First TuesdayTexas Foreclosure Sales
Under Texas Property Code §51.002, all foreclosure auctions take place on the first Tuesday of each month at county courthouses statewide. Here's everything you need to know to prepare for auction day.
Why Does Texas Use First Tuesday?
Texas Property Code §51.002(a) mandates that all foreclosure sales be conducted on the first Tuesday of the month. This was established to create a predictable, standardized process across all 254 Texas counties, benefiting both investors and homeowners.
Benefits for Investors
- • Predictable schedule for planning and preparation
- • Can attend multiple county auctions on the same day
- • Consistent process across all counties
- • Adequate time for due diligence between months
Benefits for Homeowners
- • Clear deadline creates urgency to find solutions
- • More bidders typically means higher sale price
- • Standardized process is easier to understand
- • Exact date known well in advance
January 1st Exception: If the first Tuesday of the month falls on January 1st (New Year's Day), the sale is held on the first Wednesday instead (January 2nd). This is the only exception to the First Tuesday rule.
2026 First Tuesday Auction Calendar
Plan your auction schedule for the entire year
All auctions held between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM at each county's designated courthouse location.
What Happens on Auction Day
A step-by-step guide to the First Tuesday experience
Arrive Early & Register
Get to the courthouse early. Some counties require registration. Review the posted auction list for any last-minute cancellations or postponements. Network with other investors.
Auction Begins
The trustee or sheriff begins calling properties. Each property is announced with its legal description and opening bid. The trustee reads the notice of sale for each property.
Bidding Process
Bidders call out their bids publicly. The trustee accepts the highest bid above the minimum. If no third-party bids, the property goes back to the lender. Have your cashier's checks ready.
Immediate Payment
Full payment is required immediately - cash or cashier's check. You'll receive a trustee's deed. Get it recorded at the county clerk's office the same day if possible.
Auction Closes
All sales must be completed by 4 PM. Any properties not sold by this time are postponed to the next First Tuesday. Secure any properties you purchased.
How to Prepare for First Tuesday
Research (Weeks Before)
- • Review posted Notice of Sale list
- • Drive by target properties
- • Run title searches for liens
- • Pull comparable sales data
- • Estimate repair costs from exterior
- • Calculate maximum bid using 70% rule
Financing (Days Before)
- • Obtain cashier's checks in multiple amounts
- • Bring checks in $1K, $5K, $10K, $50K denominations
- • Have backup funds available
- • Set firm maximum bids for each property
- • Write down your walk-away numbers
- • Factor in holding and repair costs
Auction Day (Morning Of)
- • Bring government-issued photo ID
- • Arrive 30+ minutes early
- • Check for postponements and cancellations
- • Register if required by county
- • Bring your property research folder
- • Have a bidding strategy and stick to it
County-Specific Auction Locations
Where to go on First Tuesday in major Texas counties
Dallas County
10:00 AM
George Allen Courts Building
600 Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75202
300-500 properties monthly, highest competition in DFW
Tarrant County
10:00 AM
Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center
401 W Belknap St, Fort Worth, TX 76196
250-400 properties monthly, mix of urban and suburban
Harris County
10:00 AM
Civil Courts Building
201 Caroline St, Houston, TX 77002
400-600+ properties monthly, largest volume in Texas
Collin County
10:00 AM
Collin County Courthouse
2100 Bloomdale Rd, McKinney, TX 75071
100-200 properties monthly, upscale suburban properties
Bexar County
10:00 AM
Bexar County Courthouse
100 Dolorosa St, San Antonio, TX 78205
200-350 properties monthly, growing investor market
Travis County
10:00 AM
Travis County Courthouse
1000 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78701
150-250 properties monthly, highest property values
Get Auction-Ready Property Reports Before Every First Tuesday
RoddyReport delivers complete property analysis, comparable sales, and investment scoring so you arrive at every First Tuesday fully prepared.
First Tuesday FAQs
What if the first Tuesday falls on a holiday?
The only exception is when the first Tuesday falls on January 1st (New Year's Day). In that case, the sale is held on the first Wednesday (January 2nd). For all other holidays, the auction proceeds as scheduled on the first Tuesday regardless.
Can I attend auctions in multiple counties on First Tuesday?
Since all counties hold auctions on the same day, you'll need to choose which county to attend in person. Some investors send partners or representatives to different counties. Nearby counties like Dallas and Collin sometimes have staggered start times, but you should confirm with each county.
What time should I arrive at the courthouse?
Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before the 10 AM start time. This gives you time to park, find the auction area, review the posted list for cancellations, and register if required. In high-volume counties like Harris and Dallas, arriving earlier is advisable.
What happens if a sale is postponed?
If a property sale is postponed (due to borrower filing bankruptcy, loan modification, or other reasons), it will be rescheduled for the next First Tuesday. Check the posted list on auction day for any last-minute postponements. RoddyReport tracks postponements and will notify you of any changes.
Do I need to pre-register for First Tuesday auctions?
Registration requirements vary by county. Some counties require you to register and show ID before bidding; others allow anyone to bid. Check with the county clerk or trustee conducting the sale in advance. Having government-issued photo ID is always required.