Washington State Redemption Period

[Jan Kittleson]

I’m an investor new to Sheriff’s Auctions here in Washington State and have some questions about the Redemption period and what the successful bidder can do with the property.

The property I’m looking at is not occupied at this time and hasn’t been so for at least a couple years.  After discussing this with a real estate attorney I realize in this state I can not file for an Affadvit of Abandoment and take possession soon than the eight months indicated by the court.

My attorney was able to tell me that the successful bidder receives a Certificate of Sale but does not receive title until a Confirmation of Sale of completed at the end of the redemption period.  

She was unable to advise me on what I could do to the property if I were the successful bidder.  Do I get the keys to the house? Can I rent the house? Can I make improvements on the house so it can be rented? Am I responsible for insurance? 

Thanks for  the feedback....any info would be greatly appreciated!

[Jay Hinrichs]

@Ron S.  sherrifs sales are pretty rare in this neck of the woods 95% are trustee sales... Now Oregon flipped to sherrif sales during the robo signing stuff.

from what I know in Oregon and WA mirrors most rules pretty close...

During the redemption period you can go in and winterize and do improvements that would keep the home from deteriorating.. and you can rent it.. and you have an insurable interest so you should insure it.

full blown rehab is at your own risk.. if someone redeems you don't get paid back any of that..

so careful there.. now in practice I have bought maybe 10 sherrif sales they were pretty much all deceased intestate type deals.. we just went in rehabbed and in our state its 6 months to get the deed when I got the deed at 6 months I flipped it.. we don't rent anything..