Investors watch the St. Johns County foreclosure auction and tax deed sales for below-market deals in St. Augustine and across the county. Order a title search before the St. Johns County foreclosure auction. The bargains are real, but so are the title risks. Here is how the auctions work and what to check before you bid.
How Do St. Johns County Auctions Work? Quick Answer
The St. Johns County Clerk of Court holds foreclosure sales online at saintjohns.realforeclose.com on scheduled Thursdays at noon, and bidders must register and fund a deposit before the sale. Tax deed sales are scheduled separately by the Clerk’s Tax Deed department. Properties are sold as-is, and the Clerk tells bidders to do their own research. Some liens, taxes and title defects can survive a sale, and a tax deed often needs additional work before it is insurable, so investors should order a title search before bidding.
St. Johns County Foreclosure Auction Title Risks
- Surviving liens: depending on the sale type, some liens, unpaid taxes or association balances may remain with the property.
- Senior mortgages: buying at a junior lienholder’s foreclosure can leave a first mortgage in place.
- Tax deed insurability: title insurers often require extra steps, such as a quiet title action, before insuring a tax deed property.
- Occupants and condition: you usually cannot inspect inside, and occupants may need to be removed through the courts.
Before You Bid at a St. Johns County Foreclosure Auction
- Read the final judgment or tax deed application to see who is foreclosing.
- Order a title search to identify senior mortgages, liens and judgments.
- Check for municipal, code enforcement and association balances.
- Confirm how you will get title insurance and financing after the sale.
Related: title search before buying at auction in Florida and our St. Augustine double closing services for investors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are St. Johns County foreclosure auctions online?
Yes. The Clerk holds foreclosure sales online through RealForeclose on scheduled Thursdays at noon.
Can I get title insurance on a tax deed property?
Often not right away. Many insurers require a quiet title action or other curative steps first.
Does Title Company of Florida do pre-auction title searches?
Yes. Contact us with the case number or parcel ID.
Closing in St. Augustine or St. Johns County?
Title Company of Florida handles title searches, title insurance and closings for St. Augustine, St. Augustine Beach, Nocatee, Ponte Vedra and all of St. Johns County. Sign with a mobile notary near you, by remote online notarization, or by mail, and we record electronically with the county.
Learn more about our St. Augustine title company services.
General information only, not legal or tax advice. County procedures, deadlines and websites can change; confirm with the office named. Title Company of Florida is a Florida licensed title agency (License #G324751).
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