Want Affordable Real Estate? The Insider’s Guide to Winning Lewis County Tax Deed Auctions Sales in Lewis County Might Be Your Way In

Looking to invest in real estate without paying top dollar? Lewis County, Washington offers tax deed sales where properties start at the price of unpaid taxes. These properties are sold after three years of unpaid taxes, giving smart investors the chance to buy land or homes at much lower prices than market value.

Let’s break down how tax deed investing works in Lewis County and why it’s worth checking out.

How Washington State Handles Tax Sales

Washington is a tax deed state. That means when someone doesn’t pay their property taxes for three years, the county can auction off the property to recover those taxes. Once sold, the winning bidder gets a tax deed, which is actual ownership of the property—not just a lien.

Key Details About Lewis County Tax Deed Sales

Detail	Information
Tax Sale Type	Tax Deed
Sale Format	Online Auction via Bid4Assets
Typical Sale Date	February
Redemption Period	None (with exceptions for minors, federal gov, or active military)
Interest Rate	Not applicable (tax deed sale)
Bid Method	Premium bid (highest bidder wins)
Deposit Requirement	$1,000 refundable deposit + $35 processing fee
County Treasurer	Lewis County Treasurer’s Office
County Website	Lewis County Website

Why Washington (and Lewis County) Is a Smart Pick for Investors

Washington doesn’t have a state income tax, and its property market is steady. Lewis County, specifically, is a great spot for those looking to invest outside the big city. Homes here are affordable, and values are rising at a manageable pace—making it a low-risk investment area with good growth potential.

Fun Facts About Washington State

• Population: About 7.8 million
• Capital: Olympia
• State Income Tax: None
• Washington started collecting property taxes in the mid-1800s to fund schools and infrastructure.
• The state law gives counties the power to seize property after 3 years of unpaid taxes.

Lewis County’s Real Estate Market (As of August 2024)

• Median Home Sale Price: $453,000
• Yearly Price Increase: 7.1%
• Median Price/Sq Ft: $266
• Days on Market: 29 (down from 30)
• Homes Sold (August): 72

This data shows a steady, healthy market—perfect for long-term investment.

Things to Know Before You Bid

• All properties are sold as-is.
• Title insurance may be hard to get for up to 3 years after the sale.
• Do your research—check for zoning laws, liens, and land use restrictions.
• If no one bids, the property becomes county-owned and may be sold later.

For full details, read the Lewis County Tax Sale Terms.

Popular Attractions & Economic Overview

Attractions

• Scenic parks and trails
• Small museums and historic downtowns
• Local fairs and cultural events

Transportation

• Major highways (like I-5)
• Freight rail and local transit
• Closest airports: Olympia and Seattle-Tacoma

Economy

• Strong in forestry, agriculture, and light manufacturing
• Some tech and logistics growth in nearby counties
• Tourism tied to Mt. Rainier and outdoor recreation

How Lewis County Auctions Work

1. Register on Bid4Assets
2. Pay $1,000 deposit + $35 fee
3. Browse available properties
4. Place bids—highest bid wins
5. Pay full amount quickly after winning
6. Get your deed in about 30 days

There’s no redemption period (except for a few rare legal cases), so once you win, it’s yours.

Benefits of Lewis County Tax Deed Investing

• Affordable entry point
• Stable real estate growth
• Online access from anywhere
• Open to local and international buyers

What to Watch Out For

Don’t skip due diligence. That means:

• Look up zoning rules
• Search for unpaid liens
• Check physical property condition
• Review county maps and photos if available

Skipping these steps could lead to surprise costs or unusable land.

Can You Buy Over-the-Counter (OTC) Properties?

Sometimes, yes. If a property doesn’t sell at auction, it may be offered later in a direct sale or private negotiation. This option has no bidding war, but research is still needed.

Why Washington Is a Good Place to Invest in Tax Deeds

• Strong economy
• Steady real estate appreciation
• No state income tax
• Access to public land and recreation

This combo makes Washington, and counties like Lewis, attractive to smart investors.

Conclusion: Why Lewis County Is Worth a Look

If you’re hunting for real estate deals with long-term potential, Lewis County is a great choice. The market is stable, the auctions are online, and the rules are clear.

Just remember—do your homework before you bid. With smart planning, you can find great value in these tax deed properties.

Pro Tips

• Set alerts on Bid4Assets for upcoming auctions.
• Work with a title search company before bidding.
• Look for properties near growing towns or highways.
• Bookmark the Lewis County Auction Page to check future updates.

FAQs

1. Can anyone bid in Lewis County tax deed sales?
Yes, both U.S. and international investors can participate.

2. Can I inspect the property before the sale?
You can’t enter the property, but you can drive by or look at satellite images.

3. What if no one bids on a property?
It becomes county-owned and may be resold later.

4. Will I get a clear title?
Probably not right away. Title insurance might be denied for up to 3 years.

5. Are there refunds if I change my mind?
No. All sales are final.

Useful Links

• Lewis County Treasurer
• Auction Site (Bid4Assets)
• Lewis County Tax Sale Info
• Redfin Market Data
• Investing in Washington Tax Sales
• 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! 

Get Ready for the Next Auction

Don’t miss out on these opportunities! Check our auction calendar for upcoming tax sales. If you’re new to tax sales or need guidance, book a call with an expert today. You can also explore our free resources for smart investment tips

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