Real and Personal Property Auctions

The Orange County Tax Collector uses the In Rem method of foreclosure, in accordance with North Carolina General Statute 105-375. After the Tax Office has exhausted all other means of collection, properties are seized and then auctioned off. The Orange County Sheriff's Department conducts each sale. The auctions are held at the Orange County Courthouse Steps, 106 E. Margaret Lane Hillsborough NC.

Property Auction Information.

The highest bidder at public sale shall be required to pay in full (not make a deposit) the amount of the successful bid at the conclusion of the execution sale (subject to the confirmation of the sale as by law provided). The successful bid amount shall be paid in cash or certified funds (payable to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department). 

The Sheriff’s office may, in its discretion, determine and allow a reasonable time within which to deliver the successful bid amount to that office. The successful bidder shall also be responsible for the payment of any excise tax due to the Register of Deeds office, and all recording fees at the appropriate time.

Upset Bid

There is a 10-day upset bid period in which the high bid may be upset by filing an Upset Bid with the Orange County Clerk of Court. The Upset Bid must be in cash or by certified funds in an amount greater than or equal to 5% of the amount of the Upset Bid but in any event not less than $750 dollars. The Upset Bid must be filed with the Orange County Clerk of Court by 5 p.m. on the 10th day after the filing of the Report of Sale. If the 10th day is a Sunday or a legal holiday or a day which the office of the clerk is not open then the deposit may be made the following business day. 

After the 10-day upset bid period expires successfully with no upset bid made the Order of Confirmation is filed and the Orange County Sheriff will execute a Non-Warranty Sheriff’s Deed. The total amount of the upset bid in full is due upon delivery of the Sheriff’s Deed.

More information

If you have specific questions regarding Tax  Foreclosures in Orange County or regarding a particular property please contact Brandy Prince Deputy Tax Collector for Orange County at 919-245-2731 or email Brandy Prince.

  • Properties sold may be subject to IRS Tax Liens, City/County Taxes for any years not covered under our judgment, and other restrictions of record.
  • It is your responsibility to research and obtain information regarding the property, prior to the sale.
  • PURCHASER WILL RECEIVE A NON-WARRANTED SHERIFF'S DEED UPON COMPLETION OF THE SALE.
  • The deed description may include portions of land that have already been sold off by the current owner and are NOT subject to the sale.

Mobile Home Sales

  1. Brandy Prince

    Deputy Tax Collector

Foreclosure