Facts to Know Before Purchase

Public Sales

As directed by statute, tax-forfeited lands will be offered to the public for sale.  Each parcel will have a minimum starting bid price and will be sold to the highest bidder. 

Private Sales

Qualifying tax-forfeited lands may be offered on a private sale to adjacent property owners only.  These parcels are usually small, unbuildable and of little value to the general public.

Counter Sales

Parcels not sold at a sale may be purchased by offering to pay the minimum bid price. Prices cannot be changed until the parcel is reappraised, republished and approved/offered at another sale.

Terms

Terms may vary. Review the specific terms for each sale. 

All bids must be paid in full.  Installment plans are not available. The successful bidder shall have 10 business days from the date of the mailed notification to fulfill the additional costs and fees listed below.  Cashier’s Checks, Money Orders, Certified Checks and Personal checks made payable to Anoka County are all accepted.

ADDITIONAL COSTS AND FEES EXAMPLE (not included in the Sale Price):

The additional costs and fees listed below must be paid in two separate transactions.  

 Check 1

  • State Assurance Fee                      3% of the base sale price (pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Section 284.28, Subd. 8)
  • State Deed Cost                              $25.00

 Check 2

  • Recording Fee                                 $46.00
  • Conservation Fee                            $5.00
  • State Deed Tax                                

Sales $3,000 or less                   $1.65 

Sales $3,001 or more                  0.0033 x base sale price 

Conditions

Sales are subject to existing leases, if any, building restrictions appearing on record at the time of forfeiture, easements, all applicable laws and ordinances, and with the understanding that the appraised value does not represent a basis for future taxes. All property is sold 'as is' and may not conform to local building and zoning ordinances. The County makes no warranty that the land is 'buildable.' All sales are final, and no refunds or exchanges are permitted. If municipal special assessments were cancelled at forfeiture, the assessments may be reassessed by the municipality. Local improvements not yet assessed and special assessments levied after forfeiture must be assumed by the purchaser.

It is the responsibility of the bidder to research and obtain information about the properties. Suggested resources include:

Lead Statement

Some properties may present exposure to lead from lead-based paint that may place young children at risk of developing lead poisoning. If you are interested in purchasing a single-family dwelling built prior to 1978, you have the right to conduct a risk assessment or inspection for lead-based paint hazards at your expense at least ten (10) days before the sale date. Please contact our office for more information.

Radon Warning Statement

The Minnesota Department of Health strongly recommends that ALL homebuyers have an indoor radon test performed prior to purchase or taking occupancy and recommends having the radon levels mitigated if elevated concentrations are found. Every buyer of an interest in residential real property is notified that the property may present exposure to dangerous levels of indoor radon gas that may place the occupants at risk of developing radon- induced lung cancer. Radon, a Class A human carcinogen, is the leading cause of lung cancer in nonsmokers and the second leading cause overall. The seller of any interest in residential real property is required to provide the buyer with any information on radon test results of the dwelling. Anoka County has not performed and is not aware of any radon testing on properties offered for sale, unless otherwise noted. The county will provide a copy of the Minnesota Department of Health’s “Radon in Real Estate Transactions” publication to any buyer of residential tax-forfeited property.

Title

The successful bidder will receive an Auditor’s Certificate of Purchase for the parcel.  The Commissioner of Revenue will issue a deed from the State of Minnesota.  The law provides that this conveyance has the force and effect of a patent from the State.   However, tax forfeiture creates a break in the chain of title, and services of an attorney may be necessary to make the title marketable.

Unplatted Parcel Deeds

Unplatted Parcel Deeds for unplatted parcels will contain a restrictive covenant, which will prohibit enrollment of the land in a state-funded program providing compensation for conservation of marginal land or wetlands.