Newbie Auction Question

[Grace Kelly]

I have a question regarding tax lien auctions: If one wins an auction for a property but the owner files a redemption and clears the debt; what happens to the money paid by the winning bidder? Is it lost or refunded? Please explain it to me like I'm five.

For clarity, I've been reading the legal sections for various Colorado ski resorts, daydreaming about buying a discount ski property for personal use.