Tax Auction Questions

[Jason Ross]

I am interested in a property that is set to be sold at tax auction next month. (Happens to be in Tulsa County OK.) I have never purchased a property at auction before. I want to do everything I can before the auction to determine whether there are other liens on the property. And, if I happen to win the property, I want to make sure to protect myself against any claims that may emerge. Before the auction, I intend to review the records at the County Clerk's office. Is there anything else I can or should do? I've also read about people purchasing title insurance and filing quiet title actions. Is this enough to protect myself against any unexpected claims? Any other steps to take? Finally, I happen to know someone who knows the person who owns this property. I could probably get an offer in front of this person before the auction (which occurs in about ten days). Does anybody with knowledge of Tulsa County policy know how soon before auction a tax lien can be satisfied so that the property is pulled from auction? Thanks!

[Ned Carey]

@Jason Ross the attorney better be an OK attorney that understands OK tax sale law. VA laws will be very different than OK laws.

If you don't know the OK tax sale laws and procedures, the county clerks office may not be that much help.

 You need to know: 

• who gets wiped out, 
• under what conditions they get wiped out 
• and under what circumstances they can challenge. 
• Is there a redemption period
• What are your rights during the redemption period.

Generally anyone in the chain of title can challenge a tax sale. if it is overturned then you should get your investment back. You may not get all your attorneys fees back.

Yes a quite title action is protection for you. Title insurance will also but generally won't be issued unless you do a quite title or after a significant period of time