FAQs

Property Management

• 01. When are auctions held? When is the next auction?

  There is no set time of year when auctions occur. Auctions information will be posted to the Property Management website at least one month prior to the auction date. To sign up, use the link provided on Property Management homepage or select "Email Subscription List" from the menu.

• 02. Where are auctions held?

  Auctions are held at the Linn County Courthouse, 300 4th Ave. SW, Albany, Oregon. For more resources on the auction process, please see Auctions.

• 03. How do I find out if the property has liens?

  The County does not guarantee there are no liens against the property. A good place to start is to contact the Clerks office to find out information about a specific property. The Clerks number is 541-967-3829.

• 04. If I purchase a property, do I have to pay the back taxes to the County?

  No. You must pay the bid amount and the recording fees.

• 05. How do I find out what the property taxes will be if I purchase a foreclosed property from the County?

  County owned foreclosed properties are exempt from property taxes (ORS 308.156). After a property is sold, the Linn County Assessment & Tax Department will recalculate the property taxes. For questions regarding property taxes, please contact the Linn County Assessment & Tax Department at 541-967-3808.

• 06. How do I get a map of a property? OR How do I find out tax history and other details?

  Property maps (PDF’s) are included in the information provided for each property on our auction list. Click on Auction List, then click the property you are interested in.

  You can also look up any property using the links provided under Maps & Info. Follow the instructions on that page.

• 07. How do I bid on an auction property?

  See the Auctions page for bidding information. 

• 08. How will I know when an auction occurs?

  Beginning approximately one month prior to the sale date, a Notice of Sale will be published, once per week for 4 weeks, in the legal ad section of the Albany Democrat-Herald newspaper. Information will also be posted on the Linn County Property Management Website under “Auctions”.

  For those signed up for the email subscription list, an email will be sent at least one month prior to auction date. This email will notify you of the auction date and include a link to the Property Management page where full auction details are posted.

• 09. Why wasn't I notified of an auction happening at the Linn County Courthouse?

  The email subscription list is only for Linn County Foreclosed Property Sales. You will not receive an email for auctions held by any other County departments, companies or individuals.

• 10. Can I submit a sealed bid?

  Properties must meet certain qualifications to be sold by Private Sale. Properties that do not sell at a public auction may be sold by private sale. Properties may also be sold by private sale if the real market value is less than $15,000 and the property is not buildable. You must follow the instructions for private sale (sealed bids).

• 11. How do I know if my sealed bid is accepted?

  You will receive a letter letting you know whether or not your sealed bid was accepted. If your sealed bid was not accepted, your letter will be sent via certified mail and include your cashier’s deposit check.

• 12. In light of the recent law change, how do I determine if I am eligible to receive excess proceeds from the sale to tax foreclosed property?

  If you believe you have a claim, please use the Surplus Claim Form.