“This Hidden Virginia County is Quietly Offering Discounted Real Estate—Here’s How to Get In

Introduction

If you’re interested in getting into real estate investment, Washington County, Virginia tax deed sales offer a real chance to buy properties at a lower cost. These properties are sold by the county after owners fall behind on their property taxes. That means you can pick up real estate for less than market value, if you know what you’re doing.

This article breaks down everything you need to know about Washington County tax sales—including how they work, how to bid, and what to expect.

Brief Overview of Virginia’s Tax Deed Investing

In Virginia, tax sales are handled through tax deed sales, not tax lien certificates. That means the county sells the actual property—not just the tax debt. Once you win the bid and follow the payment rules, you take ownership through a Special Warranty Deed.

Virginia does not have a redemption period after the auction, which is a big advantage for investors because once you buy the property, it’s yours (after the court confirms the sale).

Important Details About Washington County, VA Tax Sales

Detail	Information
Tax Sale Type	Tax Deed
Typical Sale Date	Varies; no fixed schedule
Redemption Period	None
Interest Rate	Not applicable (deed sale, not lien)
Bid Procedure	Premium bid to the highest offer
Deposit Requirements	25% of final bid or $1,000 minimum (whichever is greater)
Buyer’s Premium	10% added to the final bid (minimum $150)
Auction Location	Washington County Fairgrounds, 17046 Fairgrounds Dr, Abingdon, VA
Online Bidding	Available through Counts Auction
County Website	Washington County Website
Treasurer Website	County Treasurer
Sale Info Page	Tax Sale Information

Why Invest in Washington County Tax Sales

Virginia’s tax deed process offers clear ownership without the wait of a redemption period. Washington County also has a good mix of farmland, residential lots, and mountain properties—great for long-term value.

With auctions held both online and in-person, the process is flexible and open to both local and out-of-state investors.

Fun Facts About Virginia and Washington County

• Population of Washington County: About 54,000
• Major Towns: Abingdon, Damascus, Glade Spring, Meadowview, Saltville
• Education Hub: Home to Emory & Henry College and Virginia Highlands Community College
• Historic Sites: Includes Barter Theatre, the oldest professional theater in the U.S., and White’s Mill
• Outdoor Attractions: Features the Virginia Creeper Trail and the Crooked Road Music Trail
• TVA Reservoir: The county connects to South Holston Lake, part of the first TVA hydro system

Attractions and Economic Highlights

Popular Attractions

Washington County is known for:

• Historical theaters
• Scenic biking and hiking trails
• Art galleries and museums

Transportation

• Accessible via Interstate 81
• Nearby Tri-Cities Airport (TN/VA border)
• Local public transit options

Economic Development

• Strong sectors include agriculture, tourism, healthcare, and education
• Continued investment in regional business parks

Community Lifestyle

• Active outdoor life with hiking, fishing, and biking
• Rich in Appalachian culture and history
• Family-friendly towns with a slower pace of life

What Makes Virginia Tax Deeds a Smart Investment

High Returns with Low Risk

Buying a tax deed in Virginia means you’re purchasing the full property, not just a lien. This gives you direct control of the asset with no waiting period. With good due diligence, investors can get properties far below market value.

Keywords: high returns, low-risk investment, state tax lien opportunities

Auction Process in Washington County

The process goes like this:

1. Register online through Counts Auction
2. Review properties and auction terms
3. Bid in-person or online on the day of the auction
4. Pay deposit and buyer’s premium immediately after winning
5. Settle full payment within 7–15 days, depending on the sale

Keywords: Washington tax lien auction, bidding process, tax deed sale

Maximum Returns on Tax Deed Sales

The potential returns depend on:

• The winning bid (lower = more profit)
• Condition and location of the property
• Market demand

Keywords: maximum returns, Virginia tax deed certificates

Open to All Investors

Virginia does not limit who can bid. Both in-state and out-of-state (even international) investors can participate.

Keywords: open to foreign investors, global investment opportunities

Understanding the Washington County Tax Sale Process

How It Works

• Properties with unpaid taxes go through legal proceedings
• After court approval, they are auctioned to the highest bidder
• The winning bidder gets a Special Warranty Deed, pending court confirmation

Keywords: tax deed sale procedure, tax lien auction process

Expected Returns

Depending on bid amount and resale value, investors can earn strong returns—sometimes doubling their money if they buy wisely.

Keywords: expected returns, investment yield

Foreign Investor Participation

Out-of-state and international investors can register, bid online, and pay electronically.

Keywords: foreign investor participation, international investment in Virginia

Importance of Doing Your Research

What Due Diligence Includes

• Check property title
• Inspect in person if possible
• Review zoning or land-use rules
• Look for court or utility liens

Keywords: due diligence, property inspection, title search

Risks of Skipping Research

• Property could be landlocked or have legal issues
• May be unsafe to build on or occupied
• You become responsible for taxes right after the auction

Keywords: investment risks, importance of research

Buying Over-the-Counter (OTC) Properties

How to Buy OTC

If a property isn’t sold at auction, it may be available over the counter. Contact TACS for updates.

Keywords: over-the-counter liens, OTC tax deeds

Benefits

• No bidding competition
• You know the price
• Fixed process with fewer surprises

Keywords: OTC benefits, fixed interest rate

Why Virginia is a Great State for Tax Deed Investors

Tax and Economic Advantages

• Low property taxes compared to many states
• Strong local economies in several counties
• No redemption period = faster ownership

Keywords: Virginia economy, tax advantages, strategic location

Real Estate Market Overview

• Affordable real estate in rural counties
• Consistent demand for rental and resale properties
• Growth in small towns due to urban overflow

Keywords: real estate market, property investment

Conclusion

Washington County, Virginia offers a smart way to enter the real estate market with less upfront money than traditional buying. With no redemption period and properties sold at auction prices, this is a real chance to build your portfolio.

Keywords: investment potential, tax lien/deed benefits, thorough research, smart investing

Pro Tips

• Always read the auction terms before bidding
• Check for hidden costs like taxes, liens, or clean-up
• Start with one property and learn the process

FAQs

Do I need to be a Virginia resident to invest?
No. Anyone can bid, including out-of-state and foreign investors.

Is financing available for tax deed purchases?
No. You must pay with certified funds—cash, money order, or wire transfer.

What happens if I don’t pay on time?
You lose your deposit, and the county may seek damages or re-list the property.

Can I get title insurance?
Usually not right away. Some title companies may require quiet title actions before issuing insurance.

Useful Links

• Washington County Tax Sale Info
• Washington County Treasurer
• Washington County Website
• Counts Auction Website
• 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! 

Call to Action

Check the Auction calendar and don’t miss your chance to participate in Washington County’s next tax sale. If you need expert guidance, book a consultation or you can also explore our free resources to make informed investment decisions

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