QUESTIONS? Email us at: auctioninfo@albanycounty.com

Auctions: Are They for You?

What to Expect

On one hand there is the thrill of competition during the bidding and the hope of getting something great for a great price. Then there is the fact that once you have committed to buying there is no going back. Your bid is a verbal contract to buy. If you fail to close, you will lose your deposit and may be blocked from bidding at future auctions. Albany County is not responsible for correcting your mistakes.

You must put 20% of your bid down at the auction site on Saturday. That deposit can be in certified funds, personal checks, or cash. Most bidders prefer using personal checks as they do not know the final bid amount until bidding closes. The County does not accept credit or debit cards.

If You Have Not Seen a Property, Do Not Bid on It!

If you have not fully researched what you are bidding on, you might be in for some rude surprises. Check around the neighborhood, talk to adjacent property owners, local businesses, and neighborhood associations. Check the current code violations, water and sewer bills, and current taxes which will be your responsibility after closing. Make sure you have reviewed the County’s Property file. Determine the short and long term potential of the property. You may want to adjust your bid accordingly.

Do Your Research.

You are buying foreclosed property by Quit Claim deed. It is the bidder’s responsibility to fully research any property bid upon. The County will NOT refund deposits due to bidder mistakes or lack of knowledge about a parcel.

Why Are Some Parcels Removed prior to the Auction?

The County reserves the right to remove any property from the Auction at any time. Some of the properties are subject to court actions, others are considered for private sales to non-profits and local governments.

A list of the properties which have been removed is updated on the Albany County website and will be posted at the auction site on Saturday. If you are interested in a specific property, please check the website to make sure it is still on the auction list.

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Request a Printed Brochure

If you want to be added to our mailing list for the printed Real Property Auction brochure, please send your name and address to:

Albany County Division of Finance
112 State St, Rm 800
Albany, NY 12207

or e-mail us at: finance@albanycounty.com

Brochures are mailed as soon as they are available. Searchable property information with color photos or tax maps will be available online.