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TAX FORECLOSURE SALES

 

What you should know.

Island County does not guarantee or provide warranty whatsoever on parcels sold at tax foreclosure sales. The County conveys the entirety of the interest, which it may legally transfer, unless otherwise noted.

Anyone considering purchase of property at a tax foreclosure sale should be aware of the risks and investigate a property carefully prior to the auction date.

Treasurer real property sales are BUYER BEWARE sales.  The parcels are offered on a "where is"; "as is" basis.  The County makes no representation of warranty, nor any guarantee of warranty, expressed or implied, as to the condition of title to any property, nor the physical condition of any property or its fitness for any use or purpose.

Treasurer's Deeds issued on parcels acquired in foreclosure sales DO NOT warrant clear title.  It is strongly recommended that the buyer view the property and make additional inquiries about concerns or questions that may arise.

Private property should not be entered without permission of the property owner.

What is Tax Foreclosure?

When real property taxes become three (3) years delinquent, the County Treasurer begins foreclosure action.

A Certificate of Delinquency is filed with the Superior Court listing the property accounts to be included in the foreclosure action.  Once the Certificate is filed, foreclosure costs are added to each parcel, which will accrue.

All parties with a recorded legal interest are notified and served by certified or registered mail.  A Notice of Summons is also published in the local newspapers, as required by law.

What is the redemption period on parcels in foreclosure?

The owner of the parcels or other parties with a recorded legal interest may redeem the property up to 4:30 p.m. (closing) on the day before the sale.

There is no right of redemption by owners or lien-holders on the day of the sale.  For further information or exceptions, contact the Tax Foreclosure Deputy. Contact Us

What are excess proceeds?

If a parcel is sold at a foreclosure sale in an amount greater than the minimum bid, the surplus monies (excess proceeds) can be claimed by the previous record title owner (the owner holding title on the day the Certificate of Delinquency was filed) provided that all water and sewer district liens have been satisfied.

REAL PROPERTY AUCTION PROCESS (Tax Foreclosure Sale)

NOTICE:  NEXT AUCTION TO BE HELD JANUARY 15, 2010

Beginning November 6,2009, the foreclosure minimum bid list will be available at Real Property Foreclosure Parcels.  You may also contact the Tax Foreclosure Deputy at Contact Us.

All bidders must be registered.  You may register for the tax sale prior to the sale beginning January 13, 2010 by contacting the Tax Foreclosure Deputy (Contact Us) or at 8:30 a.m. on January 15, 2010 before the auction begins.  No changes to the registration may be made after the sale.  There is no registration fee.  When you register, you will be provided a copy of the terms of sale.  You are required to read and sign the terms of sale before being issued a bidder number card.  You cannot bid without a cardThe auction will begin promptly at 9:00 a.m.  Please allow yourself plenty of time to register before the auction begins.  If you are not registered prior to 9:00 a.m., you may miss the opportunity to participate in all auction items.

Those wishing to bid must be present or have a representative present at the auction. 

The auctioneer will announce the minimum bid for each parcel.  To bid, you must hold up your issued bidder card and call out the bid amount.  Each parcel is sold to the highest bidder.

Payment requirements are as follows:  Cash, Cashier's Check, Money Order.  No other form of payment will be accepted.

Once a parcel is bid on and sold, the successful bidder must immediately step forward and pay in full.  No time is allowed for bidders to leave the sale to get funds and return.  Failure to make payment as required will trigger an immediate resale of the property to the previous bidder and the defaulting bidder will be excluded from further participation in the auction. Island County does not offer a financing program.

A Treasurer's Tax Deed will be issued within 30 days.

WHEN IS THE ISLAND COUNTY TAX FORECLOSURE SALE?

The Treasurer's real property auction will be held January 15, 2010 at 9:00 a.m.  (Registration begins on January 13, 2010 in the Treasurer's office or at 8:30 a.m. prior to the sale.)

WHERE WILL THE TAX FORECLOSURE SALE BE HELD?

Island County Commissioner's Hearing Room B102

1 NE 6th Street

Coupeville, WA 98239

 


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