Before you put money into a property, three questions deserve a clear answer: What will it really cost? Can you carry out the exit? And what is left after every expense?
I published three short videos that walk through those decisions. Start with the one closest to the deal you are researching.
1. An opening bid is only the starting point
A hypothetical $20,000 opening bid does not tell you the winning price, repairs, title work, possession costs or carrying costs. Build the full budget before deciding what to pay.
Watch: A tax deed opening bid isn’t your total cost
2. Title problems can change the exit
Before a Florida tax-deed purchase, investigate potential surviving interests and ask the intended title insurer what it needs for your planned resale or financing. Price the likely legal work and delay.
Watch: Tax deed title problems can change your exit
3. A $100,000 price spread can leave $10,000
In this hypothetical example, a $200,000 purchase plus $50,000 in repairs, $5,000 purchase closing costs, $15,000 financing and holding, and $20,000 selling expenses totals $290,000. A $300,000 sale leaves $10,000 before income taxes and omitted costs.
Watch: The flip-profit calculation
A free checklist for your next research session
I also put together a one-page Florida Tax Deed Checklist covering the parcel, auction requirements, access, condition, title questions, costs and bid limit.
Get the free Before You Bid checklist
Hit reply: What is stopping you from buying your first or next investment property? Tell me whether it is finding a deal, financing, repair estimates, title research or something else. Your question will help me choose what to explain next.
— Yogi Ganeshram
Educational information. The examples are hypothetical. Confirm current county procedures and obtain property-specific legal, tax and title guidance where needed.