Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Tax Foreclosure

When is your next tax foreclosure sale?

Kitsap County holds their sale in December each year.  A list along with details of the location and time will be on the website in early September. Go to www.kitsapgov.com/treas and see Treasurers Auctions or Upcoming Auctions.

When & where to you advertise for the sale? 

We will advertise in the local paper, either the Kitsap Sun or the Kitsap Newspaper Group by the beginning of October.  It will also be on our website in early September.

Do I need to register for the sale?

You will register the morning of the sale.  No pre-registration is required.

What forms of payments do you accept?

ONLY cash or cashiers checks payable to Kitsap County Treasurer will be accepted and payment is required in full at the time you are the successful bidder.  There is no time to run to the bank to secure financing.

Do you have to be present to bid?

Someone needs to be present to bid.  If you cannot attend, you would need to send an agent to bid on your behalf.

What happens to properties that do not sell?

Any properties that do not sell are considered sold to the county as tax title.  They could be offered at a later date for auction if the county decides not to retain them.

Does the County sell their "certificates/liens/deeds" over the counter?

No, we only sell property through a public auction.

Is there a right of redemption by the previous owner?

With a tax foreclosure, there is no right of redemption, unless the property sold by the county was owned by a minor or someone declared legally incompetent.  In these cases there is a 3 year redemption period from the date of sale.  For this reason, title companies are reluctant to issue title until the 3 years has expired.

What happens to the liens if I am the successful purchaser?

It is the responsibility of the purchaser/bidder to know what they are purchasing and what liens may follow with the land.  We make no guarantees nor can we answer those questions.  You need to do your own research and make your own determinations.  You may want to talk to an attorney for legal advice.