Blount County, TN Tax Sales: Your Complete Guide to Buying Properties at Auction

Blount County, Tennessee, holds tax sales to recover unpaid property taxes. When property owners don’t pay, the county auctions off their properties to collect the owed taxes. If you’re thinking about bidding, here’s everything you need to know.

How Blount County Tax Sales Work

Blount County conducts in-person tax auctions at the courthouse. Buyers can bid on properties with unpaid taxes and potentially purchase them for the amount owed or more. Check out our Auction Calendar for scheduled auctions

Key Auction Details

1. In-Person Auctions Only – All sales take place at the Blount County Courthouse.
2. Property Listings – The Clerk and Master’s website and local newspapers publish available properties at least 30 days before the auction.
3. Starting Bids – Bidding starts at the total amount owed, including taxes, interest, and court fees.
4. Live Bidding – The highest bidder wins, but the court must approve the sale before it’s final.
5. Immediate Payment Required – The winning bidder must pay in full on the same day.

How to Participate in Blount County Tax Sales

1. Review Property Listings

• Find listings in local newspapers and on the Clerk and Master’s website.

• Research tax records, liens, and property conditions.

2. Attend the Auction in Person

• Arrive at the Blount County Courthouse on auction day.

• Bring valid identification and any required deposit.

3. Register to Bid

• Sign up before the auction starts at the courthouse.

• The county may require a deposit to participate.

4. Start Bidding

• Compete in a live auction against other buyers.

• Bids must meet or exceed the starting bid amount.

5. Pay in Full If You Win

• Winning bidders must pay the full amount immediately.

• Accepted payment methods: cash, money order, cashier’s check, or personal check with bank verification.

6. Wait for Court Approval

• The Chancellor must sign the Order Confirming Sale before the purchase is final.

7. Monitor the Redemption Period

• The original owner has up to one year to reclaim the property by paying all overdue amounts, including penalties and fees.

• If the owner redeems, the winning bidder gets a refund.

8. Receive the Tax Deed

• If the property is not redeemed, the winning bidder gets a tax deed after the redemption period ends.

What Happens After Winning a Property?

1. Complete Payment Immediately

• Failure to pay cancels the sale, and the property goes back to auction.

2. The Redemption Period Still Applies

• The previous owner can reclaim the property by paying all back taxes, interest, and court fees.

3. Possession Takes Time

• Buyers must wait until the redemption period expires to take full control.

4. Legal Steps May Be Required

• Some properties require a quiet title action to clear ownership.

5. Evictions May Be Necessary

• If a property is occupied, buyers must follow legal eviction procedures.

6. Title Insurance May Require Additional Steps

• Many tax-sale properties need further legal work before securing title insurance.

7. Property Responsibilities Begin

• Once the redemption period ends, buyers must pay future taxes and maintain the property.

Important Things to Know Before Bidding

1. All Sales Are Final

• Blount County does not offer refunds or cancel sales after bidding.

2. Properties Sell ‘As-Is’

• The county does not guarantee property condition, title status, or access.

3. Some Properties Have Liens

• Outstanding debts beyond unpaid taxes may exist.

• Buyers should research title records before bidding.

4. Additional Costs May Apply

• Buyers may have to cover legal fees, court costs, and title clearing expenses.

5. Thorough Research is Essential

• Verify ownership records, property conditions, and legal status before placing a bid.

6. Winning a Property Doesn’t Mean Immediate Ownership

• The redemption period must pass before buyers gain full control.

7. Legal Assistance is Recommended

• Consulting an attorney can help buyers handle title issues and legal requirements.

Useful Links

• Auction Calendar
• Why Tennessee Tax Sales Are a Smart Investment Choice
• Let’s talk about redeemable tax deeds and how you can profit from them!
• Discover Tax Deeds and how you can find property for as little as $50! 

Prepare for the Next Auction

Stay ahead in tax sales! View our auction calendar and plan your next move. Got questions? Schedule a call and tap into expert advice. Plus, access our free resources for smart investing tips!

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