Racine County Wisconsin Tax Deed Investing Guide

Introduction of the county and about the article

Racine County sits along Lake Michigan between Milwaukee and Chicago. It blends lakefront neighborhoods, older city areas, and rural towns. This guide explains how Racine County tax deed sales work and what investors should know before bidding. You will see key timelines, simple rules, and clear steps so you can plan safe deals and avoid surprises.

What is / Brief Overview of County’s Tax Lien / Deed Investing

Racine County uses an in rem foreclosure system under Wisconsin law. Taxes become delinquent. The county starts foreclosure. The county then takes the deed and later sells the property. These are tax deed sales, not lien certificate sales. Investors do not earn interest from owners. Instead, you buy the property through a sealed bid process or through over the counter purchases after foreclosure.

Important Details

Key Racine County tax deed sale facts

Item	Summary
Tax Sale Type	In rem tax deed sale of foreclosed parcels
Typical Sale Date	Sealed bid sales once or twice a year, often in fall
Redemption Period	At least eight weeks after in rem notice, often two or more years from first delinquency
Interest Rate	One percent monthly interest applies to owners, not investors
Bid Procedure	Sealed bids at or above appraised minimum
Deposit	Twenty percent deposit for sealed bids, full payment for OTC

Fun Facts About the County

• Racine County sits on Lake Michigan with Racine as the county seat.
  
• The area is widely known for Kringle pastry and a long tradition in manufacturing.
  
• Companies like SC Johnson, Case, and InSinkErator have deep roots in the area.
  
• The mix of lakefront homes, city houses, and farmland supports many price points for investors.
  

Attractions and economic highlights

• Attractions include North Beach, Racine Zoo, and historic downtown buildings.
  
• Main highways like Interstate ninety four give easy travel to Milwaukee and Chicago.
  
• The economy includes manufacturing, equipment, chemicals, and health care.
  
• The community offers lakefront parks, bike paths, and steady events that help rental demand.
  

Why this county is ideal for tax lien / deed investors

• You can earn high returns when you buy well below after repair value.
  
• Home prices tend to sit lower than nearby cities while rents stay strong.
  
• Investors treat these deals as low risk when they research title, code issues, and repairs.
  
• The in rem process can clear many old liens, which helps with future resale.
  

Auction process for tax lien / deed sales

Racine County does not hold live auctions. It uses a sealed bid system. The Treasurer releases a sale packet. Each property has a minimum bid based on an appraisal. Investors submit a sealed envelope with a bid form and deposit. After the deadline, the county opens the bids and reviews them with the Finance and Human Resources Committee. The county can reject or accept bids based on what benefits the county.

When are Racine County tax sales held and at what time

Racine County usually holds sealed bid sales once or twice a year. Many of them occur in the fall, but dates change. Bids must reach the Treasurer by eleven in the morning Central Time on the sale day. That is the final and firm auction time for each round.

Is registration required and when does it start and end

There is no online bidder registration. Buying or printing a packet is your registration. Fill out the form and include your deposit. Registration starts as soon as the county posts the sale and ends when the bid deadline arrives at eleven in the morning.

Where is the auction held

Bidders submit sealed envelopes to the Racine County Treasurer at the courthouse on Wisconsin Avenue in Racine. This office receives and logs all sealed bids. After the deadline, county staff open bids and route results to the committee for approval.

How long is the redemption period

Owners and lien holders can redeem during the foreclosure stage. Wisconsin law requires at least eight weeks after the first foreclosure notice. Many counties wait about two years after the tax certificate before starting foreclosure. Once the county records the tax deed, no redemption remains for buyers.

How the auction works

• Visit the Treasurer tax foreclosure page to get the current packet and list.
  
• Print or buy the sealed bid packet and check each parcel’s minimum price.
  
• Inspect each property from the street and check records before bidding.
  
• Fill out your bid form at or above the minimum value.
  
• Include at least twenty percent of your bid in certified funds or money order.
  
• Deliver the sealed envelope marked “Sealed Bid” before eleven in the morning.
  
• The committee reviews each bid and may accept or reject bids for any parcel.
  
• If awarded, pay the remaining balance within thirty days to receive a quitclaim deed.
  

Maximum potential returns and expected returns on Racine County tax deed certificates

Racine County tax deed investing offers returns through equity instead of interest. You pay a fixed price for the property and then rent it, repair it, or sell it. Many investors aim for a large discount below after repair value. This spread covers repairs and still leaves space for profit.

Returns depend on what you buy and how you handle rehab work. A low cost single family home might be turned into a rental. A small duplex might be updated and sold. When buyers run good numbers and stick to their limit, these tax deed purchases often outperform savings accounts and other slow investments.

Open to all investors and foreign investor participation

Wisconsin allows both local and international investors to buy tax deed property. Racine County does not restrict bids by location. The main limits apply to people who owe delinquent taxes, have past code violations, or lost property through recent foreclosure. Former owners and close relatives cannot bid on their own lost parcels.

Many foreign investors work with local teams for inspections and management. They like the area because entry prices are lower than many major cities while rental demand stays steady due to manufacturing and service jobs.

Importance of due diligence in Racine County tax deed investing

Due diligence is your main layer of protection. The county sells every parcel as is and gives a quitclaim deed. That means any hidden issue becomes your problem. You must study title, code records, structure, and local rules before making a bid. Skipping due diligence can turn a good deal into an expensive mistake.

What due diligence entails

• Review tax records, maps, and assessment data for each parcel.
  
• Check court records and city code enforcement for active cases.
  
• Order a title search to learn about liens or easements that may survive.
  
• Inspect the house or land from the street and plan a repair budget.
  
• Confirm zoning or land use rules if you plan to change the property purpose.
  

Risks of skipping due diligence

• Repairs may exceed your planned budget.
  
• Code violations or unpaid bills may carry over after sale.
  
• Some private liens may survive foreclosure.
  
• Properties in weak rental areas may sit empty.
  
• You might need a quiet title action to resell, which adds cost.
  

Buying over the counter liens / deeds in Racine County

Racine County also sells unsold tax deed parcels through an over the counter process. These properties still have set minimum prices. The list and bid form are posted on the Treasurer website. Investors can submit offers at or above the required amount.

How to purchase OTC liens / deeds

You begin by downloading the current over the counter list. Select a parcel and fill out the bid form. Offers must meet the posted minimum price and include full payment in certified funds. Bring or mail the form to the Treasurer office. The committee reviews each offer and gives final approval.

Benefits of OTC purchases

Over the counter sales give you more time to study each parcel. There is no auction day pressure. You avoid other bidders and know the exact price you must pay. This helps new investors learn the area without rushing.

Why Racine County is a top choice for tax deed investors

Economic and tax advantages

• Strong job base in chemicals, equipment, and manufacturing.
  
• Housing prices often lower than larger nearby metro areas.
  
• In rem foreclosure clears many public liens before sale.
  
• Location between Milwaukee and Chicago supports steady rental demand.
  

Real estate market overview

Racine County offers many property types. You will find older homes, lakefront spots, and rural land. This gives investors options for rentals, flips, or long term holds. Many buyers focus on single family homes and small multifamily units in stable neighborhoods. When paired with good due diligence, this market can offer steady long term value.

Conclusion

Racine County offers a clear path for tax deed buyers. The county follows set rules under Wisconsin law. It uses sealed bid and over the counter sales instead of live auctions. When you study the packet, understand the deadlines, and stay within your numbers, you place yourself in a strong position.

Tax deed investing works best when backed by solid research. Look at title, repairs, location, and value. Treat each parcel like a full real estate project. When you blend careful planning with Racine County’s process, you improve your chances of strong returns and safe deals.

Pro tips

• Sign up for updates from the Treasurer tax foreclosure page to catch new lists early.
  
• Work with a Wisconsin attorney, a title company, and a contractor familiar with local homes.
  
• Start with simple property types before taking on complex structures.
  
• Track past sale results to learn what the county accepts in different areas.
  
• Use a strict buy box and skip any deal that fails to meet your rules.
  

FAQs for Racine County tax deed investing

• Do buyers receive a warranty deed?
  No. Buyers receive a quitclaim deed. Title insurance may require extra work later.
  
• Who pays old water or utility bills?
  Bills already placed on the tax roll are cleared. Others may follow the property. Always check with departments before bidding.
  
• Does Racine County offer financing?
  No. All sales require certified funds or money orders. No payment plans.
  
• Can former owners buy back their foreclosed home at auction?
  No. Former owners and close relatives cannot bid.
  
• What if I fail to pay the remaining balance after winning?
  You lose your deposit and the county moves on to another offer or sale.
  

Useful links

• Wisconsin Tax Deeds: How to Find Great Deals
• 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 support with Racine County tax deed investing, we can help you plan your next steps. You can use our free resources to learn more, check the Auction Calendar for upcoming sales, and book a call for guidance. We can walk you through due diligence, bidding, deal structure, and safe buying steps.

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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