The Blount County, AL Tax Lien Sale: [The A-Z Guide]

Image Credit: https://blountrevenue.com/

Thinking about investing in tax liens in Blount County, Alabama?

You’re in the right place.

Attending the Blount County, Alabama tax lien sale can be an exciting way to earn solid returns, but it pays (literally) to know what you’re getting into.

In Blount County, the process is pretty straightforward, and understanding how the auction works, the rules, and what to expect can put you in a great position to take advantage of it.

Let’s break down everything you need to know about the tax lien sale process in Blount County, from how to register to what happens once the auction is over.

Image Credit: https://blountrevenue.com/tax-sale-information/

The Basics: Blount County’s Tax Collection Process

Blount County collects property taxes to fund local services like schools, roads, and emergency services.

When a property owner doesn’t pay their taxes by the end of the year, the county steps in.

And instead of the traditional property tax sale, where the actual property is sold, Blount County uses a tax lien sale.

This means you’re bidding on the tax debt rather than the property itself.

Image Credit: https://blountrevenue.com/tax-sale-information/

How Property Taxes Become Delinquent

Property taxes in Blount County are due on October 1 each year and become delinquent after December 31.

Once they’re delinquent, property owners will start getting notices about their overdue taxes, and by February 5, they’ll get a final notice to pay up.

If they still don’t pay by the deadline, their property’s tax lien is headed for auction.

Quick Tip: Keep track of this timeline. The earlier you know which properties might be available, the more time you have to do your research.

Image Credit: https://blountrevenue.com/tax-sale-information/

The Tax Foreclosure Process and Redemption in Blount County

As a tax lien investor, the best part of this deal is the interest you can earn.

Once you buy a tax lien at auction, the property owner has up to three years to redeem (pay off) the debt.

During this time, they owe you the amount you paid at auction plus 12% interest per year.

If they don’t pay up after three years, you can foreclose on the property and possibly acquire it.

Pro-Tip: Patience is key. Remember, you’re not buying the property outright.

You’re buying a lien on the property, and you’ll need to wait out the redemption period before moving to foreclosure.

So Who’s Running This Show?

Blount County’s tax lien sale is organized by the Blount County Revenue Commissioner’s Office, but the actual auction happens online through GovEase.

GovEase is a user-friendly platform that makes bidding easy and transparent.

All you need is a computer, tablet, or smartphone, and you’re set to go.

Image Credit: https://blountrevenue.com/tax-sale-information/

Types of Properties Sold at Blount County, AL Tax Sale

Here’s where things get interesting.

Almost any type of property can end up on the list.

You might find residential homes, commercial buildings, agricultural land, or even vacant lots.

Sometimes, properties with issues like zoning problems or unpaid mortgages end up in the sale.

That’s why due diligence is critical.

Smart Investor Tip: Always do your homework before bidding. Check property values, title claims, and any other liens or judgments that may affect the property.

You don’t want any surprises down the road.

When & Where Is the Blount County, AL Tax Lien Auction?

The big event is set for March 19, 2024, at 9:00 am CST.

The entire auction is held online, so you can participate from the comfort of your home (or anywhere, really).

Mark your calendar, and make sure your internet connection is solid!

Reminder: Registration to participate opens on February 20, 2024, and closes at 5:00 pm CST on March 18, 2024.

Image Credit: https://blountrevenue.com/tax-sale-information/

The Auction Process: How It’s Done

Blount County’s tax lien sale uses a premium bid method, which is a fancy way of saying the lien goes to the highest bidder.

When bidding, you’re not bidding on the tax amount itself—that’s fixed—but on how much over that amount you’re willing to pay.

The auction happens in real-time on GovEase, where you can place bids and see others’ bids, so it’s a competitive process.

You’ll also have access to features like a bidder dashboard that helps you track your activity and manage bids effectively.

Good To Know: Unsold liens become the property of the state, so there might still be opportunities even after the main auction is over.

Image Credit: https://liveauctions.govease.com/CA/calosangeles/1391/browsestandard

How to Register for the Blount County, AL Tax Sale

Registration is quick and easy through GovEase.

Here’s what you need to do:

Create an Account: Head over to GovEase and set up an account (https://liveauctions.govease.com/Bidder/UserProfile).
Complete the Registration: You’ll need to provide some basic info, and you may be required to post a deposit (typically around 10% of the estimated purchase amount you plan to bid).
Training Available: If you’re new to online auctions, GovEase offers online training resources to help you navigate the platform. Make sure you take advantage of this.

Hot Tip: Don’t wait until the last minute to register. Give yourself time to set up and get comfortable with the platform.

Image Credit: https://liveauctions.govease.com/Bidder/UserProfile

Bidding Process: What to Expect

Once the auction starts, you’ll see a list of available tax liens and properties on GovEase.

You can bid on multiple properties, and the platform allows for max bids—you set the maximum amount you’re willing to pay, and the system will auto-bid up to that amount for you.

The highest bid above the delinquent tax amount wins.

Winning bids must be paid by 5:00 pm CST on March 19, 2024, through GovEase, so have your payment method ready.

Pro-Bidder Tip: Set a budget and stick to it. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of bidding, but make sure you’re only bidding on properties that make financial sense.

Image Credit: https://govease.helpscoutdocs.com/article/108-alabama-pre-bidding

Before the Sale: Do Your Homework

Research, research, research—that’s the name of the game.

Start by getting a hold of the delinquent properties list, which is available through the Blount County Revenue Office.

The list will include details like parcel numbers, legal descriptions, and owner info.

Here’s what to look for:

Location and Property Value: Use parcel numbers to find the exact property and assess its value.
Condition and Use: Is the property zoned for residential, commercial, or agricultural use? Knowing this will help you decide if it fits your investment strategy.
Existing Liens or Claims: Make sure there aren’t any other liens, judgments, or claims that might affect your purchase.

Helpful Tip: Use online tools like Google Maps for location scouting and property records databases to verify details.

Image Credit: https://www.altags.com/blount_license/property.aspx

After the Sale: What Happens Next

If you win a bid, congrats! You’ll get a tax lien certificate, which outlines the purchase details and the amount of taxes, interest, fees, and penalties owed.

Remember, you’re now earning 12% interest per year on your investment, and the property owner has three years to redeem the lien.

If the property owner redeems the lien, you’ll get back your investment plus interest.

If not, you can start the foreclosure process and potentially acquire the property.

Pro Tip: Keep a close watch on the redemption status.

The county will notify you if the lien is redeemed, but it’s always good to stay proactive and informed.

Image Credit: https://govease.helpscoutdocs.com/article/109-alabama-live-bidding-and-reports

How to Conduct a Tax Lien Search in Blount County

The easiest way to search for tax liens in Blount County is through their official website.

You can use the parcel number to pull up details on a specific property, or just browse the full list.

Additionally, GovEase provides tools to help you search and filter properties based on your criteria.

Smart Search Tip: Look for properties that have the potential for high return on investment. Residential properties in growing areas can often offer great opportunities.

Image Credit: https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/property-tax/delinquent-search/

Finding the Official Blount County, AL Delinquent Properties List

The official delinquent properties list is your bread and butter.

It’s made available online by the Blount County Revenue Office, and it’s updated regularly to reflect which properties have outstanding taxes.

This list will give you all the info you need to start planning your bids.

Image Credit: https://www.altags.com/Blount_License/PropertyList.aspx

A Few Final Thoughts and Warnings

While tax lien investing can be lucrative, it’s important to approach it with caution.

Here are a few potential pitfalls to avoid:

Overbidding: Don’t let competition drive your bid too high. Always stick to your budget and only bid on liens with strong investment potential.
Skipping Due Diligence: This isn’t a game of chance. Always verify the property’s details, value, and condition.
Ignoring Redemption Periods: Remember, you might not see a quick return. Be prepared to hold onto your investment for up to three years.

Final Tip: Consult a real estate attorney or a knowledgeable investor before jumping in, especially if you’re new to tax lien investing.

The more informed you are, the better your chances of success.

Ready to Bid?

If you’re ready to get started, head over to GovEase and get registered.

Make sure you have all your ducks in a row—research, budget, and bidding strategy.

The Blount County tax lien sale can be a great opportunity, but like any investment, knowledge is power.

Pro Tip: You can certainly continue to research these tax liens the long way which is 100% free but very tedious and time-consuming, or you can use a high-quality research software such as Tax Sale Resources to get your time back!

Image Credit: Tax Sale Resources Homepage

They Provide:

Access To Upcoming Auctions
Access To Property Reports
Access To Over The Counter List Downloads
Access To Auction Raw List Downloads
And Much More!
Sign Up For A 7-Day Trial Today.

Finally, I believe the best way I’ve found to learn is by doing and “failing forward” as they say.

I bought my 1st investment property in 2020 during the middle of (you know what..cough..cough), and I had no clue what I was doing despite spending months researching how to invest in real estate.

But guess what? I did it.

And learned a ton of valuable lessons along the way!

So,If you’re truly interested in tax lien investing, consider subscribing to my newsletter and following along my journey from landlord to “leinlord” as a new tax lien investor.

As Leinlord grows, my goal is to provide a “behind the scenes” inside look at the tax lien auctions I participate in and thoroughly profile any properties that I win.

You’ll get to ride along with me as I walk through my risk analysis, deal structures, ROI calculations, bidding tactics, and exit strategies all documented for the world to see (even my L’s).

So please show your support and sign up for my newsletter OR if you are a Google Chrome user hit that “follow” button!

(screenshot instructions found on my about page:))

Additionally, if you’re interested in booking a consultation to talk tax lien strategy feel free to schedule a one on one here.

P.S. I am still fairly new to tax lien investing but willing to share what I’ve learned so far, so please keep that in mind before you book!

I’m not an expert… (yet)

Look forward to having you in the Leinlord community!

**Disclaimer

I am not a lawyer, financial advisor, or tax professional. This article is based on my personal research and experience as a tax lien investor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, or tax advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making any investment decisions or taking action related to tax liens. Laws and regulations vary by jurisdiction and can change over time, so verify all information independently. Investing in tax liens carries risks, and past performance does not guarantee future results.