Can I purchase struck off properties?

Question

I’ve started dabbling in researching the purchase of tax delinquent properties. I’ve come across many that have been struck off to the taxing entity. These particular entities are Independent School Districts. Does this mean that the ISD now owns that property or can I still purchase the struck off property?

Wayne Brooks · Answer

E have those here too, called something different. Realize, the authority got them because Nobody was willing to pay the minimum due....so they are probably not a bargain.

Rick Pozos · Answer

Hey @Jerry Hodges you can make the county an offer. Full price is usually WAY too high. Well, it didn't sell at the auction, so you know its too high. Be sure to check out the details of the property. I have seen properties that are several acres, but it turns out that they are drainage ditches or easements( like driveways to a commercial property).

Bruce Lynn · Answer

@Jerry Hodges   Every entity is a little different.  Normally what I see is the struck off properties are not that interesting.   Lots in small towns where no one is building.   Properties they let sit too long so the minimum bids were too high for the property to make sense.  Properties that are unbuildable or unsellable....like maybe the lot is too small, or does not have enough road frontage.  Saw some lots down near San Antonio recently that had no water access.  Too small to build a well, water district is overwhelmed and won't install new meters....so lots are today worthless in my opinion.  I've seen plenty that are land locked.   Sometimes former gas stations and dry cleaners don't sell due to environmental hazard.   There can be exceptions, but they seem few and far between.  Sometimes things happen.  Also sometimes they will put them in a future sale.  I've seen some districts put them back at the minimum bid in the next 3 sales.  Then if they don't sell, they'll lower the price to something attractive and start the bidding there in the 4th sale.   Sometimes they don't put them up for resale until the redemption and contested period is over.

Hope you find a gem.

Jerry Hodges · Answer

I should clarify. To strike off a property to the taxing entity means that the tax delinquent property in question did not sell in the county auction. Therefore, possession of the property has been taken away from the owner and given to the taxing entity. Sometimes it could be the county itself or a school district.

Can I purchase struck off properties?

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