Investing guides / Washington
Washington tax sale investing: buy the property itself at the county sale
How it works in Washington
In Washington the county sells the property itself at a tax deed auction. Win the bid and the deed is yours — along with the due diligence burden, because sales are as-is and buyer beware.
Interest / penalty: n/a
Redemption: No post-sale redemption. Owner may redeem until close of business on the day before the foreclosure sale (RCW 84.64.060/.070). Exceptions: minors and legally incompetent persons may redeem within 3 years after sale (RCW 84.64.070), and IRS liens carry a 120-day redemption. Foreclosure begins after taxes are 3 years delinquent (RCW 84.64.050).
When sales happen: Annual county judicial foreclosure sales, typically in fall/winter — many counties in November-December
Where sales run: Bid4Assets (dominant for county foreclosure and tax-title sales), Public Surplus (some counties / tax-title sales), County treasurer pages
Governing law: Revised Code of Washington Chapter 84.64 (RCW 84.64.050, 84.64.060, 84.64.070, 84.64.080; electronic sales RCW 84.64.225)
The investor's edge
Your edge is the max bid: value the property from county records and recent sales, subtract title-clearing and repair reality, and write the number down before the auction opens.
Judicial foreclosure state: the treasurer files a certificate of delinquency in superior court, so timelines and sale dates are court-driven and vary by county. Delinquent interest (9%/yr for 1-4 unit residential, 12% otherwise) accrues to the county, not a lien buyer; minimum bid covers taxes, interest, penalties and foreclosure costs.
Never check Washington county lists by hand again
LienToDeed watches the published lists and texts you the moment new Washington properties are listed — scored, with your max number. Free calendar and laws for every state.
Full legal reference: Washington tax sale laws. Verified 2026-10-30 against the sources on that page. Educational only, not investment advice.