King 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 King County, Washington.
Where to Bid on King County Auctions
Public delinquent property auctions for King County are managed by the King County Treasurer and hosted online via King County / Seattle Annual Tax Foreclosure Sale.
King County Sheriff Sales & Judicial Foreclosures
In addition to delinquent tax sales, the King 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.
King County County Tax Title Property Resale (OTC) (Over-The-Counter)
Parcels and certificates that receive no bids during the scheduled public auctions enter the county's permanent County Tax Title Property Resale (OTC) inventory. Any citizen or investor can purchase these parcels directly from the King County Treasurer over the counter for the delinquent taxes and fees owed, without competing in an auction.
Unclaimed Tax Sale Surplus Funds in King County
When a delinquent property is auctioned in King 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 King County
Pre-Auction Due Diligence
Review the King 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 Bid4Assets 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 King County Treasurer issues a certificate or records the tax deed with the County Recorder.
Frequently Asked Questions: King County Tax Sales
Is King County a tax lien or tax deed county? ▼
King County follows the Washington 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 King County tax properties online? ▼
Yes. Tax auctions are conducted through Bid4Assets (https://www.bid4assets.com/king). Registered bidders can participate remotely from anywhere in the world.
What happens if a property does not sell at auction in King County? ▼
Unsold parcels are added to the King County County Tax Title Property Resale (OTC) list. These properties can be acquired directly over-the-counter through the King County Treasurer without an auction.