Carter County, TN Tax Sales: How to Buy Properties at Auction

Tax sales in Carter County, Tennessee, allow the county to recover unpaid property taxes by auctioning off tax-delinquent properties. Buyers can find great investment opportunities, but they must understand the process before bidding.

How Carter County Tax Sales Work

Carter County conducts tax sales online through GovEase, an auction platform for tax-delinquent properties. These auctions give bidders a chance to acquire properties at the amount owed or higher.

Key Details of the Auction Process

1. Online Auctions – All tax sales take place on GovEase.Auction Calendar – The county schedules auctions throughout the year.
2. Check out our Auction Calendar for scheduled auctions
3. Property Listings – A list of available properties is published about 30 days before the auction on GovEase.
4. Starting Bids – Bidding starts at the total amount owed, including taxes, interest, and court fees.
5. Open Bidding – Participants can place bids until the auction ends. The highest bidder wins, unless the court rejects the sale.

How to Participate in Carter County Tax Sales

1. Register on GovEase

• Sign up and complete identity verification.

• Add a valid payment method.

2. Review the Property Listings

• Check the auction site for available properties.

• Verify tax records and ownership details.

• Visit the property’s location if possible.

3. Understand the Auction Rules

• Read Carter County’s tax sale guidelines to avoid mistakes.

• Know the redemption period and other key details.

4. Place Bids Online

• Use GovEase to submit bids.

• Increase your bid if necessary to stay competitive.

5. Pay Immediately After Winning

• The full payment is due by the next business day.

• Accepted payment methods depend on GovEase policies.

6. Await Court Approval

• The Chancery Court must approve all sales.

• This process takes 30 to 45 days.

7. Monitor the Redemption Period

• The original owner can reclaim the property by paying all overdue amounts.

• If the owner redeems, the buyer receives a refund.

8. Receive the Tax Deed

1. If the redemption period passes without payment, the buyer gets the tax deed.

• The property officially transfers to the new owner.

Understanding Redemption Rights

1. Previous Owners Can Reclaim Their Property – They must pay all owed taxes, interest, and fees.
2. Redemption Time Varies – The timeframe dependson how long the taxes have been overdue.
3. Buyers Must Wait to Take Possession – The property cannot be occupied until the redemption period ends.

Important Things to Know Before Bidding

1. All Sales Are Final

• Carter County does not offer refunds once a bid is placed.

2. Properties Sell ‘As-Is’

• The county does not guarantee the condition of the property or its title.

3. Some Properties Have Liens

• Unpaid debts, mortgages, or other liens may still exist.

• Buyers should research title records before bidding.

4. Additional Costs May Apply

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

5. Eviction Might Be Necessary

• If a property is occupied, the new owner must follow legal steps to remove tenants.

6. Title Insurance Can Be Complicated

• Many tax-sale properties require a quiet title action before obtaining a clear title.

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! 

Get Ready for the Next Auction

Browse our auction calendar for upcoming sales and get ready to bid. Have questions or need expert advice? Book a call with us today. Plus, explore our free resources to gain the knowledge you need for smart, successful investments. Start now and secure your next deal!

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