OTC Tax Deed List

FAQ

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Find clear and concise answers to your most pressing questions about tax deed investing.

What is a tax deed property?

A tax deed property is real estate sold by the government due to unpaid property taxes.

How can I purchase an OTC tax deed property?

You can purchase OTC tax deed properties by browsing the listings from the websites we provide you.

Are OTC listings updated regularly?

OTC Tax Deed List ensures that our listings are updated with the latest properties available ( as long as the local county has updated their listings) .

What are the benefits of investing in tax deed properties?

Tax deed investments offer opportunities to acquire properties below market value and diversify your portfolio.

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Q: What’s the key difference between standard tax deeds and OTC (Over-the-Counter) tax deeds?
A: The main distinction lies in acquisition timing and competition:

  • Standard tax deeds are acquired through public auctions where investors bid competitively, often driving prices closer to market value.
  • OTC tax deeds are post-auction properties that failed to sell, available directly from county offices at fixed prices (usually the delinquent tax amount plus fees). These offer less competition but require deeper due diligence since they’ve been passed over by auction buyers.

Q: Why do OTC tax deeds often fly under the radar?
A: Three reasons:

  1. No Auction Spotlight: Unlike highly publicized tax auctions, OTC lists are buried in county government offices or obscure websites.
  2. Perceived Risk: Many investors assume unsold properties have incurable title defects or physical issues (though this isn’t always true).
  3. Paperwork Hurdles: Counties often require in-person submissions or notarized documents, deterring lazy investors.

Q: What due diligence is CRITICAL for OTC tax deeds that’s different from auctions?
A: Focus on these often-overlooked checks:

  • Redemption Periods: Some states allow owners to reclaim OTC properties years later by paying back taxes + interest. Verify if the deed is already “cleared” or still redeemable.
  • Hidden Liens: While tax deeds wipe out most liens, federal tax liens or HOA claims might persist. A title search is non-negotiable.
  • Physical Inspection: Auction buyers sometimes skip this, but with OTC deeds, you might inherit a property with squatters, environmental hazards (e.g., meth lab residue), or municipal fines for code violations.

Q: Can you really get properties for “pennies on the dollar” with OTC tax deeds?
A: Yes—but with caveats. We’ve seen cases like:

  • A Detroit investor acquired a $65k vacant lot for $1,200 in back taxes (later sold for $22k to a developer).
  • An Arizona buyer got a rural acreage OTC for $800, only to discover it lacked road access (a $15k expense to remedy).
    Key Takeaway: The biggest OTC steals exist in counties with poor online records or complex redemption rules that scare off casual investors.

Q: What’s the #1 mistake new investors make with OTC tax deeds?
A: Assuming all counties operate the same. For example:

  • Florida: OTC deeds often come with a 2-year redemption period where the original owner can reclaim the property.
  • Texas: Many counties sell OTC deeds “as-is” with no redemption, but charge steep fees (up to 25% of the tax value).
  • California: Some counties require a 5-year waiting period before issuing an OTC deed, even after auction failure.

Pro Tip: Build a spreadsheet tracking county-specific rules on:

  • Redemption periods
  • Additional fees (e.g., title transfer taxes)
  • Minimum bid requirements (some counties set OTC prices above the tax owed)

Q: How do you find OTC tax deed lists most investors miss?
A: Skip generic “tax deed” Google searches. Instead:

  1. Call County Treasurers: Ask for “leftover tax deeds” or “post-auction inventory lists.” Many still use paper-only systems.
  2. Check Niche Sites: Websites like TaxSaleResources.com aggregate OTC lists from rural counties.
  3. Drive the Area: In small towns, unsold properties are sometimes posted on courthouse bulletin boards.