San Diego County is set to auction 686 tax-defaulted properties, including 70 improved homes, 66 unimproved lots, and 550 timeshares, with starting bids as low as $100. Prospective buyers must register by March 5 at sdttc.mytaxsale.com, paying a $1,000 refundable deposit and $35 processing fee to access the online bidding platform active March 13–18. The sale, a final “buyer beware” process, could help the county recover $18.2 million in unpaid taxes if all minimum bids are met.

Properties range from commercial buildings to residential homes, but bidders face strict rules: purchases are final, and title insurance isn’t available for one year post-sale. Treasurer Larry Cohen urged due diligence, advising buyers to verify zoning, research liens, and confirm property locations via parcel maps. Failure to comply could result in lost investments, as the county emphasizes the auction’s irreversible nature.

The event follows a tight timeline: owners have until March 12 to redeem properties by clearing back taxes. Successful bidders must pay the full purchase price within five business days after the auction closes. With $18.2 million at stake, the sale highlights the financial risks and opportunities tied to distressed real estate in Southern California.

Experts recommend thorough research before participating. The county’s website provides tools to explore parcels, but buyers are warned to act swiftly—once the March 5 registration deadline passes, no late entries will be accepted. This auction underscores the growing trend of municipalities liquidating tax-defaulted assets to recoup losses, offering a high-risk, high-reward avenue for real estate investors.