Crow Wing County schedules one(1) tax forfeited land sale each year; normally late summer or early fall. The sale is a public, oral auction. The sale is NOT a sealed bid auction. If a party is unable to attend the auction, bids will be accepted by the Auditor's Office by mail prior to the sale providing appropriate down payment is enclosed. Bids received by mail are first read aloud before bidding is opened to the general public. Tracts are offered for sale in the order shown on the land sale list.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Are all tax forfeited lands, as shown in plat book, available for sale? No, in general, the policy over the last two decades has been to retain the acreage tracts, as shown in the plat book, and manage said lands for multiple use public benefits ie. timber management, recreation, wildlife, wetland protection, etc. What tax forfeited lands are available for sale? City lots, platted property, small acreage. Are tax forfeited lands with structures ever sold at auction? Yes, on occasion.  Due to the additional liability to the County, our goal is to sell properties containing structures as soon as possible. What type of deed is used to transfer title? When the property has been paid in full, the Department of Revenue will convey title by means of a State Deed. Who determines the tracts to be offered for sale? The Land Commissioner makes the preliminary determination and develops a preliminary land sale list for County Board review. Tracts are placed on the preliminary list after considering individual requests and Division recommendations. How do I receive a land sale brochure? Call the Land Commissioner's Office and request to be placed on the mailing list. Because Public Land Management does not carry names over from year to year, you must make an annual request. Or, check Crow Wing County's Web page for availability of the lists. Additionally, the Auditors Office automatically mails a notice to all property owners within 350 feet of the parcel being offered for sale. Can I purchase parcels that did not sell at the public auction? Yes, any parcel that did not sell at public auction may be purchased for the appraised value in Public Land Management. These parcels are available for sale until such time as they are withdrawn from the list by County Board action. Generally, tracts that did not sell at public auction are available for sale for a period of three (3) years after the sale. Sale price is not negotiable; appraised value is required. Can I purchase under contract? Yes, after paying the down payment, the balance is paid in five (5) annual payments. If purchase price of tract is less than $100, payment in full is required. What is the interest rate? The State dictates the interest rate and may fluctuate from year to year. Currently the interest rate is 10%. What are the payment requirements after the sale? If you have successfully purchased a tract, you must make payment and, if applicable, finalize contract arrangements in Public Land Management prior to 5:00 p.m. on the day of the sale. Cash, check, money order, cashiers check are all acceptable methods of payment. No credit cards.