Tax lien investing for beginners
Charisse Collier-Cooper
Investor and educator, TaxLiens.me
When I started investing in tax liens over a decade ago, I had the same doubts most people do. I thought investing was for people with a lot of money. It isn't.
When I teach that you can get started with as little as $50, I mean tax liens don't require a fortune to begin. It doesn't mean every lien is cheap. It means the door is open to everyday people.
Three principles I teach every beginner
1. You are buying a lien, not a house
A tax lien certificate is a claim on unpaid property taxes. You are not the homeowner, and you are not moving in. If the owner pays what they owe, the county pays you back with interest under that state's rules.
2. Research comes before any bid
Every county sets its own auction rules, so read them first. Then look up each parcel on the county assessor site and confirm the property is real and what you expect. I never bid blind, and you shouldn't either. Decide your maximum budget before bidding starts and stick to it.
3. Only invest money you can let sit
The owner decides when to pay, so you can't pick the date your money comes back. Use money you won't need for a while, and remember returns are never guaranteed.
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Educational content only. Not financial or legal advice. Tax liens carry risk, including loss of money.