Homestead/Ag Redemption
2 Years
All Other Properties
180 Days
Year 1 Penalty
25%
Year 2 Penalty (homestead/ag)
50%
Texas holds monthly Sheriff's Sales (or Constable's Sales) on the first Tuesday of each month at county courthouses. The investor buys a deed — not a lien — at auction. But the former owner retains a right of redemption: homestead and agricultural properties have a 2-year window; all other properties have a 180-day window. The 25% penalty in year 1 applies to both property types; homestead/ag also carry a 50% penalty in year 2. Texas uses a judicial foreclosure process, meaning the deed issued is a deed-without-warranty.
| Property Type | Redemption Period | Year 1 Penalty | Year 2 Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homestead & Agricultural (includes mineral interests) | 2 Years | 25% | 50% |
| All Other (rental, commercial, industrial, vacant non-ag land) | 180 Days | 25% | N/A |
Property type classification is determined at the time the tax lawsuit was filed — not at auction. A property that was a homestead when foreclosure proceedings began retains its 2-year redemption period even if the owner has since moved out. Always verify property classification in county records before bidding.
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Written Statement required | Must certify no delinquent taxes in that county; ~$10 fee; valid 90 days; obtain separately for each county |
| Day-of registration | Some counties require pre-registration 1 week in advance (e.g., Bexar County) |
| Payment at auction | Cashier's check, money order, or cash; some counties require 5–10% deposit with balance due within 24 hours |
| Deed type | Sheriff's Deed (deed-without-warranty) — no guarantee of clear title |
| Deed delivery | Typically 3–5 weeks after auction |
| Improvements during redemption | Texas Tax Code § 34.21(i) limits investor recovery for improvements — avoid significant improvements until redemption expires |
| Penalty calculation base | Total invested (auction price + deed recording fee + subsequent taxes paid) — not just the auction bid |
| Quiet title | Typically required after redemption period expires to obtain insurable title |
Largest county in Texas by population. High volume, diverse property types. Written Statement required. Platform: RealAuction.com.
5% deposit of anticipated maximum bid required. Balance due within 24 hours. Deed delivered 3–5 weeks post-sale. Platform: auction.com.
Active DFW metro market. High competition on desirable residential. Tarrant County Courthouse. Confirm current procedures with Tax Office.
Pre-registration required 1 week prior — day-of registration no longer accepted. Must re-register each auction. 200 N. Comal, San Antonio.
Written Statement ($10, valid 90 days) required. Struck-off properties may be purchased through private process with county approval.
Austin's strong market drives competitive residential bidding. Confirm current format and registration with Travis County Tax Assessor-Collector office.
Because Texas tax foreclosure is a judicial process, the final judgment typically extinguishes most liens named and served in the lawsuit. A quiet title action through Texas district courts is typically required after the redemption period expires to obtain insurable title.