How to Find VA/Tax Sales

Question

Hi BP,

I'm a new investor and I'm interested in how to find these deals. Can you find these deals on the MLS or can you go to the county steps and get a list of them? Any help on this topic would be much appreciated. Thank You!

Bruce Lynn · Answer

VA sales and tax sales will be very different.

You might look at the VA website or check with your local VA office to see where they have a link.  The link I had from years ago does not work any more.  http://www.vba.va.gov    You might look around on there and see if they have moved the page.  Around me VA foreclosures are very rare any more, but might be different in different parts of the country.

Tax sales you should go or call your local property tax office or appraisal district and see if they have a list, when the sales are, or where you can get a list.  Don't be afraid to call several times if you get a "no".  Not everyone knows at these offices who is responsible or how to get the list in my experience.   I normally do not see these posted on county websites, but depends on the county, some do, some don't.  Also you might check with the legal ads editor at your local newspaper.

A realtor can also help you with post foreclosure or REO properties.    Just depends on if you plan to buy with cash or financing.  Buying on the courthouse steps you normally need cash.  If you need financing, you probably want to buy REOs which are the bank owned properties after the foreclosure sale.