Properties that have not sold at a Judicial Tax Sale become “Repository Properties” of the County. The goal is to get these properties back on the tax roster; and generating income for the taxing agencies (County, Municipal, and School District).
You can download the Repository Property Purchase Application below or pick up a copy at the Tax Claim Office.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are properties that have been through both tax sales (Upset Sale and Judicial Sale) that did not sell and now are available for bid.
The properties listed on the repository sale list are available at any time to bid on.
You may either print out the bidders form online or stop by the Tax Claim Office and pick one up. The minimum bid is $500.00 and it must be stated at the time of the bid if the plans are to rehabilitate or demolish the property. For land only this is not needed.
The Tax Claim office does not have physical access to the properties; the bidder may stop to view the property but may not be able to access the interior. It is up to the bidder if they want to continue and place a bid, sometimes sight unseen.
If the bid was placed on a property that includes a building then our inspector is contacted to determine if the property should be rehabilitated or demolished. If the bidder and inspector are in agreement on what can be done with the property the Tax Claim Office forwards the bid to the three taxing bodies. (County, Municipality and School) The taxing bodies have 30 days to approve or deny the bid. The bidder is then notified of the decision.
If your bid is approved you will receive a letter stating this and the total amount to be paid. The awarded bidder needs to make that payment and fill out a rehabilitation or demolition contract.
The contract allows the taxing bodies to be sure the work needed will be completed in the time frame allowed. For rehabilitation you have 18 months and for demolition you have 12 months. Johnsonburg Borough requires 12 months for rehabilitation and 6 months for demolition.
The property shall revert back to the Tax Claim Bureau.
A final inspection will be done and a completion certificate will be given if all work is completed satisfactorily.