of the area’s agricultural revenue.
  
• Medina Lake & Recreation: Medina Lake provides irrigation and recreation. The reservoir is noted for abundant yellow catfish, black bass, white bass, walleyes and bluegills.
  
• Historic Landmarks: Medina County’s towns were settled by Alsatian immigrants in the 1840s. The county seat moved from Castroville to Hondo in 1892. Medina Dam, completed in 1913, was once the fourth‑largest dam in the U.S..
  

Attractions & Economic Highlights

Medina County blends rural charm with outdoor recreation and a growing economy. Paradise Canyon, a riverside campground in Rio Medina, has offered camping and fishing since the 1940s; it now features cabins, a lodge, live music and other events. Medina Lake draws anglers and boaters and is famous for its bass and catfish. Castroville Regional Park sits along the Medina River and offers hiking trails, campsites and a swimming pool. Love Creek Orchards near Medina hosts an apple store and seasonal festivals. Transportation routes include Interstate 35 and U.S. Highway 90, connecting the county to San Antonio and other markets. The economy benefits from agriculture, health care services, retail trade and public administration, while tourism and hunting leases provide additional income.

Why Medina County Is Ideal for Tax Deed Investors

Medina County’s redeemable tax deeds can offer attractive yields. Successful bidders receive a deed subject to redemption, but if an owner redeems the property they must repay the purchase price plus a 25 % premium within the first year or 50 % in the second. These rates often exceed returns from bonds or savings. The county’s proximity to San Antonio and growing population support demand for housing and land, while affordable median property values around $220,000 provide entry points for investors. Because auctions are live and accessible to the public, investors worldwide can participate without residency restrictions.

Auction Process for Redeemable Tax Deed Sales

How the Auction Works

1. Notice & Schedule: Medina County publishes a list of properties and opening bids in local newspapers and on its tax office website. Texas law requires sales on the first Tuesday of each month between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.. Recent notices have used 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. start times.
   
2. Registration: Bidders must register on the day of sale with valid government ID and complete a bid form. The name on the deed must match the successful bidder.
   
3. Opening Bid & Bidding: The opening bid equals the delinquent taxes, penalties and court costs. The sheriff conducts an open‑outcry auction; the highest oral bid wins.
   
4. Payment: Winners must pay the full bid amount immediately by cash or cashier’s check payable to the sheriff’s office. Failure to pay incurs a 20 % penalty on the property’s value.
   
5. Deed Issuance & Redemption: The sheriff issues a deed without warranty. Former owners may redeem within 180 days for most properties or two years for homesteads/agricultural land. The redeemer must reimburse the purchase price plus recording fees, taxes and a 25 % or 50 % premium.
   
6. Possession: Buyers may take possession 20 days after the deed is recorded but should avoid improvements during the redemption period because unreimbursed costs may not be recoverable.
   

Maximum Potential Returns and Expected Returns

The redeemable deed system offers fixed premium returns rather than interest. If the owner redeems within the first year, investors receive 25 % of their total investment; if redemption occurs in the second year, the premium increases to 50 %. For example, a $10,000 purchase redeemed after six months would yield a $2,500 premium plus reimbursement of taxes and recorded costs. If the property is not redeemed, the investor retains the property and may sell or hold it. Returns thus depend on redemption timing, property value appreciation and holding costs.

Open to All Investors / Foreign Investor Participation

Medina County’s auction is open to any qualified bidder. You do not need to reside in Texas or the United States. Bidders must register, show a valid ID and pay with cash or cashier’s check. International investors should arrange funds in U.S. currency and consider using a local agent to attend the auction. Texas law does not restrict foreign participation; however, winners must follow U.S. property ownership regulations and may need a tax identification number for recording the deed. Due diligence is especially important when investing from abroad.

What Due Diligence Entails

Steps for Due Diligence

1. Research the Property: Obtain legal descriptions, maps and deed records from the county clerk and appraisal district. Visit the site to verify location, access and improvements.
   
2. Check Liens and Encumbrances: The deed is issued without warranty. Additional liens (e.g., city mowing, demolition or HOA fees) may survive the sale. Conduct a title search or consult a title company.
   
3. Estimate Costs: Factor in taxes that accrue after the judgment, recording fees and any subsequent taxes. Avoid major repairs until redemption expires.
   
4. Understand Zoning and Use: Check county or city planning rules to ensure the property’s intended use is allowed.
   

Risks of Skipping Due Diligence

Skipping research can lead to unexpected costs or legal issues. Buyers may discover the property is landlocked, unusable or subject to unextinguished liens. Since the sheriff’s deed lacks warranty, obtaining title insurance can be difficult. Ignoring zoning rules may result in fines or an inability to develop the property. Investigating before bidding helps avoid costly surprises.

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

When properties receive no bids at auction, Texas law allows them to be “struck off” to the taxing unit. Counties may later sell these struck‑off properties at a resale auction or over‑the‑counter. Medina County occasionally offers resales, but they are not held regularly. Interested investors should contact the tax office to request a list of struck‑off properties and procedures.

How to Purchase OTC Deeds

Contact the Medina County tax assessor‑collector’s office to request the current struck‑off list. You may need to submit a written offer or attend a resale auction. Payment is typically due immediately, and the same redemption periods apply.

Benefits of OTC Purchases

Buying OTC deeds avoids competitive bidding and often yields lower purchase prices. Investors still earn the 25 % or 50 % redemption premium and can research the property thoroughly before making an offer.

Why Medina County Is a Top Choice for Tax Deed Investors

Economic and Tax Advantages

The county’s economy benefits from agriculture, health care and education. Its proximity to San Antonio offers employment opportunities while maintaining affordable land prices. Approximately 45 % of its land is prime farmland, supporting long‑term land values. Tax sales provide investors with the potential for high fixed returns and eventual ownership of property near a growing metropolitan area.

Real Estate Market Overview

Median property values around $220,000 make Medina County more affordable than major urban counties. Population growth and commuting ties to San Antonio support housing demand. Investors who acquire properties through tax sales may resell or rent them after clearing title. The county’s mixture of ranchland, lakefront lots and small towns offers diverse investment opportunities.

Conclusion

Medina County’s tax deed auctions follow Texas law with sales on the first Tuesday of each month. Registration is required, and bidders must pay with cash or cashier’s check. The redeemable deed system grants former owners up to two years to reclaim their property, but investors earn a premium of 25 % or 50 % on redemption. With affordable land values, a growing economy and accessible auctions, Medina County offers appealing opportunities for both local and international investors. Always perform due diligence, verify liens and understand redemption rules before bidding. With careful research, tax deed investing in Medina County can be a profitable strategy.

Pro Tips

• Arrive Early: Registration often begins about an hour before the sale. Bring valid ID, a cashier’s check and your completed bid sheet.
  
• Study the List: Review property descriptions, maps and minimum bids ahead of time. Strike off any parcels that lack clear access or have structural issues.
  
• Bring Multiple Checks: Cashiers’ checks in various denominations make it easier to match your final bid amount.
  
• Research Redemption Status: Know whether the property is homestead/agricultural or not, as this determines the redemption period.
  
• Network Locally: Talk to local real estate agents, appraisers and title companies. They may know which properties carry heavy liens or are likely to be redeemed.
  

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need to fix or maintain the property during the redemption period? You may secure and maintain the property, but avoid major repairs. Only reasonable preservation costs are reimbursable on redemption.
   
2. How do I clear title after the redemption period? Because sheriff’s deeds are issued without warranty, investors often file a quiet title action or obtain a title policy to sell or finance the property.
   
3. Are there occupants in tax deed properties? Sometimes properties are occupied. Winning bidders must follow Texas eviction laws to gain possession after the 20‑day waiting period.
   
4. Can I finance my bid or pay with a personal check? No. Medina County requires immediate payment with cash or cashier’s check. Investors should arrange financing beforehand.
   

What happens if no one bids on a property? The property is struck off to the taxing unit. It may later be sold at a resale or over‑the‑counter sale; contact the tax office for availability.

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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Interested in Medina County tax sales? Check the Auction Calendar for the latest listings. Our free resources offer valuable guidance to help you get started. For personalized help, don’t wait—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