Ann Harris Bennett
Tax Assessor-Collector
All Tax Assessor-Collector Offices will be closed on March 29, 2024 in observance of Good Friday.
Harris County Tax Sales
Overview

The Harris County Delinquent Tax Sale is the monthly public auction of real estate for past due property taxes. The Tax Assessor-Collector’s office works in collaboration with the County Constable’s Office and collection attorneys to conduct the sale according to the Texas Property Tax Code. Properties are jointly selected for sale by representatives of the taxing units and their delinquent tax attorneys. This process enables the taxing jurisdictions of Harris County to recover lost revenues, increase both their receivables and the capacity to support various programs benefiting local residents.

The initial responsibilities of the Harris County Tax Office are to determine the amount of delinquent taxes due on each sale property and to handle the registration of bidders.

More details and other information relating to the Harris County Tax Sale is available in the General Information Flyer. Or by clicking on the blue Frequently Asked Questions button to the left.

Date and Time of Sale

The auction is conducted on the first Tuesday of each month at Bayou City Event Center, between 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Properties are auctioned off by the eight (8) Constables simultaneously, in the order published in the Daily Court Review.

There are three types of sales: 1) Execution Sale, 2) Tax Sales, and 3) Tax Resales

For maps and information on parking, click on the blue Date and Time of Sale button to the left.

Bidder Registration

Registration is required to participate in the Harris County Tax Sale and must be renewed annually. Bidders may pre-register online, by mail or in person at the Tax Sale. Bidders must have valid identification and must not owe any delinquent taxes on any property in Harris County.

Agents who will be bidding on behalf of another individual(s) or company must register each bidder-owner and be able to provide both a list of properties currently owned in Harris County and written authorization to represent the individual of company for whom they are bidding.

For information on requirements and registration, click on the blue Registration of Bidders button to the left.

Property Listings

The blue List of Sale Properties button to the left displays a list of properties available for sale. Please note that this listing may not represent all of the properties available on the date of the Tax Sale. Refer to the Frequently Asked Questions section for a list of other resources.

All properties offered through the Harris County Delinquent Tax Sale are sold on an “as is,” “where is,” “buyer beware” basis. As such, no warranties as to the condition of the property or title are offered. Thorough research prior to bidding is strongly advised, as all sales are final.

Purchasing Property

Property is sold to the highest bidder and full payment for the purchase is required immediately after the sale. Only cash and certified funds are accepted as payment. A receipt for the purchase payment is issued on the day of the sale and the deed is issued within 4-6 weeks. Click on the blue Purchasing Property button to the left for more detailed information.

Disclaimers and Cautions

All of the information on this website is published in good faith and for general information purposes only.

Neither the Harris County Tax Office, nor the taxing jurisdictions which it represents, make any warranties about the condition of the properties/title, completeness of the property listing or the accuracy of the information.

From our website, you can follow hyperlinks to visit other sites. While we strive to provide only links to useful and ethical websites, we have no control over the content and nature of these sites and the links to other websites do not imply a recommendation for all the content found on these sites.

Exercise due diligence by thoroughly researching each property before bidding. Any action you take on the information provided on our website is strictly at your own risk. We are not liable for any losses and/or damages in connection with the use of our website or the information provide therein.

Date and Time of Sales

Tax sales are held the first Tuesday of each month. Registration of bidders begins at 8:30 a.m. Sales must be held from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Each of the Constables conducts sales of properties in their precinct and the sales are most often held simultaneously.

Location

Bayou City Event Center
9401 Knight Road
Houston, TX 77045


Please note, the non-judicial foreclosure sale (Trustee Sale) normally held in a portion of the ballroom has been moved to the southern end of the Bayou City Event Center property under the Pavilion.

Click here for the traffic flow map for changes in entry and exit to/from the auction venue.
(Tax Sale Traffic Map)

Please plan on arriving early and allowing extra time for registration, validation, and safety checks before the auction start time.

Parking

Onsite parking

Onsite parking is available at the Bayou City Event Center. Please be advised that the lot fills quickly and is usually full by 9:30am.

$5.00 CASH ONLY fee will be charged. Bills larger than $20 will not be accepted.

Frequently Asked Questions
Registration of Bidders

As required by the Texas Property Tax Code Section 34.011, a bidder must register with the county Tax Assessor Collector in order to participate in the Constables’ tax sale of delinquent real properties. This registration must be renewed annually.

If you will be bidding on behalf of another individual(s) or company, you must register each bidder-owner. Each bidder-owner will be assigned a unique bidder ID number and Bidder Card, which serves as the Written Registration Statement.

Bidder registration is available online. Before you begin, please be sure to have all of the information listed in the Registration Requirements available. We encourage you to register online before the sale in order to expedite the registration process.

If you cannot register online, please bring your completed application to the Tax Sale to speed the registration process.

Registration Requirements
The following information is required to complete the bidder registration:
  1. Name and address of the bidder
  2. Valid, government-issued photo identification
  3. List of properties (real and business personal) you currently own in Harris County (if applicable)
  4. Written statement, certifying that there are no delinquent taxes owed to Harris County or any taxing units within the county. (This statement is included in the Bidder Registration Form.)
Agent - If bidding for another individual or company the following additional information is required:
  1. Name and address of the bidder
  2. Written authorization for representation of the individual or company on company letterhead
  3. Name and address of the represented entity
  4. List of properties (real and business personal) currently owned by the represented entity in Harris County (if applicable).

Registration is required prior to the Tax Sale.

Bidder Registration

You may also complete and print the Tax Sale Bidder Registration form from our website.

Already registered? Log-In

Post-Registration: You can pick up the Bidder Card from the Will Call station on the day of the Tax Sale. Please note, for verification purposes, you must present the photo ID that was used to register your online account.

Registration Renewal
You must renew your registration annually by completing and submitting a new Tax Sale Bidder Registration form.
  1. You can complete and print the Tax Sale Bidder Registration form from our website and send it by mail prior to the Tax Sale to: Harris County Tax-Collector P.O.Box 3746, Houston, Texas 77253-3746
  2. You may complete the form in person on the day of the sale at the Renewal table.
  3. You may also complete the registration online by clicking the button below and then following the Bidder Registration Renewal instructions.
  4. Want to renew your registration? Renew

Frequently Asked Questions
List of Sale Properties

Welcome to the Harris County Delinquent Tax Sale. The monthly public auctions of tax delinquent properties are conducted according to the Texas Property Tax Code. As a service to the public, we make every effort to provide accurate and updated status of the list of properties available for the sale.

Click for List of Sale properties

Tax Sale Property Listings

Though the list of properties is updated regularly, it may not reflect the most current and available properties available on the day of the tax sale. We encourage you to review additional sources for the complete listing. A publication of all properties set for sale can be purchased from Daily Court Review (www.dailycourtreview.com) or Foreclosure Listing Service. Also, the websites of delinquent tax attorneys Linebarger Goggan Blair and Sampson, at http://www.lgbs.com, or Perdue Brandon Fielder Collins & Mott, at www.pbfcm.com, contain lists of the properties set for tax sale by the taxing units they represent.

Frequently Asked Questions
Purchasing Property

Bidders are encouraged to research auction properties thoroughly before bidding, as all sales are final.

First Sale Prices

In order to purchase tax sale property at a first sale, the bidder must pay at least the minimum bid which is the total of all amounts due in the judgment (tax, penalty, interest and attorney fees) plus court cost, title search costs, constable fees, and posting and publication fees. The exact minimum bid is determined prior to the sale by the Constable conducting the sale and is announced at the sale. If taxes have accrued on the property for years after the time of the foreclosure judgment (i.e. “post judgment taxes”), the tax sale purchaser is also responsible for these taxes.

Bidding

Once you have registered with the Harris County Tax Assessor’s Office and obtained a bidder card, you are eligible to bid by raising your card in plain sight for the Constable to see at a certain bid price. The bidding begins at that minimum and the highest bidder wins the auction.

If no minimum bid is offered, the property will be struck-off to the posting jurisdiction and sold at a later date. Harris County properties may be offered at a later Constable sale for a lower minimum bid.

Purchasing

The winning bidder is expected to pay the purchase amount immediately at the end of that auction. The Constable will only accept cash or certified funds (cashier’s check) as payment for property purchased. If the payment is more than the winning bid, the Constable’s Office will issue a refund for the difference at a later date.

A receipt for the purchase payment is issued on the day of the Tax Sale. Then within 4-6 weeks, the Constable’s Office will issue the deed to the purchaser/bidder owner.

Note: There is no buyer’s financing option at the Harris County Tax Sale. The potential buyer will not be able to obtain a mortgage loan.

Redemption

Most properties sold at the Harris County Delinquent Tax Sale are subject to the defendant’s right of redemption – 2 years for residence homestead and 180 days for non-homesteaded properties.

To redeem the property, the defendant must either:

  1. contact the purchaser or
  2. complete a redemption affidavit form or
  3. submit a written/notarized statement of their wishes.

The redemption payment should then be submitted through the Tax Assessor-Collector’s office. For more information on purchasing property at Tax Sale, refer to Frequently Asked Questions.

Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

Q. Can the delinquent tax attorneys sell my property for unpaid taxes?

Yes. It is possible that property can be sold for delinquent taxes. A lawsuit for tax lien foreclosure can be filed and a judgment subsequently granted by the court. The attorneys, with the approval of the Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office, can then proceed with Tax Sale procedures.

Q. Who holds the Tax Sale?

Tax Sales are held by the eight Harris County Constables who are responsible for holding sales of property with delinquent taxes within their respective precincts.

Types of Auctions and Sales

Q. What is the difference between a Tax, Trustee, and Execution Auction?

Execution Auction:

  • The Constable conducts the sale pursuant to a court order on behalf of a private plaintiff.
  • The property is being sold for reasons other than delinquent property taxes.
  • The property will be listed in the Daily Court Review and other foreclosure publication services.

Tax Auction:

  • The Constable conducts the sale on behalf of the taxing entities.
  • The property is being foreclosed on for delinquent property taxes.
  • The property will be listed in the Daily Court Review and other foreclosure publication services.

Trustee Auction:

  • The Trustee conducts the sale on behalf of a lender.
  • Trustee auctions, while held at the same time and place as delinquent Tax Auctions, are not conducted by Harris County. Trustees are hired by the lienholder to legally foreclose on the mortgagor/debtor.

Q. How do I know if a property will be offered in the Tax Auction or the Trustee Auction?

A property will be offered for sale by a Constable at a Tax Auction if there are delinquent property taxes owed that were taken to judgment.

A property will be offered for sale by a Trustee at a Trustee Auction if the Trustee (represents lienholder) forecloses on a deed of trust.

Note: You do not need to register with the Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office to bid at the Trustee Auction. You may, however, need to register with the trustee.

Q. What is the difference between a sale and a resale?

A sale is for a property that is being offered for the first time. When a property does not receive at least the minimum bid at a first Tax Sale, it may be “struck off” to the taxing entity that initiated the sale. A new deed is filed, reflecting the change in ownership to the posting jurisdiction. Usually, the property is posted for resale at a later date.

Date, Time and Location

Q. When and where are Tax Sales held?

  • When: 1st Tuesday of each month
  • Where: Bayou City Event Center
  • 9401 Knight Road
  • Houston, TX 77045
  • Hours: Registration begins 8:30 am. Sales are conducted from 10 am - 4 pm.

Parking and Transportation

Q. Is onsite parking available?

Yes. Onsite parking is available at the Bayou City Event Center. Please be advised, however, that the lot fills quickly and is usually full by 9:30am.

Effective August 2, 2016, there is a $5.00 CASH ONLY fee. Bills larger than $20 will not be accepted.

Bidder Registration

Q. How do I register to bid on a Tax Sale?

All bidders must register with the Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office prior to placing a bid. Registration is free.You may register online, in person or by mail.

  • Online at www.hctax.net: Select Property Tax, then Delinquent Property Tax Sales. Click on the blue Registration of Bidders button, then click on Register to enter and submit your information. Those who register online will receive an email confirmation and may create and maintain a profile for future use.
  • In person: Complete and submit the Tax Sale Bidder Registration form at the registration table on the day of the Tax Sale.
  • By mail: Complete and then print the Tax Sale Bidder Registration form from the FORMS section of our website. Mail to: P.O. Box 3746, Houston, Texas 77253-3746.

Q. What information is required for registration?

The following information is required to complete the bidder registration application process:

  • Completed Tax Sale Bidder Registration form with signature, certifying that there are no delinquent taxes owed to Harris County or any taxing units within the county
  • Valid, government-issued photo identification
  • List of properties (real and business personal) you currently own in Harris County (if applicable)

Q. Can I bid on behalf of another party?

Yes. Agents are allowed to represent a bidder at the sale provided they have identification and written authorization for representation of the individual or company on company letterhead.

If you will be bidding on behalf of another individual(s) or company, you must register separately for each buyer whom you represent and provide the following:

  • Name and address of the bidder
  • Name and address of the represented entity
  • Written proof of authorization on company letterhead in order to bid for that person or company
  • List of properties (real and business personal) currently owned by the represented entity in Harris  County (if applicable)

Auction Property Information

Q. Where can I find a list of the properties to be included in a Tax Sale?

Properties being sold by the constables, as a tax foreclosure or writ of execution, are posted as follows:

  • In the Daily Court Review publication – tax delinquent properties and executions
  • On a bulletin board at the Family Law Center
  • At Bayou City Event Center on the day of the sale – (tax properties and executions)
  • By Foreclosure Listing Service companies – trustee properties and sales results

For the taxing jurisdictions they represent, the following law firms also post properties being sold for delinquent taxes on their websites:

Q. Where can I find information about properties to be sold?

The following websites contain information on delinquent properties to be sold at Tax Sale:

The buyer should exercise due diligence in investigating the properties in which they are interested, both as to the physical condition of the property as well as any title issues and legal encumbrances, etc.

The property may be subject to other liens or encumbrances that are not cleared by the sale of the property. This may include other tax liens and judgments not included in the sale. The purchaser is also responsible for taxes accrued after the date of judgment.

Q. How can I find out within which precinct a property is located?

There are a few ways to locate a property within a Constable Precinct:

  • Search tool: www.harriscountytx.gov/constables.aspx
  • Daily Court Review: publication and other foreclosure publication services
  • If you know the Law Firm that is administering the sale, you can visit its website:

Q. What if a property has a “0” address?

Property addresses are taken from the Harris Central Appraisal District records and in some cases, no address has been assigned to a vacant property. However, the property location can be determined by researching the account details available from the Harris Central Appraisal District at: www.hcad.org.

Q. Why was a property sale canceled?

A property can be canceled for a number of reasons, the most common of which is that the delinquent taxes have been paid. If a property has been canceled, it will not be offered for sale at auction, but could come up at a later date if it was canceled for another reason other than paid.

Q. Can a property be canceled on the day of the auction?

Yes. A property can be canceled at any time before it comes up for auction.

Purchasing Property

Bidding

Q. How is the minimum bid determined?

In order to purchase Tax Sale property at a first sale, the bidder must pay at least the statutory minimum bid, which is set at the lower of:

  • judgment value – value of the property at the time the judgment is taken
  • the total of all amounts awarded in the judgment, including costs of suit and sale

The minimum bid is determined prior to the sale by the Constable and is announced at the sale. If taxes have accrued on the property for years after the date of the foreclosure judgment (“post-judgment taxes”), the Tax Sale purchaser is responsible for those taxes. Post-judgment taxes are paid at the Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office – not at the post-judgment sale.

Q. What if no minimum bid is received at the Tax Sale?

If no minimum bid is offered, the property will be struck-off to the posting jurisdiction and sold at a later date. Harris  County properties may be offered at a later Constable sale for a lower minimum bid.

Q. How do I bid on a property?

Once you have registered with the Harris County Tax Assessor’s Office and obtained a bidder card, you are eligible to bid by raising your card in plain sight for the Constable to see at a certain bid price.

Q. Can I bid on multiple properties?

Yes

Q. Can I bid in multiple precincts?

Yes

Q. What does it mean to purchase the property “as is”?

In Harris County, and in the State of Texas, the taxing units have no liability or responsibility for the condition of the properties or the title of the properties that are posted for public sale. The successful  bidder purchases the property “as is;” meaning that each purchaser is responsible to do their own

investigation of the properties being offered for sale, both as to the physical condition of the property, as well as any title issues, etc.

The property is subject to any other liens or encumbrances that are not cleared from the sale of the property. This may include other tax liens and judgments not included in the sale. There are no expressed or

implied warranties. The purchaser has no recourse against the taxing jurisdiction(s).

Q. How and when do you pay for property that is purchased at a Tax Sale?

You must pay for the property at the time of sale. Only cash or certified funds (cashier’s checks) are accepted. Certified checks should be made payable to the selling Constable precinct. Alternatively, certified checks may be made payable to the buyer, and then endorsed over to the selling Constable precinct.

Q. Can I go to the bank for money and come back to pay?

No. You must pay for the property at the time of sale. The County may pursue legal actions for non-payment or rescission of a winning bid.

Q. What type of document is issued when I purchase a property?

A receipt will be issued on the day of the sale. The successful bidder on a property will be issued a Constable’s Deed within 4 to 6 weeks after the auction date. The name indicated below the Registrant’s Name on your bidder card will be the name appearing on the new Constable’s Deed.

Q. Will I be refunded any amount I pay over the winning bid amount?

Yes. If the payment is more than the winning bid, the Constable’s Office will issue a refund for the difference. The refund will be made at a later date.

Q. Can I return the property I purchased at auction?

The officers who conduct Tax Sales regard all sales as final and not subject to rescission due to mistake or dissatisfaction with the property. The County may pursue damages against a bidder who rescinds on a purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

Q. Can the delinquent tax attorneys sell my property for unpaid taxes?

Yes. It is possible that property can be sold for delinquent taxes. A lawsuit for tax lien foreclosure can be filed and a judgment subsequently granted by the court. The attorneys, with the approval of the Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office, can then proceed with Tax Sale procedures.

Q. Who holds the Tax Sale?

Tax Sales are held by the eight Harris County Constables who are responsible for holding sales of property with delinquent taxes within their respective precincts.

Types of Auctions and Sales

Q. What is the difference between a Tax, Trustee, and Execution Auction?

Tax Auction:

  • The Constable conducts the sale on behalf of the taxing entities.
  • The property is being foreclosed on for delinquent property taxes.
  • The property will be listed in the Daily Court Review and other foreclosure publication services.

Trustee Auction:

  • The Trustee conducts the sale on behalf of a lender.
  • Trustee auctions, while held at the same time and place as delinquent Tax Auctions, are not conducted by Harris County. Trustees are hired by the lienholder to legally foreclose on the mortgagor/debtor.

Execution Auction:

  • The Constable conducts the sale pursuant to a court order on behalf of a private plaintiff.
  • The property is being sold for reasons other than delinquent property taxes.
  • The property will be listed in the Daily Court Review and other foreclosure publication services.

Q. How do I know if a property will be offered in the Tax Auction or the Trustee Auction?

A property will be offered for sale by a Constable at a Tax Auction if there are delinquent property taxes owed that were taken to judgment.

A property will be offered for sale by a Trustee at a Trustee Auction if the Trustee (who represents lienholder) forecloses on a deed of trust.

Note: You do not need to register with the Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office to bid at the Trustee Auction. You may, however, need to register with the trustee.

Q. What is the difference between a sale and a resale?

A sale is for a property that is being offered for the first time. When a property does not receive at least the minimum bid at a first Tax Sale,it may be posted for resale at a later date, typically at a lower minimum bid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Date, Time and Location

Q. When and where are Tax Sales held?

  • When: 1st Tuesday of each month
  • Where:
  • Bayou City Event Center
  • 9401 Knight Road
  • Houston, TX 77045
  • Hours: Registration begins 8:30 am. Sales are conducted from 10 am - 4 pm.

Parking and Transportation

Q. Is onsite parking available?

Yes. Onsite parking is available at the Bayou City Event Center. Please be advised, however, that the lot fills quickly and is usually full by 9:30am.

There is a $5.00 CASH ONLY fee. Bills larger than $20 will not be accepted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bidder Registration

Q. How do I register to bid on a Tax Sale?

All bidders must register with the Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office prior to placing a bid. Registration is free.You may register online, in person or by mail.

  • Online at www.hctax.net: Select Property Tax, then Delinquent Property Tax Sales. Click on the blue Registration of Bidders button, then click on Register to enter and submit your information. Those who register online will receive an email confirmation and may create and maintain a profile for future use.
  • In person: Complete and submit the Tax Sale Bidder Registration form at the registration table on the day of the Tax Sale.
  • By mail: Complete and then print the Tax Sale Bidder Registration form from the FORMS section of our website. Mail to: P.O. Box 3746, Houston, Texas 77253-3746.

Before you begin, please be sure to have all of the required information available. We encourage you to register online before the sale in order to expedite the registration process.

Q. What information is required for registration?

The following information is required to complete the bidder registration application process:

  • Completed Tax Sale Bidder Registration form with signature, certifying that there are no delinquent taxes owed to Harris County or any taxing units within the county
  • Valid, government-issued photo identification
  • List of properties (real and business personal) you currently own in Harris County

Q. Can I bid on behalf of another party?

Yes. Agents are allowed to represent a bidder at the sale provided they have identification and written authorization for representation of the individual or company on company letterhead.

If you will be bidding on behalf of another individual(s) or company, you must register separately for each buyer whom you represent and provide the following:

  • Name and address of the bidder
  • Name and address of the represented entity
  • Written proof of authorization on company letterhead in order to bid for that person or company
  • List of properties (real and business personal) currently owned by the represented entity in Harris  County (if applicable)
Frequently Asked Questions

Auction Property Information

Q. Where can I find a list of the properties to be included in a Tax Sale?

There are various publications available. In addition to this website, properties being sold by the Constables, as a tax foreclosure or writ of execution, are posted as follows:

  • In the Daily Court Review publication – tax delinquent properties and executions
  • On a bulletin board at the Family Law Center
  • At Bayou City Event Center on the day of the sale – (tax properties and executions)
  • By Foreclosure Listing Service companies – trustee properties and sales results

The following websites contain information on delinquent properties to be sold at Tax Sale:

For the taxing jurisdictions they represent, the following law firms also post properties being sold for delinquent taxes on their websites:

The buyer should exercise due diligence in investigating the properties in which they are interested, both as to the physical condition of the property as well as any title issues and legal encumbrances, etc. The property may be subject to other liens or encumbrances that are not cleared by the sale of the property. This may include other tax liens and judgments not included in the sale. The purchaser is also responsible for taxes accrued after the date of judgment.

Q. How can I find out within which precinct a property is located?

There are a few ways to locate a property within a Constable Precinct:

  • If you know the Law Firm that is administering the sale, you can visit its website:
  • Search tool: www.harriscountytx.gov/constables.aspx
  • Daily Court Review: publication and other foreclosure publication services

Q. What if a property has a “0” address?

Property addresses are taken from the Harris Central Appraisal District records and in some cases, no address has been assigned to a vacant property. However, the property location can be determined by researching the account details available from the Harris Central Appraisal District at: www.hcad.org.

Q. Why was a property sale canceled?

A property can be canceled for a number of reasons, the most common of which is that the delinquent taxes have been paid. If a property has been canceled, it will not be offered for sale at auction, but could come up at a later date if it was canceled for another reason other than having been paid.

Q. Can a property be canceled on the day of the auction?

Yes. A property can be canceled at any time before it comes up for auction.

Bidding

Q. How is the minimum bid determined?

In order to purchase Tax Sale property at a first sale, the bidder must pay at least the statutory minimum bid, which is set at the lower of:

  • judgment value – value of the property at the time the judgment is taken
  • the total of all amounts awarded in the judgment, including costs of suit and sale

The minimum bid is determined prior to the sale by the Constable and is announced at the sale. If taxes have accrued on the property for years after the date of the foreclosure judgment (“post-judgment taxes”), the Tax Sale purchaser is responsible for those taxes. Post-judgment taxes are paid at the Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office – not at the Tax sale.

Q. What if no minimum bid is received at the Tax Sale?

If no bidder offers the minimum bid, the property will be struck-off to the posting jurisdiction and offered for resale at a later for a lesser minimum bid.

Q. How do I bid on a property?

Once you have registered and obtained a Written Registration Statement (bidder card), you are eligible to bid by raising your bidder card in plain sight for the Constable to see at a certain bid price.

Q. Can I bid on multiple properties?

Yes

Q. Can I bid in multiple precincts?

Yes

Frequently Asked Questions

Purchasing Property

Q. What does it mean to purchase the property “as is”?

In Harris County, and in the State of Texas, the taxing units have no liability or responsibility for the condition of the properties or the title of the properties that are posted for public sale. The successful  bidder purchases the property “as is;” meaning that each purchaser is responsible to do their own investigation of the properties being offered for sale, both as to the physical condition of the property, as well as any title issues, etc.

The property is subject to any other liens or encumbrances that are not cleared from the sale of the property. This may include other tax liens and judgments not included in the sale. There are no expressed or implied warranties. The purchaser has no recourse against the taxing jurisdiction(s).

Q. How and when do you pay for property that is purchased at a Tax Sale?

You must pay for the property at the time of sale. Only cash or certified funds (cashier’s checks) are accepted. Certified checks should be made payable to the selling Constable precinct. Alternatively, certified checks may be made payable to the buyer, and then endorsed over to the selling Constable precinct.

Q. Can I go to the bank for money and come back to pay?

No. You must pay for the property at the time of sale. The County may pursue legal actions for failure to comply with a successful bid.

Q. What type of document is issued when I purchase a property?

A receipt will be issued on the day of the sale. The successful bidder on a property will be issued a Constable’s Deed within 4 to 6 weeks after the auction date. The name indicated below the Registrant’s Name on your bidder card will be the name appearing on the new Constable’s Deed.

Q. Will I be refunded any amount I pay over the winning bid amount?

Yes. If the payment is more than the winning bid, the Constable’s Office will issue a refund for the difference. The refund will be made at a later date.

Q. Can I return the property I purchased at auction?

No. The officers who conduct Tax Sales regard all sales as final and not subject to rescission due to mistake or dissatisfaction with the property. The County may pursue damages against a bidder who fails to comply with a successful bid.

Q. Can the former owner get the property back after it is purchased?

Most properties sold at the Harris County Delinquent Tax Sale are subject to the defendant’s right of redemption – 2 years for residence homestead and 180 days for non-homesteaded properties.

Floodplain 101

What Every Bidder Should Know Before Bidding on a Property in the Flood Plain

The Harris County Engineering Department and City of Houston Floodplain Management have compiled pertinent information and helpful links to assist bidders in understanding potential issues with sites located within the floodplain.

Topics include:

  • How to Determine the Floodplain Status of a Property
  • What Jurisdiction the Property Lies Within
  • Floodplain Management Rules for Unincorporated Harris County

If you are unsure of the potential additional challenges that go along with purchasing property in the floodplain, click on the link below for additional information.

Floodplain 101 Presentation