Research for Tax Foreclosure and Tax Title Properties

Thorough research on all potential purchases is essential. It is important that you complete this research prior to the day of the sale. There are definite risks when buying tax foreclosure and tax-title properties. Buying property without doing complete research can result in unwanted and costly surprises.

WARNING - Even the most diligent research efforts may not uncover all difficulties or unexpected problems.

In addition to the terms of sale, the Treasurer's Office will provide as much information as it has available. Title reports, maps, appraisal sheets and tax information are some items that will help you in your research. The Treasurer's Office is only a starting point though sometimes the information available may only be minimal. It's up to the buyer to pursue other resources.

Check It Out Before You Buy!

Resources - Questions about build ability, zoning, use restrictions and controls as well as others should be looked into prior to any purchase. City and county departments of engineering, buildings and codes and planning are good places for you to get information.

Title Insurance - Some title companies don't provide title insurance for up to ten years from the date of sale. Policies vary with each title company. If you are planning to build, title insurance may be important to you.

Assessments - Many parcels have local improvements or special assessments for which payment will be due. You will need to check on these and find out what districts or associations service the area of the parcel you are researching. Some assessments are collected by the county treasurer, some are not. To avoid expensive surprises, you need to be aware of these before the sale.

Local Ordinances - Some properties may be subject to easements or use restrictions, as well as zoning and other land use controls. All properties are sold subject to applicable city and county ordinances. The existences of these are the buyer's responsibility to determine.

Community Association Dues - All properties are sold subject to restrictive covenants, if any allowing for imposition community association fees.

Easements - All utility easements and other easements that are three years and older are unaffected by tax foreclosure. Easements are listed on title searches and will be on record at the County Auditor's Office.

Physical Inspection of Property - It is strongly recommended that you visit all of the property sites for potential purchase. Look at exactly what is being offered for sale. Is there any access to the parcel? Can you accurately identify property boundaries? Is the parcel being used in some way by neighbors? These are just a few of the questions you may want to look into.

Improvements - If there are improvements on the parcel, you should find out if the improvements go with the land and how they are currently being utilized.