What happens if I am the successful bidder but decide that I don’t want the property after all?

Be sure you want the property before you bid. All sales are final and there are absolutely no refunds. If you default, under California State Law, the County cannot resort to the second highest bidder and will be required to take legal action against you. Failure to consummate the sale within the specified time shall result in the forfeiture of any deposit made and all rights that the purchaser may have had with respect to the property. Failure to consummate the sale will also bar the bidder from participating in future tax sales in Butte County.

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1. Why does the Butte County sell tax-defaulted property?
2. Can I obtain title to a property on the tax sale list by paying the delinquent taxes prior to the tax sale date? Does the county sell tax lien certificates?
3. Who is notified of the sale?
4. Is a tax sale publicly advertised?
5. When does the right to redeem a tax-defaulted property on the auction list cease?
6. How is the minimum bid on a tax sale property determined?
7. Does Butte County guarantee the property?
8. Do liens or encumbrances on a tax-defaulted property transfer to the new owner after purchase of the property at a tax sale?
9. How do I find a property I’d like to bid on at the tax sale?
10. How can I determine what use I can make of a tax sale property before I purchase it?
11. How can I find out if a property I am interested in has been withdrawn from the sale (for payment of taxes or any other reason)?
12. How can I register as a bidder?
13. How does the bidding process work?
14. How can a successful bidder pay for a property at the tax sale?
15. If I am the successful bidder, how can I hold title (vesting)?
16. How soon can I take possession of a property after purchase at the tax sale?
17. What steps should I take if there are occupants living on the property or personal property left on the premises?
18. Is property purchased in a tax sale eligible for title insurance?
19. What happens to property that does not sell at the tax sale? Can the property be purchased directly from the county?
20. How can I get more information?
21. What happens if I am the successful bidder but decide that I don’t want the property after all?
22. How can I determine whether there are outstanding assessments or liens against an auction property?
23. Under what circumstances can the former owner challenge the validity of the auction?