Maybe the intense competition and split-second decisions inherent to an auction make you nervous. Maybe you don't have the time or the extra gas money to travel to an out-of-state sale. Or maybe all the auctions you've attended lately haven't been offering the type of properties you typically invest in. Whatever your reasons, if you'd rather forego the auction, over-the-counter tax liens are an option worth exploring. At any tax lien auction, there is a finite amount of time in which to sell the properties. When the time limit expires, any unsold properties become "leftovers." And the county government does not want to remain burdened with these leftovers. This is where the sale of over-the-counter tax liens comes in.

If you'd like to participate in these over-the-counter sales, you'll need to get in contact with the county you're interested in. The county will then provide you with a complete registry of available tax liens for you to peruse and purchase from as you please, at your own pace. There's no bidding, no competition. Once you purchase a lien, the maximum statuary rate is applied. No one willing to accept a lower interest rate can snatch the property from you. This means more money for you. If you know how to complete a transaction, you can participate in over-the-counter tax lien sales.

The Pros

Over-the-counter tax liens completely eliminate travel-and all the expenses it entails-- from the picture. You save money on gas, plane tickets, restaurant stops, et al. This increases your profits overall. You can make great money from the comfort of your home by purchasing tax liens via the mail or the internet.

The Cons

The obvious disadvantage to over-the-counter tax liens: these are the properties that were overlooked or unwanted. If you're a knowledgeable investor who knows the difference between a bargain and a train wreck, you may just stumble upon a diamond in the rough. But don't count on finding the deal of a lifetime among this type of inventory. Consider over-the-counter tax liens as a strategy for diversifying your portfolio and giving you access to properties you may not have considered investing in at an auction.

Brent Crouch is the owner of TaxLienProperties.net. He has dedicated this site to revealing how to buy tax liens over the counter and other resources dedicated to investing in tax lien property.
http://www.taxlienproperties.net/articles/buy-tax-lien-certificates-online.htm