Union County Public Auctions & Sheriff Sales
Comprehensive guide to county sheriff foreclosure auctions, tax deeds, tax lien certificates, over-the-counter land purchases, and surplus funds in Union County, New Mexico.
Where to Bid on Union County Auctions
Public delinquent property auctions for Union County are managed by the Union County Property Tax Division (NM Taxation & Revenue) and hosted online via Union County State PTD Public Auction Portal.
Union County Sheriff Sales & Judicial Foreclosures
In addition to delinquent tax sales, the Union County Sheriff's Office Civil Division conducts regular public foreclosure auctions ordered by the Circuit or Superior Court to satisfy mortgage default judgments, construction liens, and civil court executions.
Unclaimed Tax Sale Surplus Funds in Union County
When a delinquent property is auctioned in Union County for more than the outstanding taxes, penalties, and administrative fees, the resulting funds are termed excess proceeds (surplus funds). By law, these funds belong to the former property owner or their legal heirs.
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4 Steps to Bid on Properties in Union County
Pre-Auction Due Diligence
Review the Union County delinquent tax list published 4–6 weeks prior to the sale. Perform title searches on Parcel ID numbers to identify superior federal liens or mortgages.
Bidder Registration & Deposit
Register on State PTD Public Auction at least 48 hours prior to auction start. Deposit required bidder funds (often 5% of anticipated bid budget or flat $200 deposit).
Auction Bidding Strategy
Bid price upward against competing buyers. Ensure you do not exceed your predetermined maximum acquisition budget.
Payment & Deed Issuance
Settle the remaining purchase balance within 24 hours. The Union County Property Tax Division (NM Taxation & Revenue) issues a certificate or records the tax deed with the County Recorder.
Frequently Asked Questions: Union County Tax Sales
Is Union County a tax lien or tax deed county? ▼
Union County follows the New Mexico Tax Deed statutes. Bidders either obtain a first-position tax lien certificate earning Direct Tax Deed Auction statutory return or purchase physical real property deeds at public auction.
Can I buy Union County tax properties online? ▼
Yes. Tax auctions are conducted through State PTD Public Auction (https://www.tax.newmexico.gov). Registered bidders can participate remotely from anywhere in the world.
What happens if a property does not sell at auction in Union County? ▼
In New Mexico, unsold properties are usually retained for a second sheriff sale or transferred to a municipal land bank.