The other aspect about the courthouse auction is that you may be obligated for certain kinds of liens against the house like unpaid property taxes, and unpaid HOA dues. As Dave said, sometimes you haven't been in to see the house to do any kinds of inspections, so you don't know if there are termites, dry rot, or repairs that are needed that you would find out in a pest inspection and then a home inspection. Caveat Emptor! As he said, not for the faint of heart, and not for the amateur. Go to some (Contra Costa County buildings are in Martinez) and find out how they work and what you're getting into.

Hi Hollie,

If you're serious about buying (not just looking for the heck of it), before you get any courthouse auction lists, you need to find a local Realtor in the area that interests you. They will have all you need about buying bank-owned, short-sales and regular sales. If you're interested in central Contra Costa, I'd like to apply for the job, but whether it's me or another Realtor, that's your first step.

As for courthouse auctions specifically, these are not for the amateur. You must have a cashier's check for your purchase (or at least most of it - no 10% down here). You may not have had the change to view the home before (nor can you cancel the sale if you don't like something about it when you have seen it. It's a high risk game, but really for pros.

If you still think a courthouse auction is for you, stop by and observe one and I'll bet you change your mind.

They're held on the courthouse steps in Martinez