Arlington 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 Arlington County, Virginia.
Where to Bid on Arlington County Auctions
Public delinquent property auctions for Arlington County are managed by the Arlington County Treasurer & Special Commissioner and hosted online via Arlington County For Sale at Auction / VASTS (ForSaleAtAuction.biz) Portal.
Arlington County Sheriff Sales & Judicial Foreclosures
In addition to delinquent tax sales, the Arlington 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.
Arlington County County Direct Sale / Non-Judicial Surplus List (Over-The-Counter)
Parcels and certificates that receive no bids during the scheduled public auctions enter the county's permanent County Direct Sale / Non-Judicial Surplus List inventory. Any citizen or investor can purchase these parcels directly from the Arlington County Treasurer & Special Commissioner over the counter for the delinquent taxes and fees owed, without competing in an auction.
Unclaimed Tax Sale Surplus Funds in Arlington County
When a delinquent property is auctioned in Arlington 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 Arlington County
Pre-Auction Due Diligence
Review the Arlington 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 For Sale at Auction / VASTS (ForSaleAtAuction.biz) 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 Arlington County Treasurer & Special Commissioner issues a certificate or records the tax deed with the County Recorder.
Frequently Asked Questions: Arlington County Tax Sales
Is Arlington County a tax lien or tax deed county? ▼
Arlington County follows the Virginia Tax Deed (Judicial Foreclosure) statutes. Bidders either obtain a first-position tax lien certificate earning Direct Judicial Deed Sale statutory return or purchase physical real property deeds at public auction.
Can I buy Arlington County tax properties online? ▼
Yes. Tax auctions are conducted through For Sale at Auction / VASTS (ForSaleAtAuction.biz) (https://www.forsaleatauction.biz). Registered bidders can participate remotely from anywhere in the world.
What happens if a property does not sell at auction in Arlington County? ▼
Unsold parcels are added to the Arlington County County Direct Sale / Non-Judicial Surplus List list. These properties can be acquired directly over-the-counter through the Arlington County Treasurer & Special Commissioner without an auction.