NJ Sheriff Sales - 3 Questions

[Gabe D.]

I have been attending a local sheriff sale for a few weeks now trying to make sense of what all is happening there but I really dont feel like Im making much headway.

Im hoping someone here familiar with the process can help me clarify a few things..

1. Why does the list I pull off the website immediately before I drive over to the auction never match the list the sheriff is using for the actual auction? Where can I get the actual list of what is up for auction each day?

2. Why are the Upsets listed online not the same as the ones the plaintiffs representative is using when bidding on behalf of the banks? Where do the upsets the plaintiffs representative is bidding with come from?

3. In some cases the sheriff has a property on their list that the plaintiffs representative does not. Why is that? How is it that even their lists dont agree?

3.A. In the case above there is a "No Response" entered into record. But in theory couldn't someone just bid the minimum and take that property? 

[Richard D.]

Gabe, couple of thoughts. 

First, contact the sheriff conducting the sale. Ask your questions, if you need to go up there frequently and get to know the clerks. They will be more likely to help you if, they think they know you and like you. This is very important, because if you are just fly by night and not sure how interested you are in the process the clerk will treat you like someone that they know won't be back. 

Second, listings change daily. The facts are mortgages and taxes get paid. The biggest motivation most people get is the fear of losing their home. They will beg, steal, and even agree to pay exhortation fees to save their home.

Third, get the list from the auctioneer themselves. Third party lists are often inaccurate and may not be updated regularly. I know of a guy who does a subscription service to tax auctions in Texas and Louisiana, but only updates the listings every other month. (I can't stand him). On top of that, he doesn't even offer the entire states listenings ever.

Best of Luck