Sale Procedures

PLEASE NOTE: The Sheriff's Office is prohibited from offering any sort of legal advice.  Sheriff Sale proceedings can be complicated and complex; buyers, debtors, and other interested parties are encouraged to seek legal counsel for any questions they may have.

Sheriff's Sales of Real Property are held at 10:00 am, on the scheduled day, on the front steps of the Jefferson County Courthouse.

Sheriff's Sales of Personal Property will be conducted at the date, time, and location specified in the Sheriff's notices regarding the sale.  Personal Property items may be sold individually or in groups, as agreed upon between the Sheriff and the Plaintiff.

Sales are conducted according to the following rules:

  • The Sheriff's Office is prohibited from offering any sort of legal advice.  Sheriff Sale proceedings can be complicated and complex; buyers, debtors, and other interested parties are encouraged to seek legal counsel for any questions they may have.
  • Property is sold at auction, via be an open and competitive bidding.
  • An opening "credit bid" may be made by the Plaintiff.  If so, this will be announced prior to the start of the sale.
  • The Sheriff is selling the debtor’s “Right, Title, and Interest” in the subject property.
  • PLEASE NOTE, the property will be sold AS IS, subject to any and all prior liens and encumbrances. The Sheriff’s Office guarantees absolutely NOTHING as to the title or the condition of the subject property
  • After completion of the auction, the successful purchaser and the second highest bidder, if any, for will need to contact the Deputy conducting the sale, and will be required to provide their name and contact information.  PHOTO ID WILL BE REQUIRED.
  • The successful purchaser can return, with their bid amount, up to one hour after the conclusion of the auction. If they do not return, the second highest bidder will be contacted by phone and will have up to one hour to arrive after being contacted.  (If they do not answer their phone, a voicemail will be left - this is considered the start of the one hour period.)
  • Payment is made directly to the Clerk of the Superior Court that issued the Order or Writ that directed the Sheriff to seize and sell the property.
  • The Jefferson County Superior Court Clerk's Office can only accept cash or cashier’s checks.  NO personal checks, money orders, credit cards, or debit cards can be accepted.
  • Purchasers must make payment in the exact amount bid.  No change can be made.  No over-payments, under-payments, or partial deposits can be accepted.
  • Purchasers must make payment using U.S. currency.