Tax Deeds vs. Tax Liens

You have probably heard about the investmentproperty. This means that if you win the auction, you
opportunities in tax liens and deeds. They can be quitebecome the rightful owner of the house or lot in
lucrative - possibly the most lucrative and safequestion. With tax deeds, you have to do more
investment you will ever find, if you have themeticulous research because you want to be sure
necessary knowledge. This article is going to cover theyou don't end up with a worthless piece of real estate.
first lesson you will need to learn when it comes to taxYou also have to be careful with tax deeds because
lien and deed investing... the difference between thecertain states, such as Arizona and New Mexico, do
two investments. So, let's start with tax liens.not extinguish the liens after the auction. This means
The definition of a lien is: a claim against an item bythat you- the new owner of the property- have to pay
another party, which utilizes that item as security forthem off. All you have to do to avoid this is check with
repayment of a loan or other claim. A tax lien is placedthe county you're bidding in, and do the proper
on a piece of property by the government when theresearch on the property before bidding on it.
owner fails to pay their property taxes. Now here isTax deeds are more challenging to deal with, but the
where the investor comes it... the government sellsreturns can be phenomenal.
these liens at county auctions to investors. TheSome state use a hybrid system that includes both the
investor who wins acquires a first position lien on thelien and deed protocols. Here is how it works. At the
property. Then, the property owner has a fixed periodauction, when you win the bidding, you become the
of time to pay off the principle and all interest and/orrightful owner of the property - just as with tax deeds.
penalties accrued-ALL of which goes to the investor.However, the owner has a set period of time after this
If the owner fails to pay the taxes, interest and/orto pay back all taxes, penalties and interest owed in
penalties you get to foreclose on the property.order to reclaim the property. This system is potentially
However, this happens about 2% of the time with liens.the most rewarding of all.
So, most of the time they are a hands-off investmentSo, there is your first lesson in tax liens and deed
and the interest and penalties are often time veryinvesting. I suggest learning more about this amazingly
hefty.profitable and safe investment, however, before you
Now when you are bidding at an auction for a taxjump into it. Good luck!
deed, you are actually bidding for ownership of the