PERSONAL PROPERTY DISTRAINT SALES

Tough collection provisions in the law direct the treasurer to seize and sell personal property when those taxes become delinquent.

The Kitsap County Treasurer may conduct several distraint auctions per year, as necessary. Different types of personal property can be sold at each of these sales. The number of parcels, or items auctioned, varies greatly from sale to sale. An auction may have anywhere from one item, to hundreds of items. Because they vary so much, the location of each auction may change to accommodate the number of persons attending, or the type of items being auctioned.  A distraint auction may also be handled by a privately operated consignment auction company that is open to the public.

Anyone considering buying property at a Treasurer's sale should be aware that there is risk.  When selling personal property, the County conveys the entirety of the interest that it is legally capable of transferring, unless otherwise noted.  However, the County does not guarantee or provide warranty as to the extent of the interest.  The County makes no guarantees whatsoever on personal property sold at Treasurer's distraint sales.

Equipment lists will be available on this website and at the Treasurer's Office before the auction, whenever an auction is scheduled.  Lists will also be available at the auction site.

All bidders must be registered. Pre-registration will usually be available at the Treasurer's Office one week before the auction. You may also register the morning of the auction. No changes to the registration can be made after the sale. There is no registration fee. When registering, a copy of the personal property auction terms of sale will be provided.

We accept only cash or cashier checks. Those wishing to bid must be present or have a representative present at the auction.

The auctioneer announces the minimum bid for each item. These are oral auctions. To bid, you must hold up your issued bidder card and call out the bid amount. Each item is sold to the highest bidder. Once an item is sold, the successful bidder must immediately step forward and pay in full.

If full payment is not made as required, the item is re-auctioned. A successful bidder who does not pay will not be allowed to bid on any other items at the auction.