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1. If I purchase property at a sheriff’s sale, do I get clear title?

Clear title is not guaranteed to real property sold at a sheriff’s sale. It is a Buyer Beware market. You must do your own research and we highly recommend contacting your attorney prior to bidding as you may not be purchasing what you think you are.

2. If I purchase at a sheriff’s sale, who is responsible for back property taxes?

Taxes stay with the property. If you made the purchase, you are now responsible for the taxes.

3. Do I have to pay the full amount of my bid the day I purchase

Yes. You MUST have your finances in order PRIOR to the sale. No time to apply for a loan after you have won the bid. (See Question #4)

4. How do I pay for a purchase at a sheriff’s sale?

You MUST have your finances in order PRIOR to the sale. Depending on where you bank you will have 1 to 2 hours to go to your bank to get a cashier’s check for the full amount you bid and return it to the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office. We do not accept personal checks for sheriff’s sales. 

Make checks payable to: JASPER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE.  

5. Can I enter the residence I plan to purchase or view the property?

No, if the residence is vacant, you may NOT enter the property.
Yes, if the residence is occupied and you get permission to enter from the residents.

6. Does the sheriff have keys to the residence?

No. We do not have keys or garage door openers before or after the sale. The Sheriff’s Office cannot give permission for you to enter a residence.

7. How does the bidding start?

The mortgage company gives the sheriff’s office a starting bid before the day of the sale. The mortgage company’s bid is considered a sealed bid and will not be disclosed until the sale begins. A bid of a least $1.00 higher than the starting bid can win the bid.  

8. What happens if I am the highest bidder and change my mind about buying the property?

Pursuant to the Code of Iowa, 626.85, the judgment holder may proceed against you for the amount you bid. 

9. What does redemption period mean?

If the sale notice indicates there is a redemption period; that is the amount of time that the defendant has right to redeem the real estate after the sale. If the defendant makes redemption, this must be completed at the Jasper County Clerk of Court’s Office.

10. If I purchase a property that has a redemption period, do I have to pay for the property within two hours just like the no redemption sales?

Yes, a purchase must be paid for within two hours by cashier’s check regardless of redemption period.

11. If I purchase and there is a redemption period, when do I get a sheriff’s deed?

If you purchase property with a redemption period, you will be issued a certificate of purchase. When the redemption period is expired, you may then return the ORIGINAL certificate of purchase to the sheriff. If the property has not been redeemed, then you will then receive a Sheriff’s Deed. It is very important that you do not lose the original certificate of purchase. If you lose it, you will not receive a sheriff’s deed until you get a court order directing the sheriff to issue you a duplicate certificate of purchase. (626.96) If you fail to have a sheriff’s deed issued within 8 years after the date of issuance of the certificate of purchase, the sheriff’s sale will be cancelled. (626.97)

12. If I purchase and there is a redemption period, can I enter the property before the redemption period is up?

This is a question for your attorney.

13. When I get a sheriff’s deed, what do I do next?

It will need to be recorded at the Jasper County Recorder’s Office. Contact your attorney or the Recorder’s Office with questions.

14. If I get a sheriff’s deed and there are people living there, how do I get them out? Do I have to go through the eviction process?

These are questions for your attorney. If there is no redemption period or the redemption period is over and you have been issued a Sheriff's Deed, you need to go to the clerk of court and apply for a Writ of Removal using the Plaintiff and Defendant and case number from the foreclosure.  Once the Writ of Removal has been issued to you by the court, you need fill out Directions for the Writ of Removal. Then bring the Writ of Removal and completed directions to our office to arrange service for the writ and pay for fees. 

15. If my property is purchased at a sale, when do I have to be out?

Whoever purchased the property at the sale is entitled to possession at the time of the sale in the case of no redemption period, or at the end of the redemption period, if the property has not been redeemed.