How to Win Big at Faulkner County’s Public Land Auction

Located in Central Arkansas and anchored by the growing city of Conway, Faulkner County offers more than scenic landscapes and a vibrant college-town feel—it’s also a hotspot for tax deed investing. Each year, the Arkansas Commissioner of State Lands auctions off tax-delinquent properties in Faulkner County. For investors who come prepared, it’s a chance to acquire real estate well below market value.

What Is Tax Deed Investing in Faulkner County?

Faulkner County follows Arkansas law as a tax deed state. This means that when you win at auction, you’re not just buying a lien—you’re acquiring ownership rights to the property. The Arkansas Commissioner of State Lands handles the auction for tax-delinquent properties in Faulkner County and Parcels sold through them are not redeemable.

Faulkner County Tax Sale Details

Detail	Information
Tax Sale Type	Tax Deeds
Typical Sale Date	Varies yearly; From July – October
Location	Conway Expo & Event Center, Conway, Arkansas
Redemption Period	Parcels sold through the Commissioner of State Lands office are not redeemable. All sales are final, whether conducted at live auctions or through the online auction for unsold properties.
Interest Rate	N/A – Arkansas uses a deed system
Bid Procedure	Open bidding starting at the amount of delinquent taxes owed
Deposit	$100 in cash at auction; balance due next business day via certified funds

What Makes Faulkner County Unique for Investors

Faulkner County experiences above-average participation in auctions, largely due to Conway’s population growth and the presence of its three colleges. As a tech-friendly hub, Conway enhances the appeal of auctioned properties, ensuring they hold significant long-term rental and resale value. This blend of educational influence and a growing population contributes to a vibrant auction market in the area.

High Returns with Manageable Risk

Faulkner County properties typically boast proximity to schools, parks, and vibrant downtown areas, contributing to their strong resale potential. With careful research and due diligence, investors can acquire homes and lots at attractive prices, often between 30% to 60% below market value. This makes it an appealing opportunity for those looking to invest in real estate in this desirable location.

How Faulkner County Tax Deed Auctions Work

• Properties are certified to the Arkansas Commissioner of State Lands
• An auction is held in person at a designated location.
• Bidders must register on-site and provide $100 in cash to participate
• Winning bidders pay the remaining balance with certified funds the next business day
• If no one bids, the property goes into over-the-counter (OTC) status and can be purchased by mail

Who Can Participate?

There are no residency or citizenship requirements. Any investor—whether local, out-of-state, or international—can participate if they attend the auction in person or assign a local representative.

Expected Returns in Faulkner County

You can find properties that sell for 30% to 70% below market value. Returns depend on your exit strategy, but thanks to the county’s rental demand and affordable entry points, the profit margin can be significant.

Why Due Diligence Matters

What to Research Before You Bid:

• Visit the property and check if it’s occupied
• Verify zoning and land use regulations
• Conduct a title search for outstanding liens or judgments
• Assess environmental risks and access issues

What Can Go Wrong Without Due Diligence?

• Unexpected liens or title issues
• Legal complications from evicting occupants
• Structural or land use restrictions
• Properties with no road access or utilities

How to Buy Over-the-Counter (OTC) Properties

Unsold auction properties are listed on the Commissioner of State Lands website. You can:

1. Search the available inventory online
2. Submit your application and payment by mail
3. Wait for processing and deed issuance

Benefits of OTC deals:

• No bidding war
• Fixed pricing
• Deep discounts still available

Fun Facts About Faulkner County

• Faulkner County’s population sits around 128,000, with Conway accounting for over half that number.
• The county was named after Arkansas’s first Secretary of State, Sanford C. Faulkner.
• It’s home to the “Toad Suck Daze,” a popular festival attracting tens of thousands every spring.
• Faulkner has some of the lowest property tax rates in the state, making it ideal for real estate holding.

Attractions and Economic Highlights

Popular Attractions

• Cadron Settlement Park offers trails and river access
• Faulkner County Museum and the Baum Gallery showcase local history and art
• Historic downtown Conway features boutiques, cafes, and nightlife

Real Estate Trends

• Median home prices in Conway are up 6.4% year-over-year
• Strong rental market, especially for student and workforce housing
• Ideal market for flipping entry-level homes or holding cash-flow rentals

Transportation Infrastructure

Faulkner County is served by I-40 and U.S. Highways 64 and 65, making it well-connected to Little Rock and Fort Smith. Conway has a municipal airport, and public transit is available through Rock Region Metro.

Economic Development

Conway is known as the “City of Colleges,” but it’s also growing in tech, healthcare, and manufacturing. Companies like Nabholz Construction and Acxiom have headquarters or major operations here.

Community Appeal

With greenways, mountain biking trails, two lakes, and a walkable downtown, Faulkner County offers a mix of outdoor lifestyle and small-town charm—a selling point for buyers and tenants alike.

Business Growth

• Key industries: healthcare, tech, construction, and education
• Major employers: Acxiom, Nabholz Construction, Conway Regional Health System

Summary: Why Faulkner County Is a Smart Choice for Tax Deed Investors

With affordable tax rates, a growing local economy, and consistent auction activity, Faulkner County offers investors a real chance to find cash-flowing rentals or profitable flip deals. Its proximity to Little Rock and strong college presence provide built-in demand for housing.

Pro Tips for First-Time Investors

Here are some experience-backed insights to improve your results at Faulkner County auctions

• Target properties near colleges or downtown Conway
• Avoid rural lots unless you understand land development
• Arrive early at the auction and confirm property details with officials
• Always research title status before placing a bid

FAQs: Faulkner County Tax Deed Sales

These common questions are based on direct participation and observations from past Faulkner County auctions:

Q: Do I need to register in advance?
A: No. Registration is done on-site the morning of the auction.

Q: Can properties have liens?
A: Yes. Code violations, special assessments, or IRS liens may survive. Always do a title search.

Q: Can I bid remotely?
A: No. As of now, all Faulkner County tax sales are in-person only.

Resources and Useful Links

• Arkansas Commissioner of State Lands
• Faulkner County Collector’s Office
• Faulkner County Website
• Arkansas offers a wealth of opportunities with Tax Deed Investing
• Let’s talk about Tax Deeds and how you can profit from them!
• Discover Tax Deeds and how you can find property for as little as $50!

Ready to Learn More?

Written by Dustin Hahn
Dustin is a seasoned tax deed investor and educator who’s helped hundreds of investors enter the real estate space using distressed property strategies. With 15+ years of experience, he brings firsthand insights into Arkansas county auctions, especially Faulkner County. His team researches every lot, walks auction sites, and builds training tools that make investing more accessible.

Interested in Faulkner County investing? Check out our Auction Calendar to find your next property. book a free call or access our free resources to start building your tax deed strategy today.

Sign up or log in to view the full content.