Delinquent Tax Sale Information

  • When is the sale?

    • The first sale will take place at 1:00 p.m. on February 1, 2022 on the first floor of the courthouse.  All properties will be offered during the first sale.
    • If there are any left-over properties that were not sold in the first sale, they will be offered again under the same terms and conditions in a second sale.  The second sale will be at the same place, at 1:00 p.m. on February 15, 2022.

  • What if a property does not sell in the second sale?

    • If there are any left-over properties after the second sale, they will be included in the auditor's sale.  These sales are rare and do not have fixed time frames.

  • Can I purchase a property on the sale privately?

    • No.  Legally, all properties must be auctioned to the public.

  • Do I have to register for the sale?

    • No, anyone can attend and bid at the sale with no registration required.

  • If I win a bid, do I have to pay the entire owed amount the day of the sale?

    • No.  You must pay the minimum bid the day of the sale.  You will have 30 days to pay off the rest of what you owe.

  • What is a minimum bid, and where can I find it?

    • A minimum bid is the delinquent taxes amount totaled with the lawsuit court costs. This amount is enough to cover the delinquency of the home, and pay back the cost the lawsuit has accrued. If the tax amount is higher than the market value of the home, according to the auditors’ records, then the minimum bid is based off the market value.
    • Each minimum bid can be found in the Tax Sale Ad. You can also call (740) 373 – 6623 Ext. 2204 to get information on the minimum bid amounts.

  • How do I pay?

    • You can pay the minimum bid amount with cashier’s check. No alternative options will be accepted.
    • You make the check out to "Washington County Sheriff's Office".

  • What is a title search and what does it mean for this sale to not have them?

    • A title search is a comprehensive report all information of the property and its lien holders, if any.
    • The sale is no-title-searched, meaning it is completely buyer-beware. We provide no guarantees for any information, including: property description, amount of property, road access, condition of the property, street address, any kind of liens, encroachments, title of property, pending special assessments, etc.

  • If I decide I no longer want the property after I put down my minimum bid amount, can I be refunded?

    • No. All sales are final.

  • Can I purchase just one parcel?

    • If the property includes more than one parcel, they are being sold together.  You may not buy just one out of a group.

  • What happens if I purchase a property and there is a lien on it?

    • Due to the sale being no-title-search, any lien would follow the property after tax sale. If the lien isn't paid, the lien-holder could foreclose, even after the property was sold to a new owner.

  • What if there is a mobile home on the property?

    • Sale of property will not transfer title to any mobile homes on the property. The purchaser assumes responsibility of either the removal of the mobile home, or transferring the title.