Foreclosure/Distraint

Taxes on real property with a tax year three (3) or more years’ delinquent are subject to foreclosure. To redeem the property after foreclosure proceedings begin, all years’ taxes, interest, penalties, recording, and foreclosure costs must be paid (RCW 84.64).

• Spokane County does not issue Tax Lien Certificates, as Washington State is not a Tax Lien state.
• The only way to purchase property from a tax foreclosure sale is to participate in the annual auction, which is conducted online by the County Treasurer’s third party vendor, www.publicsurplus.com. A minimum bid will be stated for each property, which includes all taxes, interest, penalties, recording, and foreclosure costs. The deposit will be a hold on your credit or debit card when you go to place your bid on each auction.  The amount of deposit is dependent on the minimum bid amount.  
• All parcels are sold “as is” and all sales are final. The sale of these properties should not, in anyway, be equated to real estate sales by licensed salespeople, brokers or realtors. Spokane County makes no guarantee or warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, relative to the title, legal lot determination, zoning classification, building permit eligibility, location or condition of the properties for sale. Potential purchasers should seek the advice of a real estate attorney if additional information is needed.
• The successful bidder will receive a Treasurer’s Deed without any expressed or implied warranty. Spokane County does not warrant any property suitable for any use, nor do they make any claims regarding covenants, easements, restrictions, and zoning.
• If personal property and/or mobile homes on leased land become delinquent, the Treasurer can start the foreclosure process at any time. If the first half personal property tax is not paid, the full amount is delinquent.
  
  

For more information, contact the Treasurer’s Office at 509-477-2073 during regular business hours or you can e-mail foreclosure@spokanecounty.org.