How San Juan County, Washington, Conducts Tax Sales – A Complete Guide

San Juan County, Washington, holds tax sales to recover unpaid property taxes. If property owners don’t pay their taxes for three years, the county starts foreclosure proceedings. These sales happen through public auctions, where buyers can purchase properties at competitive prices. To stay updated on upcoming sales, check the Auction Calendar regularly.

How the Auction Works

The San Juan County Treasurer’s Office manages tax foreclosure auctions following legal guidelines. The process begins when the Treasurer files a Certificate of Delinquency with the San Juan County Clerk. This document lists all properties with unpaid taxes and officially starts the foreclosure process. Before the auction, the county:

• Publishes legal notices in the local newspaper

• Notifies property owners and interested parties about the foreclosure

• Allows property owners to pay overdue taxes to stop the foreclosure

If property owners don’t pay by the deadline, the property goes to auction.

Auction Rules and Requirements:

1. Public Notice – The county provides details about the auction before the sale.
2. Registration – Bidders must register and attend the auction in person.
3. Numbered Cards – Each bidder receives a card to participate in the auction.
4. Oral Bidding System – The auctioneer announces each property, and bidders raise their cards to bid.
5. Highest Bid Wins – The bidder offering the most money secures the property.

How to Prepare for the Auction

San Juan County sells all properties as-is, meaning buyers take full responsibility for the condition and any existing legal issues.

Key Steps Before Bidding:

1. Check the property list – Review available properties, parcel numbers, and descriptions.
2. Verify the property location – Confirm boundaries and access using county records.
3. Investigate liens or claims – Some properties may have unpaid debts or legal disputes.
4. Confirm occupancy status – If the property is occupied, you must follow eviction procedures.
5. Understand land use rules – Some properties have restrictions on development or usage.
6. Inspect the property legally – You need permission from the current owner to visit the property.

Bidding Process

San Juan County uses a public oral bidding system. Each property starts with a minimum bid that includes unpaid taxes, interest, and foreclosure costs.

How the Bidding Works:

1. Minimum Bid Announcement – The auctioneer announces the starting bid for each property.
2. Bidding Begins – Registered bidders raise their numbered cards to place bids.
3. Winning the Bid – The highest bid secures the property once the auctioneer finalizes the sale.
4. Immediate Payment – The winning bidder must pay in full on the same day.

Payment and Deadlines

Winning bidders must pay immediately. The county only accepts cash, cashier’s checks, or money orders. Personal and business checks are not allowed.

Important Payment Rules:

• Pay on time – No extra time is given to secure funds after winning a bid.

• Confirm payment processing – Ensure the Treasurer’s Office records your payment before leaving.

• Prepare for additional costs – Expect recording fees and legal expenses.

• Follow county payment rules – Buyers must comply with all regulations to complete the purchase.

Once payment is complete, the San Juan County Treasurer’s Office issues a Treasurer’s Deed to the buyer. This process takes up to 30 days. The deed transfers ownership, but buyers must review the title for any remaining issues.

Next Steps After Receiving the Deed:

1. Record the deed – File it with the San Juan County Auditor’s Office to make ownership official.
2. Check for title issues – Some properties may still have liens or claims that require legal action.
3. Confirm property boundaries – Hire a surveyor if needed to verify lot lines.
4. Handle legal paperwork – Make sure all required documents are in order.

What to Do After Winning a Property

New owners take full responsibility for the property immediately.

Next Steps for New Owners:

• Secure the property – Prevent trespassing or vandalism.

• Handle occupancy issues legally – If people still live there, follow proper eviction procedures.

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

• 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.

• Check for code compliance – Some properties may need permits for construction or improvements.

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!

Opportunities are waiting! Browse our auction calendar to find tax sales before they happen. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced investor, we’ve got the tools to help you succeed. Book a call with an expert today and explore our free guides for smart investing strategies.

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About Dustin Hahn

Dustin Hahn is a Tax Lien & Deed investor with over 22 years of experience and hundreds of deals under his belt. He created Tax Lien School.com to help you buy Tax Deeds up to 90% off mortgage free and earn up to 36% ROI with Tax Liens. This site was voted the “Most Useful Resource” for new investors. Dustin’s YouTube Channel is the #1 Channel on Tax Liens & Deeds with over 98,000 Subscribers and 3600 videos to help you start. “The Best Time To Start Real Estate Investing Was 20 Years Ago, The Second Best Time Is TODAY!”

20+yrs

5–10deals/mo

2009TLS founded