Tip: Check out the California Foreclosure Video Tutorial

Q: Where can I find the most up-to-date information on foreclosure sales in California?

A: Please visit the applicable County or Foreclosure Sale Agent website or contact the County or Foreclosure Sale Agent directly to obtain information regarding foreclosure sales. For sales conducted by Auction.com, you can visit our auction calendar Auction Calendar and access the information posted on the Property detail pages for further details.

Be sure to verify all information relating to the foreclosure sales with the appropriate County or Foreclosure Sale Agent. The following Foreclosure Sale FAQs were not developed in coordination with the County or Foreclosure Sale Agent. These FAQs are being provided for educational or informational purposes only; they are not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, whether legal, real estate or otherwise. The information provided is subject to change. It is recommended that prospective bidders seek professional advice and carefully review the County or Foreclosure Sale Agent’s Terms of Sale and contact the County or Foreclosure Sale Agent to fully understand the foreclosure process and foreclosure sales.

Q. What is the foreclosure sale process in California?

A: A foreclosure sale is conducted via a public sale that is open to all bidders. The Property is either sold to a third-party bidder at the event or reverts back to the beneficiary (Mortgagee, Bank or Lender) as a Real Estate Owned (REO) Foreclosure.  Please contact the appropriate County or Foreclosure Sale Agent to request a copy of the bidding rules and review the sale process in detail.

Q. When and where do foreclosure sales occur?

A: The time and place of foreclosure sales are county specific. Please visit the appropriate County or Foreclosure Sale Agent website or contact the County or Foreclosure Sale Agent directly for specific information. For sales conducted by Auction.com, please visit our  Auction Sales Calendar

Q. Can I bid online?

A. Online bidding is not available for a foreclosure sale in California.

Q. What do I need to bring to the foreclosure sale? 

A: Typically counties require funds to be paid in the form of cash, bank money order or cashier’s check at the time of sale. Personal checks, company checks, letters of credit, or charge cards may not be accepted.  Be sure to visit the appropriate County or Foreclosure Sale Agent website or contact the County or Foreclosure Sale Agent directly for specific information. For sales conducted by Auction.com, please visit the property detail page for more information.

Q. What happens if a Property is cancelled or postponed?               

A. The sale of a Property may be cancelled or postponed for many reasons prior to the start of bidding at the sale. There is no guarantee that a particular Property will actually be brought to sale. Please visit the appropriate County or Foreclosure Sale Agent website or contact the County or Foreclosure Sale Agent directly for specific information. For sales conducted by Auction.com, please visit the property detail page for more information.

Q. Is a buyer’s premium added to the winning bid amount at a foreclosure sale?

A. No, a buyer’s premium does not apply for these specific sale events.

Q. Will the Property be free and clear of all liens?

A. Typically no. Properties will be sold “as is, where is,” with all faults and limitations. All prospective bidders are encouraged to conduct their own due diligence and investigate all matters relating to the Properties that they are interested in purchasing.  It is recommended that you seek independent advice to perform your due diligence and to fully understand the foreclosure process and foreclosure sales in general prior to the sale. Doing your homework pays off! Some properties may have information provided by Auction.com on the Property detail pages. It is your responsibility to do a title search and seek any needed advice from counsel prior to the sale. Please visit the appropriate County or Foreclosure Sale Agent website or contact the County or Foreclosure Sale Agent directly for specific Property and title information. 

Q. Can I inspect the Property?

A. No, as these Properties can be occupied, prospective bidders may not trespass on the Property, disturb the occupants or contact the borrowers to obtain information about the Property. However, detailed Property information for some properties may be available for informational purposes only on the Property detail page at www.auction.com.

Q. Does California have a foreclosure redemption period?

A. Typically no.  A redemption period may be imposed which could vary based on certain factors. During a redemption period the borrower may be able to redeem the premises. Please consult your real estate counsel or the County or Foreclosure Sale Agent for specific details regarding any possible redemption period that could be imposed in California.