Alamosa County, Colorado Tax Lien Certificates and Treasurer’s Deeds Guide

Alamosa County sits in the center of Colorado’s San Luis Valley. It is known for its wide open spaces, farming community, and access to Great Sand Dunes National Park. This article gives you a clear guide to how the county conducts tax lien sales and how investors can take part in them online. It explains sale dates, bidding rules, redemption timelines, and where to find updates so you can prepare with confidence.

Brief Overview of Alamosa County’s Tax Lien and Treasurer’s Deed Investing

Colorado uses a tax lien system. When owners fall behind on property taxes, the county sells a tax lien certificate to investors. The investor pays the taxes and earns interest until the owner redeems. If the owner does not redeem within the three year window, the investor can apply for a Treasurer’s Deed. This makes Alamosa County an attractive option for those seeking interest income with a clear path toward ownership if redemption does not happen.

Important Details

Item	Summary
Tax Sale Type	Tax lien certificates with later Treasurer’s Deed option
Typical Sale Date	Online auction held in early or mid November
Redemption Period	Around three years from the tax lien sale
Interest Rate	Set by state each year and usually double digit
Bid Procedure	Highest dollar premium bid wins the certificate
Deposit	No advance deposit; payment through ACH after sale

Fun Facts About Alamosa County

• Alamosa County was formed in nineteen thirteen and has about sixteen thousand residents.
  
• Alamosa is home to Adams State University and serves as the main service center for the valley.
  
• Great Sand Dunes National Park, with the tallest dunes in North America, is nearby.
  
• The county has a mix of farms and one of the largest solar energy footprints in Colorado.
  

Attractions and Economic Highlights

• Attractions include Great Sand Dunes National Park, Alamosa Wildlife Refuge, Zapata Falls, and Blanca Peak.
  
• Transportation access includes United States Routes 160 and 285 plus a regional airport.
  
• The economy includes agriculture, solar energy, tourism, education, and public services.
  
• Outdoor activities such as hiking, bird watching, and local events keep the area active year round.
  

Why This County Is Ideal for Tax Lien and Deed Investors

• High returns: Colorado redemption rates are often strong and can beat many fixed income choices.
  
• Low risk investment: You hold a lien backed by real property while earning steady interest.
  
• State tax lien opportunities: Clear rules guide redemptions and Treasurer’s Deed steps.
  
• Smaller county: Some parcels attract fewer bidders, helping disciplined investors find value.
  

Auction Process for Tax Lien and Deed Sales

Alamosa County runs an online tax lien auction once a year. The list of delinquent parcels is posted weeks before the sale. Registration is handled online and includes identity and banking details. The sale happens on a third party auction site and closes in batches through the afternoon. The winning bidder pays the delinquent tax amount plus any premium bid through ACH.

How the Auction Works

• The county publishes a list of delinquent properties ahead of the sale.
  
• Investors register online and provide tax and bank details.
  
• Bidding opens in the morning and happens only online.
  
• Parcels close in batches through the afternoon.
  
• The highest premium amount wins the lien.
  
• Investors pay by ACH the next business day.
  
• Certificates stay with the Treasurer and can be endorsed with future years of taxes.
  
• After three years, investors can start the Treasurer’s Deed process if redemption does not occur.
  

Maximum Potential Returns and Expected Returns

Returns depend on the interest rate set by state law each year along with how long the owner takes to redeem. Colorado interest rates often land in double digit ranges. If an owner redeems late in the redemption period, the yield can be strong. If an investor pays a high premium, the effective yield can drop since premiums do not earn interest. The best results come from careful bidding and limiting premium amounts. Investors who hold liens through the full redemption period may apply for a Treasurer’s Deed which can offer long term value if the property has good market demand.

Open to All Investors and Foreign Investor Participation

Colorado allows both local and out-of-state investors to participate. International investors can also buy if they have a United States tax identification number and a bank account that supports ACH transfers. Many out of state buyers already participate in Alamosa County sales. International investors often set up U.S.-based entities or accounts to simplify reporting and payments.

Importance of Due Diligence in Alamosa County Tax Lien and Deed Investing

Alamosa County includes farms, rural land, recreational parcels, and in town homes. Some land may lack access or may sit near sensitive areas. Good research helps avoid surprises and keeps your returns healthy.

What Due Diligence Entails

• Look up each parcel in the Assessor’s online map.
  
• Check aerial views to confirm access and location.
  
• Read the legal description to match the correct property.
  
• Check for other liens or association fees.
  
• Review recent sales to understand real estate values.
  

Risks of Skipping Due Diligence

• Some parcels may have no legal road access.
  
• Land could be in a flood zone or have issues with soil.
  
• Association fees or old liens may reduce value.
  
• You may need a quiet title action before resale.
  
• Repairs and legal costs may lower your returns.
  

Buying Over The Counter Liens and Deeds

Alamosa County offers county-held certificates for sale after the main auction. These are liens that did not sell at auction.

How to Purchase OTC Liens and Deeds

• Ask the Treasurer for the county-held list.
  
• Complete the county-held buyer registration form.
  
• Pay with certified funds.
  
• The lien is assigned to you, and interest begins from the original sale year.
  

Benefits of OTC Purchases

• No bidding competition.
  
• Time to study each parcel before buying.
  
• Same interest rate as other liens from that year.
  

Why Alamosa County Is a Top Choice for Investors

Economic and Tax Advantages

• A steady local economy supported by farming, tourism, and solar energy.
  
• Clear tax lien steps published each year.
  
• A long redemption window that improves interest earnings.
  
• Predictable interest rules from state law.
  

Real Estate Market Overview

The county is more affordable than Colorado’s front range. Homes near Alamosa see regular demand from university workers, tourism jobs, and residents looking for lower costs. Rural land sells to recreation buyers, long term land investors, and people seeking open space. These trends help support long term value for investors who end up with Treasurer’s Deeds.

Conclusion

Alamosa County offers a clear tax lien system, steady interest income, and well organized online sales. Investors who research parcels and bid with care often find healthy returns. The county provides a simple entry point for newer investors and steady opportunities for experienced buyers. Always study each parcel, track redemption timelines, and prepare for the steps involved in Treasurer’s Deeds and quiet title work. Each move you make should be backed by thoughtful research and smart planning.

Pro Tips

• Start with small liens to learn the process before investing more.
  
• Compare aerial maps with tax maps to confirm property access.
  
• Track your premium bids to keep your return healthy.
  
• Keep a reminder list for redemption deadlines and endorsement periods.
  
• Build a small portfolio across several parcels to spread risk.
  

FAQs

• Do I get access to the property after buying the lien?
  No. You have no right to enter until you hold the deed.
  
• What if the owner never redeems?
  After the redemption period you can apply for a Treasurer’s Deed.
  
• Can I finance tax lien purchases?
  Lien purchases are usually done with cash.
  
• Does a Treasurer’s Deed give clear title?
  You may need a quiet title action before selling.
  
• Can I pay future taxes on a lien I already own?
  Yes. You can endorse later years of taxes to the same certificate.
  

Useful Links

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Need a Hand?

If you want help planning your next steps in tax lien investing, we can guide you. You can learn more through our free resources and compare counties using our Auction Calendar. When you are ready to take action, book a call and we will walk through the process with you so you can move forward with confidence.

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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