Foreclosures

Foreclosure sales are properties sold due to delinquent tax liens. This only occurs after other collection efforts have been exhausted. The process of foreclosure, from start to finish, can take as little as 60 days or as long as 18 months.

Owners or lienholders have until the day of sale to pay taxes and fees in full. This action would stop the sale of the property. Bidding is opened at the amount equal to delinquent taxes, interest and legal costs.

Anyone may offer an amount over the County's bid at public auction. They would obtain ownership upon completion of a 10-day upset bid period. The sale is subject to all outstanding County, City and fire district taxes. Local improvement assessments against the described property are not included in the judgment. All other liens on the property get extinguished at the time of sale.

Collections maintains the tax foreclosure listing. The office does not maintain or provide a mailing list of these properties. When foreclosure properties are ready, the sale dates and times get posted.

Foreclosure sales are held at the date and time assigned by the courts. This information is updated on the listing and calendar. You must be in attendance at the sale to bid on a property.

At the time of sale, if you are the highest bidder, the attorney will require a deposit of 20% of the amount of the bid. Only cash, money orders or certified funds are accepted for a deposit on the sale day. Cabarrus County does not offer financing. You are welcome to get financing from a financial institution.

The sale is subject to a 10-day upset bid period as required by law. Upset bids must be submitted in person at the Cabarrus County Courthouse. Go to the office of the Clerk of Superior Court, Room 104. Provide the court case number, available on the listing, to the office of the Clerk of Superior Court. This will provide you access to the record. Upset bids require a 5% increase over the last highest bid, with a minimum increase of $750. Do you have inquiries regarding close out status of foreclosure sales? Make these inquiries in person at the office of the Clerk of Superior Court.

If you are the highest bidder at the close of the upset bid period, final payment is due:

  • in the foreclosure attorney's office upon delivery of the Commissioner's deed
  • no later than 30 days after completion of the 10-day upset bid period

Unless otherwise stated in the notice of sale, all other liens get eliminated:

  • except for current year taxes, if applicable
  • when the Commissioner's deed is issued and recorded

You should seek legal advice in the foreclosure process from your personal attorney.