Tazewell County Tax Auctions: Real Estate for a Fraction of the Price

Tazewell County, Virginia is a place where smart investors are finding real estate deals through tax deed sales. Properties with unpaid taxes are auctioned off, often for prices well below market value. If you’re looking for a lower-cost way to invest in property, tax deed auctions in Tazewell could be a great option.

Let’s break down how it works and what makes this county stand out.

Overview of Tax Deed Investing in Virginia

Virginia is a tax deed state, meaning when a property owner fails to pay property taxes, the county can sell the actual property at public auction to recover the debt. Unlike tax lien states where you’re only buying the lien, in Virginia, you’re buying the property itself.

These auctions happen at the county level, and every county has its own process. In Tazewell County, properties are sold as-is, and it’s up to the buyer to do their homework beforehand.

Important Tax Sale Details for Tazewell County

Detail	Information
Tax Sale Type	Tax Deed Sale
Typical Sale Date	Varies
Redemption Period	None (property is sold outright)
Interest Rate	Not applicable (not a lien)
Bid Procedure	Premium Bid (highest bidder wins)
Deposit Required	25% of purchase price or $1,000 (whichever is higher)
Maximum Deposit	$20,000 per parcel
Buyer’s Premium	10% (minimum $150)
Payment Types Accepted	Personal check, cashier’s check, or money order
Full Payment Due	Within 15 days after court confirmation
Auction Location	135 Court Street, Tazewell, VA
Weather Backup Site	197 Main Street, Tazewell, VA
County Website	Tazewell County
Auction Information	TaxVA – Tazewell Auctions
Contact for Questions	[email protected] or (804) 506-3102

What Makes Virginia Unique for Investors?

• You’re buying the actual property, not just a lien.
• There’s no redemption period, so you gain full ownership after court confirmation.
• Auctions are supervised by Special Commissioners, adding extra legal oversight.

Why Tazewell County?

Tazewell County often has properties available below market value, giving investors the chance to buy land or homes at a discount. With the right strategy, you can find great deals for resale or rental use.

These sales don’t follow a regular schedule. They only happen when a group of properties is ready. You’ll want to stay informed through TaxVA or the Tazewell County Treasurer’s Office.

Interesting Facts About Tazewell County

• Population: Around 4,461 in the town of Tazewell
• Median Household Income: $52,027 (town); $44,336 (county)
• Households With Children: 27% in town (vs. 21% in county)
• Median Age: 46.3 years
• Climate: Avg. high of 78.1°F in July; avg. low of 19.5°F in January
• Annual Rainfall: About 45.75 inches

Attractions and Economic Highlights

Local Attractions
Tazewell County has scenic views, historical sites, hiking trails, and state parks. It’s a quiet, nature-filled place with strong roots in Appalachian history.

Transportation Access
Though rural, the county has good access to major highways. This makes it easy to move around or transport building materials if needed.

Economic Focus
Coal mining, agriculture, and small-scale manufacturing still play key roles here. Economic development efforts are supporting more tourism and entrepreneurship.

Lifestyle and Recreation
The area offers a slower pace with outdoor recreation, local events, and family-friendly spots.

What Makes Virginia Tax Deed Certificates a Smart Investment?

High Returns, Low Risk

Because you’re buying at auction and potentially well below retail value, your return on investment can be strong. And with no redemption period, you don’t have to wait months to gain control of the property.

How the Auction Works

1. Register in advance
2. Attend the in-person auction
3. Bid against others – highest bidder wins
4. Pay deposit and buyer’s premium right after
5. Wait for the court to confirm the sale
6. Pay the rest within 15 days of confirmation

Expected Returns

Returns will depend on the location, condition, and your plan—whether resale, rental, or long-term hold. With low purchase costs, your profit margins can be higher than traditional real estate.

Open to All Investors

Anyone can bid—local or out-of-state, and even international investors. As long as you don’t owe back taxes in the county or have unresolved tax cases, you’re eligible to participate.

Importance of Due Diligence in Virginia Tax Sales

What to Check Before Bidding

• Visit the property or check aerial maps
• Look up public records for liens or zoning rules
• Confirm access to the property
• Consider paying for a title search

Why It Matters
Skipping these steps could land you with a property that’s landlocked, in poor shape, or unusable. Since there are no refunds, research is everything.

Buying Over-the-Counter (OTC) Properties

How OTC Works
Properties not sold at auction may be available later on a first-come basis. You can usually find these through TaxVA.

Why Consider OTC Sales

• No bidding wars
• Fixed pricing
• Extra time to research

Why Virginia is a Top State for Tax Deed Investing

Tax and Economic Perks
Virginia has a healthy economy, fair tax structure, and no restrictions on who can invest.

Real Estate Market Snapshot
Property values are lower in rural areas like Tazewell, but with the right investment, there’s room for good returns and long-term growth.

Conclusion: Is Tazewell County a Good Investment?

Yes—if you’re ready to research and prepare, Tazewell County can be a solid investment spot. Property prices are affordable, and the process is clear if you follow the rules. Stay updated, attend the auctions, and do your homework before bidding.

Pro Tips

• Use GIS tools to view parcel maps
• Join email updates from TaxVA
• Read the auction terms carefully
• Have your payment ready
• Get help from a real estate attorney if needed

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get the property right away?
No. You must wait for court approval after the auction.

Can anyone bid?
Yes, as long as you don’t owe delinquent taxes in the county or have an open tax lawsuit there.

Can I finance my purchase?
No. All purchases must be paid with certified funds—no financing allowed.

Is title insurance included?
No, and it may be difficult to get. Always consider a title search.

What if I change my mind after bidding?
Too late—your bid is legally binding, and you’ll lose your deposit if you back out.

Useful Links

• Tazewell County Website
• Tazewell Treasurer’s Office
• TaxVA – Tazewell Auction Listings
• Learn How to Profit from Virginia Real Estate Auctions 
• 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! 

Don’t Miss Your Opportunity!

Tazewell County tax sales offer exciting opportunities. Browse our auction calendar to find the latest listings. . Need advice? Book a call with an expert. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, our free resources will help you succeed. Need expert advice? Book a call now!

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