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Home , Property, Title (property)

-/Surplus Frequently Asked Questions

What is a tax-title property?

Parcels offered for auction at tax , but not sold, are deeded to the county. These parcels are called "tax-title." They may still be purchased from the county through a tax-title sale. Tax-title are subject to the same risks as tax foreclosure properties.

What is a county-owned surplus property?

A parcel owned by the county, not acquired through tax foreclosure, can be purchased if the Board of County Commissioners has declared the parcel “surplus."

How is county-owned surplus property or tax-title property purchased in Pacific County?

Beginning in calendar year 2018, all county-owned surplus properties and tax-title properties are sold exclusively via public auction in Pacific County.  Sales of surplus property are conducted in accordance with Chapter 36.34 RCW.  Sales of tax-title property are conducted in accordance with Chapter 36.35 RCW.

When can I purchase county-owned surplus property or tax-title property?

Beginning in calendar year 2018, the county plans to hold two public auctions per year (please note that all dates are subject to change):  a late spring/early summer auction dedicated to the sale of county-owned surplus property and tax-title parcels that failed to sell at previous auctions;  a late autumn/early winter auction for the purpose of conducting the Treasurer's Tax Foreclosure Sale, as well as the sale of county-owned surplus property and tax-title parcels that failed to sell at previous auctions.

What do I do if I want to purchase a county-owned surplus or tax-title property?

If you are interested in purchasing a county-owned surplus property and/or tax-title parcel that failed to sell at a previous auction, the first step is to contact Pacific County in writing to express your and request that a parcel be added to a future public auction.

The contact information for submitting all such requests is: Pacific County General Administration Attn: Management and Fiscal Analyst PO Box 6 South Bend, WA 98586

If the Pacific County Board of County Commissioners deems by order that it is in the county's best to sell the , a public notice will be published in the official county newspaper specifying the details of the upcoming sale via public auction. The public notice will specify the parcel number, description of property, date/time/location of auction, etc.

Caveat Emptor "Let the buyer beware"

All sales of tax-title/surplus property are handled on a "let the buyer beware" basis. County-owned surplus property and tax-title parcels are therefore offered “where is” and “as is”. It is the buyer's responsibility to research the parcel(s) prior to purchasing at auction. Pacific County makes no representation of warranty, expressed or implied, as to the physical condition, fitness for any specific , or development potential of any property.

Research Tools Available to You

TaxSifter and MapSifter – These software programs provided by the county allow you to look up assessment and tax information concerning the parcel.

Accessibility and Issues

Is there access to the parcel? Are the boundary lines identifiable? Is the parcel being used in some way by neighbors?

Zoning and Use Issues

What about building feasibility, , and permitted ? Are there any road projects that will affect this property in the immediate future? Most of these questions can be answered by city and county departments dealing with engineering, planning, zoning, and codes. In Pacific County the departments would be Community Development and Public Works.

Title

Are you able to get on the parcel? Some title companies will not provide title insurance for up to ten years after the date of the original foreclosure sale. Policies vary with each title company.

Assessments

Some parcels may have local improvements, special assessments or have community association dues for which payment will be due. Most special assessments are collected by the Treasurer. Community Association dues are typically collected by the association.

Easements or Restrictive Covenants

Easements and restrictive covenants are survived by tax . Most easements are listed on the title searches and will be on record at the Auditor’s Office.

Please remember that it is the buyer's responsibility to research the parcel(s) prior to purchasing at auction. If you have additional questions not addressed in this FAQ, please feel free to contact the appropriate county department:

Tax-Title/Surplus Properties Pacific County General Administration 1216 West Robert Bush Drive PO Box 6 South Bend, WA 98586 Phone: 360-875-9334 (local number for the Willapa Harbor area) Phone: 360-642-9334 (local number for the Peninsula area) Phone: 360-484-7334 (local number for the Naselle area) Phone: 360-267-8334 (local number for the North Cove/Tokeland area)

Treasurer's Tax Foreclosure Sale Pacific County Treasurer's Office 300 Memorial Drive PO Box 98 South Bend, WA 98586 Phone: 360-875-9421 (local number for the Willapa Harbor area) Phone: 360-642-9421 (local number for the Peninsula area) Phone: 360-484-7421 (local number for the Naselle area) Phone: 360-267-8421 (local number for the North Cove/Tokeland area) Website: co.pacific.wa.us/treasurer/Foreclosures.htm

Sheriff's Sales Pacific County Sheriff's Office 300 Memorial Drive PO Box 27 South Bend, WA 98586 Phone: 360-875-9395 (local number for the Willapa Harbor area) Phone: 360-642-9395 (local number for the Peninsula area) Phone: 360-484-7395 (local number for the Naselle area) Phone: 360-267-8395 (local number for the North Cove/Tokeland area) Website: pacificcountysheriff.com/sheriffs-sales.html