Properties likely cannot be inspected prior to the sale. The Sheriff's Office does not have keys to the properties that are scheduled for sale. The prospective purchaser buys the property, more or less, "as is, where is." Any other questions regarding this, should be directed to the attorney for the plaintiff or the mortgage company.
The Sheriff's Office does not have information about these questions. The Sheriff's Office conducts the sale of the property but does not have specific information as to the condition of the property or what improvements may be required. Again, check with the attorney for the mortgage company.
No. The Plaintiff determines the opening bid. The mathematical equation to determine this is not known by the Sheriff's Office. The opening bid may be below or above the amount specified in the judgment.
The buyer assumes all liens and legal encumbrances on the property. The Sheriff's Office cannot provide legal advice on how to properly investigate what financial obligations may be outstanding. Other defendants listed on the Notice of Foreclosure Sale may have a financial interest in the property. The Sheriff's Office cannot provide legal advice as to how to determine what financial interest is outstanding. Resources available may be a title search, record search, the Clerk of Courts, Treasurer, and the Register of Deeds.
No. Bidders must have cash; cashiers check or certified funds with them at the time they bid (minimum of 10% of bid). If amount brought to the sale is over 10% of bid, that amount goes toward final amount due.
The plaintiff in the case may cancel or adjourn a Sheriff's Sale. Typical reasons for doing so include settlement or bankruptcy. The Sheriff's Office has no control over whether a sale is cancelled or adjourned or how many times that may occur. It is suggested that you contact the Sheriff's Office Civil Process Unit, at (608) 284-6824, the morning of the scheduled sale to check whether the sale is cancelled or adjourned. Keep in mind that the plaintiff may cancel or adjourn the sale anytime up until the date and time of the sale (sales are always held at 10:00 a.m.). Example: You call our office at 8:00 a.m. the morning of the sale and are told the sale is "on." The plaintiff calls our office at 8:30 a.m. and requests the sale be cancelled or adjourned. You arrive at the courthouse at 8:45 a.m. and now find out the sale has been cancelled or adjourned. The Sheriff's Office has no control over this type of situation.
Sheriff Sales postings are located in three places in the City of Madison. They are:
Sales are also posted in three public places in the appropriate municipality where the property is located.
