Landing a Property at 40-90% Off in Shiawassee County, Michigan

Ever thought about buying property at a fraction of its market value? In Shiawassee County, Michigan, you can score properties at tax foreclosure auctions with discounts ranging from 40% to 90%! This is a fantastic way to get into real estate investing with a relatively low entry cost.

Understanding Tax Lien Certificates and Tax Deeds

When you buy a tax deed in Shiawassee County, you are purchasing the property outright. This differs from tax liens, where you essentially buy the debt, and the property owner has to pay you back with interest. Here’s how the process typically works:

• Tax Deed: You win the auction and get the property, usually free and clear of most liens.
• Potential Returns: Depending on the property and the bid, returns can be substantial, especially if you buy at a significant discount.

How to Start Tax Deed Investing in Shiawassee County?

1. Research Local Laws
   • Understanding the legal framework is crucial. Each county might have different rules and procedures.
2. Visit the Shiawassee County Treasurer’s Website
   • Shiawassee County Treasurer
   • Foreclosure Information
3. Check the Auction Site
   • All auctions are held online at Tax-Sale.info
4. Read Auction Details
   • It’s important to understand the auction process, including bidding phases and payment requirements.
5. Contact the County Office for Inquiries
   • Phone: 989.743.2224
   • Email: [email protected]

Summary of Important Details

Detail	Description
Tax Sale Type	Tax Deed Sale
Typical Sale Date	Held twice a year, in August and October
Bid Procedure	Premium Bid
Deposit	$1,000 hold on a credit card
Payment Methods	Wire transfer, certified check, or credit/debit card (2.75% fee for card payments)
Auction Site	www.tax-sale.info
County Website	Shiawassee Official County Website

Auction Process in Shiawassee County

• Register Online: Set up an account on the auction site and place a $1,000 hold on your credit card.
• Bidding Phases:
  • Advance Bidding: Starts 30 days before the auction, where you can place and adjust bids without seeing others.
  • Active Bidding: Begins at 10:00 a.m. on auction day, where you can see and raise the current highest bid until 7:00 p.m.
• Winning the Auction: The highest bidder gets the property and will receive an email with payment and paperwork instructions.

Pro Tips

• Do Your Homework: Always research properties thoroughly before bidding. This includes looking into potential liens, property conditions, and market value.
• Budget Wisely: Consider the total costs, including the bid amount, a 10% buyer’s premium, the current year’s taxes, and a $30 deed recording fee.

Useful Links

• Tax Sale Information
• Shiawassee County Treasurer
• Auction Site

FAQs

1. What happens if I win the bid but fail to pay?
   • The auction will charge your $1,000 credit card hold, and you may face a ban from future auctions.
2. Can I inspect the properties before bidding?
   • Properties sell “as-is,” and unauthorized entry can result in legal issues.
3. How do I handle properties with occupants?
   • You will need to follow formal eviction processes for any occupied properties.

Need a Hand?

Looking for more detailed guidance on tax deed investing? Feel free to reach out for a consultation or check out our free resources. Let’s get you started on your investing journey!

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