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1. Does Orange County sell Tax Lien Certificates?

Orange County does not sell Tax Lien Certificates. At one time this was the practice, but it has not been in effect since the 1980s.

2. Is there a list of pending foreclosures for interested buyers?

Yes. There is a list available on our website. However, we do not mail out notices of sale.

3. Can you pay someone's delinquent taxes and become the owner of the property?

No. Paying someone elses taxes will not entitle you to any legal ownership of the property.

4. How often do you have foreclosures?

The Tax Office schedules foreclosures throughout the year except during December and January. The Chapel Hill Townships are advertised for two weeks prior to the sale in the Chapel Hill Herald. The other townships are advertised in the News of Orange for two weeks prior to the sale. The Notices of Sale are also posted on the Courthouse bulletin board for 20 days prior to the sale.

5. What is the procedure during the foreclosure?

The property is offered for sale by the Sheriff's Department at 12 Noon on the front steps of the County Courthouse on Margaret Lane in Hillsborough. The bidding starts at the judgment amount, plus interest, costs and sheriff's commission. 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). After the auction a Report of Sale is filed and there is a 10-day waiting period in which an upset bid can be filed.

6. Does a property have to be delinquent for multiple years to be subject to foreclosure?

No. After the tax lien advertisement in March of each year any advertised property is subject to foreclosure.

7. What type of deed will I receive if I am the purchaser at a tax foreclosure sale?

You will receive a non-warranted Sheriff's Deed. There are no warranties of title. Property is sold as is.