I have heard and read conflicting opinions about tax sales where the property receives no bids at the day of sale here in Texas and is “struck off”. The statute i read says that the right of redemption is still in place and one web site I visited says that the right of redemption is no longer in effect. What are the rules and laws and when does the clock start ticking if there is a right of redemption.
Thank you,
Ted P. Stokely Jr
11505 Sw Oaks
Austin, Texas 78737
512-301-9171 home
512-587-6177 mobile tedstokely@austin.rr.com
I believe the short answer to your question is: it depends. Assuming that we are dealing with non-homestead, non agricultural property, the redemption period is six months. In some counties, tax-sale property that recieves “no-bid” is struck-off and a deed is recorded in the county’s favor. In practical terms, what this means is that the recording of the deed starts the redemption clock against the owner. Perhaps a hypothetical will help illustrate this point. Ted is delinquent on his property tax (non-homestead, non agricultural property) and his property is legally placed for sale on Jan. 6, 2004. There are no bids on the property. On January 9, 2004, a tax-sale deed is recorded on behalf of Bexar county. On August 9, 2004, Roger purchases the property at a Commissioner’s Resale. On August 10, 2004 a deed is recorded on Roger’s behalf. Ted’s right to redeem has lapsed and Roger takes free from redemption worries.
Thanks for your help on this. That was a very good illustration. It was a bit confusing especially the web site that I visited. They are wrong on the price on one property too. I am high bidder at 4300 and the mininum bid at the county is 43000. Hope I win. Can not wait to see if they ask for the funds + the 5% fee. Thanks for your help.
Good luck and thank you,
Ted P. Stokely Jr
11505 Sw Oaks
Austin, Texas 78737
512-301-9171 hom