Deschutes County sits in Central Oregon with Bend and Redmond as key cities. The area is known for outdoor life, strong tourism, and steady growth. Population has climbed faster than many other Oregon counties in recent years. This guide explains how Deschutes County tax deed sales work. You will learn auction dates, bidding rules, due diligence steps, and how to buy over the counter.

What is tax deed investing in Deschutes County

Deschutes County uses a tax deed system. When owners fall behind on property taxes, the county forecloses under Oregon law and receives the deed. After the legal redemption period ends, the county sells selected tax foreclosed parcels at a public surplus property auction. Buyers receive a deed from the county.

Important details

Deschutes County tax deed quick facts

Item	Summary
Tax sale type	Tax deed sale of tax foreclosed surplus property
Typical sale date	Once a year, often early October
Auction time	Past auctions started at 10 a.m. Pacific Time
Redemption period	Two years after foreclosure judgment
Interest rate	No lien interest. You buy deeded property
Bid procedure	Live oral auction with fixed bid steps
Deposit or payment	Cash or cashier check due same day for lower bids
Location	Deschutes County Fair and Expo Center in Redmond
OTC availability	Unsold parcels offered for six months

Fun facts about Deschutes County

• The county has shown strong population growth in Oregon.
  
• Bend and Redmond anchor a major outdoor recreation and tourism area.
  
• Visitor spending supports thousands of jobs and adds major tax revenue.
  
• The Deschutes River is one of Oregon’s historic travel and trade routes.
  

Attractions and economic highlights

• Attractions
  
  • Mt Bachelor and Cascade lakes
    
  • Newberry National Volcanic Monument
    
• Transportation
  
  • US Highway 97 and Oregon Route 20
    
  • Redmond Municipal Airport RDM
    
• Economy
  
  • Tourism and outdoor recreation
    
  • Healthcare, brewing, and light manufacturing
    
• Community
  
  • Strong outdoor culture with trails, rivers, and year round events
    

Why Deschutes County is ideal for tax deed investors

• Growing population supports housing and rental demand.
  
• Strong tourism brings steady visitor spending into the area.
  
• Tax deed buyers can find property far below market value.
  
• You can aim for high returns with careful due diligence.
  
• Oregon deed sales can be a low risk path for investors who prefer full ownership.
  

Auction process for tax deed sales in Deschutes County

Deschutes County holds a public surplus property auction once a year in Redmond at the Deschutes County Fair and Expo Center. Bidders register on site by showing ID and completing a county form. Past auctions required check in by 9 a.m. and bidding began at 10 a.m. Pacific Time.

Bidding is oral. The auctioneer reads the parcel number and the minimum bid. Buyers raise their bid cards in set increments until the final bidder remains. For purchases under a set amount, usually twenty thousand, the buyer pays with cash or cashier check by early afternoon that same day. Larger purchases follow rules listed in the auction notice.

The winning bidder receives a Certificate of Sale and later a Bargain and Sale Deed after closing steps and recording fees.

How does the auction work on the day of sale

Maximum potential returns and expected returns

Deschutes County tax deed sales can lead to strong profits when you buy the right parcel. Some buyers gain land or homes for far less than retail prices. Returns come from resale, renovation, or rental income. There is no fixed rate since you buy the deed, not a lien.

Returns depend on your exit plan. You might renovate and sell. You might hold a parcel in a growth area and wait for appreciation. You might rent out a home once you clear any title issues and complete needed repairs. Good parcels can offer large spreads. Weak parcels may offer only small gains. Your research shapes your results.

Open to all investors and foreign investor participation

Deschutes County allows both local and international buyers. Any adult with proper ID can register and bid. You may buy in your personal name or use an LLC or trust if you bring the right documents. Many out of state and foreign investors attend each year. Since the auction is in person, travel planning is important.

Importance of due diligence in Deschutes County tax deed investing

Tax deed investing rewards careful research. Oregon gives owners a two year redemption period after foreclosure judgment. Once that ends, the county sells the deed. By auction time, there is no further redemption. That means you take the property as it stands, so due diligence is the key to safe investing.

What due diligence entails

• Review the official auction list and comment sheets.
  
• Check county maps and property records online.
  
• Visit parcels from the street to study access and terrain.
  
• Run a basic title search for liens and easements.
  
• Call planning and building offices to confirm rules.
  

Risks of skipping due diligence

• You may buy land without access.
  
• You may face old code issues or unsafe structures.
  
• You may inherit liens or assessments that reduce value.
  
• Cleanup or legal work may cost more than expected.
  

Buying over the counter in Deschutes County

Deschutes County offers over the counter purchases for parcels that do not sell at the auction. These properties stay available for about six months. Prices start at the same minimum bid used at the auction. Buyers must submit a written offer and follow county payment steps. Over the counter deals remove the pressure of live bidding.

How to purchase OTC deeds

Contact Deschutes County Property Management. Ask for the current list of unsold parcels. Choose a parcel and submit an offer at or above the minimum bid. If accepted, follow the payment and deed process set by the county.

Benefits of OTC purchases

• No bidding pressure
  
• Time to study each parcel
  
• Same chance to find strong value at low entry price
  

Why Deschutes County is a top choice for tax deed investors

Economic and tax advantages

• Fast population growth supports housing demand.
  
• Tourism adds steady tax revenue and business activity.
  
• A mix of industries helps keep the market strong.
  

Real estate market overview

Prices in Bend and Redmond have trended upward due to limited supply and strong demand. Areas near trails, lakes, and job centers stay popular. For investors, this creates room for resale or long term holds when the parcel is chosen with care.

Conclusion

Deschutes County offers a clear tax deed system with a yearly public auction. Buyers gain full ownership of the property rather than an interest rate based lien. Returns can be strong when you research well. The key is simple. Know what you are buying. Study title. Visit sites. Check zoning. A careful plan turns tax deed buying into smart investing with real long term potential.

Pro tips for Deschutes County tax deed investing

• Walk every parcel to check slope, soil, and access.
  
• Look closely at well and septic needs for rural lots.
  
• Work with agents familiar with Bend and Redmond resale prices.
  
• Use county maps and comment sheets together for a full picture.
  
• Treat over the counter parcels as a second chance list.
  

FAQs for Deschutes County tax deeds

Useful links

• Oregon Tax Deeds: Building Wealth through Property Auctions
• The Ultimate Guide to Tax Deeds: What You Need to Know
• Tax Deed Investing 101: How to Buy Property for Just $50!

Need a hand

If you want help with tax deed investing in Deschutes County, reach out to our team. You can learn more through our free resources. You can check our Auction Calendar. You can also book a call with us for guidance. We can help you plan your next move with clarity and confidence.

Sign up or log in to view the full content.

Free help available

Get a Tax Deed in the next 30 days

Need a hand on your first deal at up to 90% off? Book a free call and we’ll guide you step by step.

Auction
Calendar Book a free
call Free
resources

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