How Wahkiakum County, Washington, Conducts Tax Sales – A Complete Guide

Wahkiakum County, Washington, holds tax sales to recover unpaid property taxes. If property owners fail to pay taxes for three years, the county starts foreclosure proceedings. If the taxes remain unpaid, the county auctions off the property to recover the debt.

These auctions create opportunities for investors and buyers to purchase properties at competitive prices. To stay updated, check the Auction Calendar for scheduled sales.

How the Auction Works

The Wahkiakum County Treasurer’s Office manages tax foreclosure auctions. The process starts when the Treasurer files a Certificate of Delinquency with the Superior Court.

Before the auction, the county:

• Conducts a title search and adds foreclosure costs (up to $800 per parcel).

• Notifies property owners and lienholders by certified mail.

• Publishes auction details in a local newspaper and on official websites.

Property owners can stop the foreclosure by paying overdue taxes, interest, and penalties before the auction date. If they fail to pay, the county moves forward with the sale.

Auction Rules and Requirements:

• Property Redemption – Owners can pay in full to stop foreclosure until the day before the auction.

• Auction Location – Wahkiakum County holds auctions in person at the courthouse in Cathlamet, Washington.

• Registration – Bidders must register before participating. Some auctions require a deposit to confirm participation.

• Minimum Bid Requirement – Bidding starts at an amount that covers unpaid taxes, interest, and foreclosure costs.

• Accepted Payment Methods – The county only accepts cash, cashier’s checks, and money orders. Personal and business checks are not allowed.

How to Prepare for the Auction

Wahkiakum County sells all properties as-is, so buyers must research before bidding.

Key Steps Before Bidding:

1. Review the property list – The county releases a foreclosure property list in mid-November. It’s available at the Treasurer’s Office, online, and in the Wahkiakum County Eagle newspaper.
2. Confirm the property location – Use maps and county records to verify access and boundaries.
3. Check for liens or claims – Some properties may have unpaid debts, easements, or legal claims.
4. Understand property use rules – Some properties have zoning restrictions that may limit development.
5. Verify occupancy status – If occupied, buyers must follow legal eviction procedures.
6. Check road and utility access – Some parcels lack roads, water, electricity, or sewage connections.
7. Assess environmental factors – Some properties have land-use restrictions due to environmental laws.
8. Consult local authorities – Contact the county to confirm land use potential before bidding.
9. Inspect legally – Entering a property without the owner’s permission is illegal.
10. Evaluate market value – Research local real estate trends to make informed investment decisions.

Bidding Process

Wahkiakum County uses an oral bidding system. Each property starts with a minimum bid that includes unpaid taxes, penalties, and foreclosure costs.

How the Bidding Works:

1. Register before the auction – Sign up and submit a deposit if required.
2. Minimum bid announcement – The auctioneer starts bidding at the base price.
3. Live bidding – Bidders raise their cards to place offers.
4. Highest bid wins – The auction ends when no further bids are placed.
5. Immediate payment required – Winning bidders must pay in full the same day.
6. Failure to pay – If a bidder does not complete payment, the county reschedules the property sale.
7. No refunds – All winning bids are final, and the county does not issue refunds.

Payment and Deadlines

Winning bidders must pay in full on the day of the auction. The county only accepts cash, cashier’s checks, and money orders.

Important Payment Rules:

• Pay on time – Late payments result in losing the property and deposit.

• Obtain payment confirmation – The Treasurer’s Office verifies and records payments.

• Cover additional costs – Expect recording fees and legal expenses.

• Follow county payment instructions – The Treasurer’s Office provides exact steps for completing the purchase.

• Keep proof of payment – Buyers should retain receipts and documents for future reference.

• Maintain records – Keep copies of all purchase-related documents.

Receiving the Deed

After full payment, the Treasurer’s Office issues a Treasurer’s Deed to the buyer. This transfers ownership, but it does not guarantee a clear title.

Next Steps After Receiving the Deed:

1. Record the deed – File it with the Wahkiakum County Auditor’s Office to make ownership official.
2. Check for title issues – Some properties may still have liens or claims.
3. Confirm property boundaries – Hire a surveyor if needed to verify lot lines.
4. Complete legal paperwork – Ensure all required documents are processed correctly.
5. Understand ownership responsibilities – Some properties may have local restrictions affecting use.
6. Verify ownership transfer – Confirm that official records reflect the new owner.

What to Do After Winning a Property

New owners must take full responsibility for the property immediately.

Next Steps for New Owners:

• Secure the property – Prevent trespassing or vandalism.

• Handle occupancy issues legally – If someone lives there, follow eviction laws.

• Assess the property condition – Some properties may need repairs or cleanup.

• Plan for future use – Decide whether to develop, rent, or sell the property.

• Stay current on taxes – Pay property taxes on time to avoid another foreclosure.

• Review county requirements – Some properties require permits for improvements.

• Check for legal restrictions – Some parcels have easements or zoning limitations.

• Understand the market – Research local property values before making decisions.

• Update contact information – Notify the county of new ownership and mailing address.

• Consider title insurance – Protect your investment from potential legal claims.

Useful Links

• Auction Calendar
• Investing in Washington Tax Sales
• Let’s talk about Tax deeds and how you can profit from them!
• Discover Tax Deeds and how you can find property for as little as $50! 

Don’t Miss the Next Tax Sale!

The next big tax sale is around the corner! Check out our auction calendar to plan ahead. Need expert advice? Schedule a call today and gain the knowledge. Visit our free resource section for more insights!

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