How Online Auctions Changed Everything for Tax Deed Investing

For decades, tax deed sales in Texas and across the country followed a familiar ritual: auctions were held in person, often on the courthouse steps, with local investors and insiders bidding on distressed properties to settle unpaid taxes. The process favored those who could show up in person, had access to inside information, and knew how to navigate county politics. But in recent years, a dramatic shift has taken place: the rise of online tax deed auctions.

This transformation has opened up a new era of accessibility, scale, and transparency in tax deed investing. Let’s explore how online auctions have reshaped the landscape and how CORE Tax Deeds has adapted its strategy to lead in this new environment.

1. Leveling the Playing Field

Before online auctions, access to tax deed sales was limited. You had to be physically present, often in remote counties, and well-versed in local auction processes. Now, with platforms like RealAuction and Grant Street Group hosting sales online, any qualified bidder can participate from anywhere.

This democratization aligns perfectly with our Regulation Crowdfunding (Reg CF) mission: making high-yield real estate investing available to more people, not just institutional insiders.

2. Access to More Counties = More Opportunity

Texas has 254 counties, many of which now conduct auctions online. This means CORE Tax Deeds can monitor and participate in dozens of sales each month without the logistical limitations of in person bidding. We can evaluate hundreds of properties across the state, increasing our deal flow and reducing the pressure to overpay at any one auction.

For investors, this wider reach means a more diversified portfolio—both geographically and in property type.

3. Greater Transparency and Due Diligence

Online auctions have introduced a digital paper trail: property details, auction rules, bid histories, and final sale prices are now logged and accessible.

This increased transparency allows our team to:

• Analyze market behavior and bidding trends
• Perform deeper due diligence on properties
• Avoid overpaying due to lack of information

Combined with our proprietary valuation tools and boots on the ground inspection network, we can vet properties with more confidence than ever before.

4. Speed, Scale, and Strategy

Online auctions have shortened the lifecycle of opportunity. From noticing a distressed property to closing a deal can happen in days, not weeks.

CORE has adapted with:

• Streamlined acquisition protocols
• Remote bidding strategies
• Coordinated property research teams

This speed and efficiency allow us to seize more deals while maintaining our commitment to quality and risk management.

5. Better Exit Opportunities

Because online auctions attract broader attention, properties tend to resell faster post-acquisition. Whether we’re holding for redemption or reselling to en buyers, CORE benefits from a more active and accessible downstream market.

This liquidity and broader demand contribute to the fund’s overall return potential.

6. How Online Auctions Fit Into the CORE Model

At CORE Tax Deeds, online auctions are a central part of our sourcing strategy. Our team:

• Screens properties across dozens of counties
• Evaluates them using strict underwriting filters
• Bids remotely based on calculated value and upside

We combine digital access with real-world inspection and conservative financial models. That hybrid approach is key to identifying undervalued assets while managing risk.

7. What It Means for Investors

Online auctions have expanded the market. But that doesn’t mean every property is a good deal. The barrier to entry may be lower, but smart investing still requires:

• Experience
• Underwriting discipline
• Knowledge of legal frameworks

That’s why investors benefit from participating in a fund like CORE, where seasoned professionals navigate the auction landscape on their behalf.

Conclusion: A Digital Advantage in a Real Asset Market

The migration of tax deed auctions to online platforms has changed everything. It has opened doors, created efficiencies, and increased transparency. But it has also made the market more competitive and dynamic.

CORE Tax Deeds has embraced this evolution, developing a system that combines digital access with human judgment, on-the-ground verification, and a proven investment model. 

For investors, that means a smarter way to access high yield real estate opportunities in a rapidly changing environment.

To learn more about how we leverage online auctions and what it could mean for your portfolio, visit invest.coretaxdeeds.com.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. All investments carry risk. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investors should consult with a qualified advisor and carefully review offering documents before making any investment.