Auctions and sales by The Sheriff

Sheriff Sales FAQs

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FAQS - Sheriff Sales

Get answers to the most frequently asked questions on Sheriff Sales.

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Are the appraisals accurate?

The Sheriff’s Office and its appraisers never have access to the property. They will drive by the property and view the exterior to the best of their ability. The appraisal will be based on physical appearance and comparable properties in the area. Properties are sold “As Is.”

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Can I enter the property before I bid?

No, the Sheriff constructively seizes the property and purchasers do not have the right to inspect real estate before the sale.

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Can I operate the movable before I bid?

No vehicle may be started prior to the auction. Each movable is sold "As Is Where Is" and all sales are final with no exchanges or refunds. At the discretion of the Custodian (towing company or plaintiff assigned keeper), prospective bidders may lift the hood and check the mileage at the storage location before the auction. The storage location of each movable is available in the advertisment in The Era Leader Newspaper and on the auction website.

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Does the Sheriff guarantee a clear title to the property?

No, the Sheriff does not warrant title to the property, nor the accuracy of the mortgage certificate prepared by the Clerk of Court. All properties are sold subject to any security interest, mortgage, lien or privilege thereon superior to that of the seizing creditor, active or prescribed. Further, all property is sold "as is." Mortgage certificates are available on the auction website. Additionally, since the property is sold subject to any liens and/or mortgages, that lien may follow the property and could become the buyer’s responsibility. The Sheriff’s Office will not research or obtain a payoff for any superior lien. Buyers must conduct their own due diligence and seek legal advice if needed. The IRS, even if their lien is filed after the seizing creditor, can rescind the sale up to 120 days after the sale date. The Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) can rescind the sale up to 1 year after the sale date. In this event, the IRS or HUD will refund the purchase price.

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How do I bid?

The Sheriff’s Sale is a public auction. You must register online at the auction website: https://www.bid4assets.com/registration/signup/step1

Additional instructions are available at this website, https://www.bid4assets.com/help/support/contactus. Please contact Bid4Assets for questions regarding the auction process.

WPSO employees can and will not give any legal advice. Once the auction ends, the sale is final.

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How many days does it take before a property goes to auction?

The initial sheriff's sale date shall not be scheduled any earlier than sixty days after the date of the signed court order commanding the issuance of the writ. During this time the sale may be stopped for reasons such as bankruptcy or payment of the balance owed. The status of sales can be located on this website.

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If the property is occupied, how do I evict the occupants after the sale?

A buyer cannot force the occupants to vacate a property without completing an eviction through the Justice of the Peace, a City Court, or the 22nd Judicial District Court.

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Must I pay a deposit prior to auction?

Yes, one deposit of $1,000 is required per auction date. Deposits are due 7 days prior to auction date. If you miss this deadline, contact Bid4Assets.com to request an exception. WPSO cannot grant extensions. Please note no guarantees can be made for participation when deposits are received after the deadline.

Only certified check/money order or wire transfers are accepted. ACH, direct deposit, credit card or money transfers will be rejected. Please do NOT deposit funds directly into Bid4Assets escrow account.

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Must I pay for the entire amount of purchase at the auction?

Successful bidders shall pay the balance of the winning bid price (accounting for the $1,000 deposit) by 4:00 PM CST on the first business day after the auction. Payments shall be made to Bid4Assets in accordance withpost-auction instructions. NO exceptions will be made.

The buyer of movable property is responsible for storage fees accrued over five days following the sale.

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What are the usual costs of foreclosure?

Cost includes, but are not limited to, the following: service fees, advertising, appraisals (if required), certificates, docket fees, delinquent property tax, deed, filing fees, towing and storage, 3% commission for immovable items, 6% commission for movable items. A successful bidder pays only the amount of his or her bid. If the property is sold without appraisal, the opening bid generally begins at the total costs incurred in the suit at the time of sale.

The Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office cannot and does not collect and/or property taxes due for the year in which the sale is held. The buyer will be responsible for payment of property taxes for the entire year. Additionally, if the property is sold subject to any liens and/or mortgages, that lien may follow the property and could become the buyer’s responsibility. The IRS can rescind the sale up to 120 days after the sale date. The Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) can rescind the sale up to 1 year after the sale date. In this event, the IRS and/or HUD will refund the purchase price.

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What does it mean when a property is sold with appraisal?

The plaintiff (creditor) and defendant (debtor) may each appoint an appraiser to determine the property’s value. Appraisals must be submitted to the Sheriff’s Office at least five days before the sale (excluding holidays).If a party does not appoint an appraiser, the Sheriff will do so on their behalf. If the two appraisals are not within 90% of each other, a referee appraiser is appointed, and the minimum bid is based on that value.

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What is a Writ Amount?

The Writ Value generally means the principle amount owed to the Plaintiff/Creditor. It may not include additional costs such as interest, attorney's fees, court costs etc.

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What is the difference in immovable property and movables?

Immovable Property is real estate or real property which refers to land and anything permanently attached to it such as buildings, structures or fixtures that cannot be easily moved.

Movables consist of property that can be moved, such as personal goods. Almost anything that is not Real Estate is considered a movable or chattel. Examples include, but are not limited to, the following: automobiles, airplanes, construction equipment, boats, furniture, jewelry, business inventories, artwork and musical instruments.

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What is the minimum opening bid?

There are two categories for the minimum opening bid:

1. When the sale is with appraisal the bid must open at two thirds (2/3) of the appraisal. If 2/3 of the appraisal results in an opening bid insufficient to cover the costs, then the opening bid will be raised to reflect those expenses.

2. When the sale is without appraisal the bid must cover all cost associated with the sale. Usually this is a relatively low amount between two and five thousand dollars.

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When will I receive the property deed?

The Sheriff’s Office will prepare your deed and send it to the Clerk of Court for recording within fifteen (15) days after receiving the full purchase price.

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Where and when is the auction held?

Sheriff Sales are typically held on the third Wednesday of each month (this schedule is subject to change). Bidding will begin between legal sale hours beginning at 10:00 AM CT and will close at 12:00 PM CT. If a bid is placed in the final five minutes of an auction, the auction shall extend for an additional five minutes. This will continue until five minutes pass without a bid being placed, at which point the auction will close.

Immovable and Movable Property sheriff sales via an online auction hosted at https://www.bid4assets.com/WPSOSheriffSales.

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Where are upcoming sales advertised?

Each property and its auction date are advertised in the EraLeader, the official newspaper of record. Movable Property is advertised once; at least ten days prior to its auction taking place. Immovable Property is advertised twice; first at least thirty days prior and second, not earlier than 7 days prior to its auction taking place.

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