Tax Deed Sales in Spokane County, Washington: What You Need to Know

If you’re looking to get into tax deed investing, Spokane County, Washington, is a place worth paying attention to. Whether you’re new to this or already have some experience, this article will walk you through everything you need to know about how tax deed sales work in Spokane County and why Washington is a good state for this type of investment.

Overview of Washington State’s Tax Deed Sales

Washington is a tax deed state, which means when a property owner doesn’t pay their property taxes for three years, the county can sell that property at a public auction. Unlike tax lien states, where investors buy a lien and collect interest, here you’re bidding for the actual ownership of the property.

This setup gives investors the chance to own real property outright, often at a deep discount—if they do their homework first.

Important Tax Sale Info for Spokane County

Here’s a summary of key details for investing in Spokane County tax deed auctions:

Detail	Information
Tax Sale Type	Tax Deed Sale
Typical Sale Date	Usually held in early January (online only)
Redemption Period	None (except minors or legally incompetent individuals – 3 years)
Interest Rate	Not applicable (you purchase the deed, not a lien)
Bid Procedure	Premium bid – starts at the total amount owed
Deposit Required	$2,000 refundable deposit to bid
Auction Platform	Bid4Assets.com
Official Sale Info	Real Property Auctions – Spokane County
County Treasurer Info	Spokane County Treasurer
County Website	Spokane County Official Site

What Makes Washington a Smart Choice for Investors?

• High Return Opportunities: Since Washington sells the actual deed, buyers take full ownership after purchase—no waiting period (except rare cases)
• Low Entry Requirements: Just a $2,000 deposit to join the auction
• Online Auctions: You can bid from anywhere, which is great for out-of-state or international buyers

Fun Facts About Washington State

• Population: Washington has over 7.8 million residents
• History of Property Taxes: The state’s property tax system dates back to 1889
• Unique Law: Washington doesn’t allow partial tax payments once a foreclosure process has started
• Nature Access: Spokane County has over 70 lakes within driving distance
• Historic Downtown Spokane: Half the buildings are listed on the National Historic Register

Attractions and Economic Highlights

Popular Attractions
Local parks, hiking trails, lakes, and historical landmarks. The Spokane River and Riverfront Park are top destinations.

Transportation
Spokane International Airport, major highways, and freight rails connect the county to the rest of the state.

Economic Sectors
Agriculture, health care, tech and aerospace, education, and manufacturing.

Lifestyle Appeal
Affordable cost of living, access to nature, and a strong local community feel.

Why Spokane County Is Great for Tax Deed Investors

Real Estate Growth
Spokane is growing fast but still affordable compared to Seattle or Portland. This makes it appealing to buyers and investors alike.

One Auction a Year
Simple to follow and plan for. You don’t need to monitor auctions all year.

Fully Online Process
Everything from registration to bidding is handled online.

The Auction Process: Step-by-Step

1. Check Auction Listings: Visit Bid4Assets or the Spokane Treasurer’s Auction Page
2. Register and Submit Deposit: A $2,000 refundable deposit is required
3. Review Parcels: Look at maps, property info, and any available title reports
4. Bid: Auctions use a premium bid format—the highest bid wins
5. Pay: Payment is due in full by wire or certified funds within a set deadline
6. Transfer of Deed: The county issues a Treasurer’s Deed. Title insurance may not be available right away

Expected Returns

While not guaranteed, tax deed investing in Spokane County offers a solid upside. Some properties sell below market value, allowing for future resale or rental income.

Foreign Investors Welcome

Washington allows foreign and out-of-state investors to participate. Everything is online, so anyone can bid from anywhere with the right documents and payment methods.

Do Your Research – It Matters

What to Check Before You Bid

• Property condition (drive by or hire local help)
• Outstanding liens (check title reports and county records)
• Zoning or land use issues

Skipping Research Can Cost You

• You may end up with a property that has legal or structural problems
• Some properties may have demolition orders, environmental hazards, or unpaid utility bills

Over-the-Counter Sales in Spokane County

Sometimes properties don’t sell at auction. These might become available later as trust properties.

How to Buy OTC Properties

• Monitor the Spokane Treasurer’s website
• Contact the office directly for procedures

Benefits of OTC Sales

• No bidding wars
• Fixed pricing
• Often fewer buyers competing

Spokane County Tax Deed Sale FAQ

Can I get a refund if I change my mind after winning?
No. All sales are final once the auction ends and payment is made.

Do I get clear title right away?
You get a Treasurer’s Deed, but title insurance may take up to 3 years. A quiet title action may be needed.

What if the property has people living in it?
You are responsible for any eviction process. The county does not handle occupant removal.

Are there properties with houses or just land?
Both. Listings will tell you what type of property is being sold.

Pro Tips for Spokane Tax Sales

• Always check the Foreclosure Resources page
• Review parcel maps and property descriptions carefully
• Budget for unexpected costs like clean-up or legal actions
• Start small. Watch a sale before bidding to understand how it works

Useful Links

• Spokane Real Property Auctions
• Bid4Assets – Spokane Auctions
• Spokane Treasurer’s Office
• Spokane Foreclosure FAQs
• 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! 

Conclusion: Why Spokane County is Worth Your Attention

With online auctions, affordable property, and no redemption period, Spokane County makes tax deed investing more accessible. You don’t need to be a pro—just come prepared. There’s room to earn real returns if you research first and bid smart.

Take Action

Don’t miss the upcoming tax sales—it could be the opportunity you’ve been looking for. If you’re unsure about the process or need guidance, book a call with us, and we will help you navigate the steps. You can also explore our free resources for valuable tips and advice to make informed investment decisions.

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