Upon acquisition by Multnomah County all tax foreclosed real property is first made available to the former owner of record for re-purchase for not less than the accrued taxes, interest, and expenses. If the former owner does not repurchase the property, it is then reviewed by the Greenspace Review Committee to determine the suitability for public use as open space, parks, or natural areas and given the appropriate designation.  At the same time, the list of foreclosed properties not repurchased is reviewed by the Affordable Housing Development Review Committee to determine if any of them are suitable for non-profit housing developers.

The tax foreclosed properties not repurchased are then made available to government agencies for their review and possible acquisition.  After the completion of this process, the remaining properties are then made available to qualified non-profit corporations or governments through the County's Affordable Housing Development Program for low income housing purposes.  At the same time the list of available properties are also made available through the County's Greenspaces Program to qualified non-profit corporations or governments for use as open space, parks, or natural areas.  After the Board of County Commissioners has deliberated and decided to grant or deny the requests for properties, the balance if any, of the foreclosed properties that are deemed to be marketable are made available for sale at a public auction.

A public auction of foreclosed properties is typically held once a year.  All auctions are oral and open to the public.  The only acceptable forms of payment are cash or cashier's check.  The property is sold to the highest bidder who meets or exceeds the minimum price. There is no assignment purchasing allowed and no tax certificates are issued.  All properties are sold "as is".  Properties that do not sell at the public auction are placed on a future public auction or disposed of as otherwise provided by law.

The County may enter into a private sale of certain tax-foreclosed properties if 1) the property is valued at less than $15,000 and 2) the local planning and zoning jurisdiction determines that the parcel is not suitable for the construction or placement of a dwelling.  The County's policy with respect to properties that qualify for private sales is to offer them only to adjacent property owners.

Notification of properties to be sold at auction.

If you are interested in being notified of the next scheduled auction, please send your name, address, a self-addressed envelope (minimum 6.5" x 9.5") with 0.88 cents postage to:

Multnomah County Tax Title

Auction List

PO Box 2716

Portland, OR 97208

For more information write to Becky Grace at the above listed PO Box number or telephone 503-988-3590 or fax 503-988-3085.

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