Foreclosure sale process

Sheriff’s deputies conduct foreclosure sales in an open bidding process.

Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office
Civil unit
350 South 5th Street, Room 190
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Map

The mortgage company’s or plaintiff’s representative will bid first. Then others can bid.
At the time of the sale, the successful outside bidder must pay the entire amount of their bid. They can pay with a cashier’s check payable to Hennepin County Sheriff, or cash.
The successful outside bidder must also pay a $200 fee.
Once we process the sale, the successful bidder must pick up the sheriff’s certificate of sale. The bidder must also file it with the Recorder - Registrar of Titles Office.
Most foreclosure sales are subject to a redemption period, usually 6 months. Other redemption periods are 5 weeks, 2 months, and 12 months.

This is the most common type of foreclosure. It’s usually based on a default in the terms of the mortgage.
The attorney who forecloses a mortgage prepares the notice of sale. They also arrange for service and publication of the notice.
For questions about the sale or about reinstating the mortgage, contact the attorney. The attorney’s phone number is usually published with the notice of sale.

These sales result from an order from a judge. The order directs the sheriff to sell a specific parcel of real property.
The plaintiff’s attorney prepares the notice of sale. They also arrange for service and publication of the notice. A posting in 3 public places is also required.

The notice of sale must be published in a qualified newspaper once a week for 6 weeks before a scheduled sale date.
The sheriff’s office does not have a list or calendar of scheduled sales.
Attorneys are not legally required to tell us when they schedule, postpone or cancel a sale by advertisement.

The mortgagor may be able to postpone a foreclosure sale.

The mortgagor must, at least 15 days before the schedule date:

The redemption period after a postponed sale is automatically reduced to 5 weeks.

If you file an affidavit of postponement, confirm with the foreclosure attorney that:

A notice of foreclosure sale must be served on the property occupants. This must be done at least 4 weeks before the scheduled sale date.
Homeowners should read the foreclosure advice and redemption rights notice.
Tenants should read the foreclosure advice notice to tenants.
Contact an organization named in the notice if you need more help, or contact an attorney.
To avoid scams, use caution if anyone approaches you with an offer to help.

Certificates of sale are recorded in the Recorder – Registrar of Titles office.