Tax Liens in SC Questions

[Valery Mora Kepley]

I am researching investing in tax liens in SC. I have a few questions that may be stupid, but some basic things I have a hard time with.

Most counties I've looked at have live auctions and require a cashiers check. How do I know in advance the amount I should have the check prepared for? I don't bank with an easily accessible bank.  Would I get it made out in excess of what I bid? Is there alternative payments?

How do I know if liens will be sold in lots or separately? 

Is there a way to access the liens that do not get sold after the auction? How do I do that?

I am looking at the coastal counties. Will there be liens to be bought, or do the big investors scoop them up?

It looks like most liens are redeemed with minimal work on the investor part. If the lien is not redeemed, is it easy to take control of the property? Do other lien holders have superior rights? If tenants exist, is there a big problem?

Thanks for reading!

[John Underwood]

You bring the cashiers check or cash for as much as you can spend. They will refund you the difference in about 2 weeks. You can also bring multiple checks and just return unused ones to your bank.

Liens on SC are always sold individually at least as far as I have ever seen.

Contact county about liens not sold at auction. They sell these in different manners.

You should be able to find deals in coastal counties on properties not near water.

If lien is not redeemed after 12 months the county will mail you the deed not extra effort on your part.

That is why SC is in the top 5 best states in the country to buy tax liens. But don't tell anyone!