How many tax foreclosures does Oswego County conduct per year?
Oswego County conducts two foreclosures per year: A two-year tax delinquent foreclosure for vacant, residential, and commercial properties and a four-year tax delinquent foreclosure for agricultural properties. All properties foreclosed on by the County are sold together at one auction. Additional auctions may be held later in the year if necessary.
Do I have to pay my entire bid on auction day?
You have the option of paying the entire bid price on auction day, or a down payment. All bids under $1,000 must be paid in full on auction day. Please refer to the auction booklet when it is available for more information on the minimum amount required to meet the down payment.
Are there any extra fees on auction day that need to be paid?
On auction day you will need to pay the down payment on your bid, the buyer's premium, and administrative fee. The amount for each of those is outlined in the auction booklet.
What kind of title to the property does the county provide?
Title is transferred to the successful bidder by tax deed. We recommend prospective bidders perform their own due diligence to inspect the title to the property prior to auction day as any and all encumbrances such as right-of-ways, easements, leases, federal/state tax liens, and reservations on the title may still be in effect even after the foreclosure process. Oswego County does not warrant title on any tax property sold at auction.
If I'm the successful bidder, when am I considered the owner of the property?
You become the owner of the property once your deed is filed. Your deed cannot be filed until you complete payment with the county treasurer within 30 days of the auction.
After I pay my balance due after auction day with the county treasurer, how long does it take to file my deed?
We strive to get deeds filed as quickly as possible, but unfortunately there are a number of items required for filing that can only be processed after the auction has occurred (including the deed itself). Deeds are typically filed within 3-4 weeks of the auction, but remember that no deed can be filed until you complete your payment after auction day.
Once I own the property, am I still responsible for the back taxes?
You will not be responsible for any delinquent taxes levied prior to foreclosure, but you are responsible for the balance of any current year taxes due and owing (which may include re-levied school and village taxes) including a pro-rated portion of the current year county property tax bill, entire current year school bill and any water/sewer rents or other special district charges that may be levied on subsequent tax bills.
Does the county perform any rehab work on the properties prior to the auction?
No, tax foreclosed properties are sold as-is, where-is, and how-is. Please refer to the Oswego County Land Bank for rehabilitated properties.
Does the county auction property in violation of codes, or landlocked parcels?
We auction every property that is foreclosed on for taxes. In many cases properties are distressed, abandoned, or in violation of local codes. Vacant land may be land-locked. We recommend prospective bidders perform their own due diligence to inspect the property prior to auction day.
After purchasing the property at the county tax auction, I received a letter about a tax warrant or lien from NYS or the IRS. What should I do?
If the notice is regarding a state tax lien from New York State, you need to call 518-457-5893. If the notice is regarding a child support warrant or lien, you need to call 518-485-6820. If the notice is from the IRS you need to call 1-877-777-4778. Make sure you have a copy of your new deed and related Auction paperwork before calling.