Courthouse steps advice needed

[Rob Rose]

I just purchased a property through a courthouse steps auction (online though, not actually at the courthouse steps). I was wondering if anyone has any relevant tips or advice as I move through this process. Why should I expect? Is there anything in particular I need to be aware of? I have bid before, but never won. I did a lien search before bidding and the only outstanding lien I found was for the one that is reason for the foreclosure, which will be satisfied by my purchase.

I was told that there is a 10-day window where the defendant (or others) could make a claim against the sale before the deed transfer can take place. Is this usually just a formality? I am just wondering what to expect through this process. 

[Wayne Brooks]

@Rob Rose @Ron S. There is no redemption period in FL, although many think of it as a 10 day redemption period. Redemption ends when the auction closes.  The 10 day (10 business days, but usually it's 3 weeks before the CT gets created/recorded) period is for appeal, and an action alleging an improper foreclosure proceeding.  I've never seen one by a defendant. Things to look out for.....unpaid back property taxes/outstanding tax certificates, unrecorded code violations (an internal city/county unrecorded lien search)and unrecorded hoa debts.  Yes get insurance now.....many say wait til you get the CT....but what if it burns down in the mean time....you've already paid the full purchase price. Get a real title search (do you know how to find liens where the owner name was misspelled, or just initials/middle names were used?) and I generally buy title insurance as soon as the CT is issued.