Public Property Auction - FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register the day of the auction?  Yes, but an auction date must be established first.  Once a date for the auction is announced, you can register on the day of the auction, or pre-register prior to auction day.  It is recommend to pre-register prior to auction day and to arrive early on auction day to check-in, show ID, and be issued a bid card.  If you register on auction day, please bring a completed registration form with you.

If I buy multiple properties, can I combine the purchases to exceed the $20,000 amount necessary for financing?  No, each property is a separate, individual purchase subject to the purchase requirements of cash/cashier check for all purchases less than $20,000.  Property Management may request a W-9 form for sales.

Do I need to have the cash/cashier’s check at the time of winning bid?  No, you will be afforded a brief time (until 2:00 p.m. that day) to leave and obtain the necessary form of payment.

When will the deed be issued for the purchase?  Typically it can take up to one month for all deeds and necessary documentation to be completed following the sale.  You will be contacted by the Property Management office for arrangements to sign necessary paperwork for the purchase.

What evidence of winning the auction for a particular property will I be given the day of the auction?  You will be given a “Certificate of Sale” from the Deschutes County Sheriff's office upon payment.  The Certificate of Sale must be recorded with the Deschutes County Clerk at an estimated cost of $77 for the first page, and $5 for each additional page –you will be responsible for these costs.

Are there any fees associated with the sale beyond the purchase price?  Yes, the Deschutes County Sheriff will require a $66 processing fee to be paid to them separate from the purchase price and payment.  Also, a Certificate of sale must be recorded at a cost of $77 for the first page and $5 each additional page, and subsequent pages may have additional charges. 

What happens to properties not sold at the auction?  All properties not sold at the auction can/will be sold on a first come first served basis through Deschutes County Property Management.  Such offers must be at the minimum bid established for the auction, with such properties being available through these means for a period of 6-months.  All offers must be in writing and have a date submitted.

Can I participate remotely via telephone or internet?  No – this is a live auction.  All bidders must be registered at the time of the auction, with all bids being oral at the auction location.

Can I inspect the properties?  Yes, all properties are open to the public for physical inspection.  For properties with structures, a day(s) will be set for those structures to be open to the public for inspection.

After a winning bid, can I put the title of the property into another person’s name?  No, the bidder is the buyer of record.  Title to another person or entity should be done by a subsequent and additional Deed after the Bargain & Sale Deed from Deschutes County has been recorded.

Can I place title to the property in a business or Trust’s name?  Yes, documents showing business or Trust information should be presented with the registration submittal and show that the bidder is authorized to act on behalf of the business or Trust.

When is the Deschutes County Surplus Public Property Auction held?  Usually yearly, but this has varied with the pandemic situation.  To know the date at the earliest point, sign up for the Auction Email Notification.

 

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