Bargain hunters gearing up for tax-default auction

SAN DIEGO (CNS) – More than 350 buildings and lots will be up for grabs
at the annual San Diego County auction of tax-defaulted properties, county
Treasurer-Tax Collector Dan McAllister announced.

The auction is scheduled for March 19 at the San Diego Convention Center.

“We currently have 107 improved properties and 182 unimproved parcels
ready for auction,” McAllister said. “The numbers may change if owners pay
the defaulted taxes right before the deadline. They have until 5 p.m. on
Tuesday, March 18, 2014, to bring their taxes and delinquent charges up to
date, or their property will be auctioned off.”

In addition to the 289 properties mentioned by McAllister are another 81
timeshares, according to his office.

State law allows properties to be auctioned off if their owners are five
years behind on tax payments. McAllister said the county will try to recover
nearly $7.3 million in unpaid taxes at the auction.

“Some years, we have made available incredible bargains for bidders
involved in this annual auction,” McAllister said. “It remains to be seen as
to whether or not taxpayers who are delinquent in their tax payment will step
forward to rescue their property before it is sold at our auction. We hope that
everyone who is delinquent will pay up.”

Interested bidders can purchase registration packets for $75 at
Treasurer-Tax Collector offices in downtown San Diego, Kearny Mesa, Chula
Vista, El Cajon or San Marcos. The downtown San Diego is the only office that
accepts cash.

The county urges prospective bidders to thoroughly research issues like
property conditions, conformance to local codes and zoning.

Minimum bids are based on the total amount of back taxes, penalties and
sales costs. A successful bidder may take possession of a property after making
a payment in full and after the “tax deed to purchaser” has been recorded.

Information on the current availability of properties going to auction
can be obtained online at www.sdtreastax.com.