Jul 1, 2026Strategy7 min read
I Bought a Tax Lien in the Wrong County - Here is What It Cost Me
M
Marcus Cole
Tax lien investor since 2019
TL;DR
- →Not all counties pay 25%. Some cap at 12% or have 6-month redemption periods.
- →I bought in a county with 18-month redemption at 11% before I knew to check.
- →Thirty minutes of county research can mean 25% returns vs a break-even slog.
Audio narration by Marcus Cole
The County I Picked Was My First Mistake
When I started I assumed every county worked the same. My first county capped interest at 12%. The difference between 12% and 25% on $2,500 over two years is $650.
Redemption Periods Are Just as Varied
Texas gives two years. Some states give six months at lower rates. Always check before bidding.
My Three-Step County Research Process
Check the interest rate structure, redemption period, and foreclosure process. Use the State Comparator.
Marcus Field Notes
Call the county clerk before every new county. Ask about forms, fees, and the redemption process.
Keywords this article targets
tax lien county researchbest counties for tax lien investingtax lien interest ratestax lien redemptionhow to research tax lien counties
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