Delinquent Tax Sale Frequently Asked Questions:
No Title Search
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When is the delinquent tax sale?
- Sales always take place at 9:00 a.m. on a Tuesday on the first floor of the courthouse. Dates for sales are TBD and will be listed on the Delinquent Tax Sales page.
- If there are any properties remaining after 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 time and place, exactly two weeks after the first sale.
What if a property does not sell in the second sale?
- If there are any properties remaining after the second sale, they will be included in the auditor’s sale. These sales are rare and do not have fixed time frames.
Where can I access information about the sale before it happens?
- Information about the sale can be accessed on the Washington County Treasurer’s website at https://www.washingtongov.org/328/Treasurer under the Delinquent Tax Sale Information tab.
- You may also reach out to our office. Contact information can be found at the end of this document.
Where can I access information the day of the sale?
- Located on the second floor, the Washington County Treasurer’s Office will be providing sheets with all essential information for the sale.
Is there a way for me to stay updated with the sale?
- You can always check the Treasurer's Office website. If you would like to be put on a contact list to be notified of updates concerning specific properties or the sale in general, please fill out the update request form here.
If I pay someone else’s property taxes before the sale, would I be granted ownership?
- No. In Ohio, any property taxes paid by anyone other than the owner would be considered a gift. Therefore, the owner is not required to pay any of that money back, and you will not gain any interest to the property.
Can I request a property be included in a sale?
- Yes. If you know of a property you would be interested in purchasing and would like it to be included in a sale, let us know. If it is eligible, we may be able to add it to a future sale.
- Can I purchase a property on the sale privately?
- No. Legally, all properties must be auctioned to the public.
Can I purchase a single parcel?
- Typically, when parcels share a common border, they are placed together in one case. Parcels within a single case must be purchased as a group.
Can I view the inside of the property before deciding to bid?
- No. Washington County sells all properties AS IS. We do not own the home, and have no legal access to the property. Washington County does not condone trespassing on any property under any circumstances.
Do I have to register for the sale?
- No, anyone can attend and bid at the sale with no registration required.
Can someone else bid on the property for me?
- Yes. However, you take full and total responsibility for permitting someone else to bid on a tax sale with your money, or under your name. Once the auction is finished, the winning bidders’ information is collected immediately.
- The deed performed at a later date will be completed with the information your trusted individual provides. Washington County cannot control what that individual tells us, and takes no responsibility for any mistakes or miscommunications made by said individual.
If I win a bid, do I have to pay the entire owed amount the day of the sale?
- The winning bidder is required to pay the minimum bid the day of the sale. The remaining amount, if any, must be paid within 30 days of the sale.
What is a minimum bid, and where can I find it?
- A minimum bid is the total amount required to pay both the delinquent real estate taxes and the court costs accrued by the lawsuit for a specific case. In rare cases, if the tax amount is higher than the market value of the home according to the auditor’s records, then the minimum bid is based on the market value instead of the taxes owed.
- Each minimum bid can be found in the Tax Sale Ad ran in the local newspaper. You can also call (740) 373 - 6623 Ext. 2202 to get information on the minimum bid amounts.
How do I pay for a property I won in the sale?
- The exact minimum bid must be paid with a cashier's check. No alternative options will be accepted.
- The check needs to be made out to theWashington 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 of all information of the property and its lien holders, if any.
- Pursuant to O.R.C. 5721.18 (C), the sale has no title search. 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, liens, encroachments, title of property, pending special assessments, etc.
- If such parcel is sold, the sale shall not affect or extinguish any other interest, lien or encumbrance with respect to the parcel, other than the lien for land taxes, assessments, charges, interest, and penalties for which the lien is foreclosed and in satisfaction of which the property is sold. All other interests, liens and encumbrances with respect to the parcel shall survive the sale.
What happens if I purchase a property and discover a lien on it?
- Due to the sale not being title searched, any lien would follow the property after tax sale. If the lien isn't paid, the lien-holder could foreclose on the property.
Can I be refunded after the sale?
- No. All sales are final, with the exception of redemption by the original owner(s).
How does the original owner redeem the property?
- The owner has a 30-day period after the sale to pay the minimum bid and regain the property. If this occurs, the winning bidder is fully refunded. After this period, redemption is no longer available and the sale is final.
How long will it take for the property to be transferred into my name?
The county must wait 30 days. After the 30 day stay period, it may take an additional month to transfer ownership depending on the amount of properties that were sold in the sale.
How does the property get transferred into my name?
- Washington County Courthouse staff work on the property transfer. If you purchased the property for more than the minimum bid, the Sheriff’s Office will contact you when they require those funds. After that, simply wait for the property ownership to be transferred.
What if there is a mobile home on the property?
- Sale of real estate will not transfer the title of any mobile homes on the property. The purchaser assumes responsibility for transferring the title, or eviction and removal of the mobile home.