If you win, you must usually pay the full balance very quickly—often within 48 to 72 hours. 3. The "Redemption Period" Catch
The rules vary by county, but the standard flow usually looks like this:
Visit the property (though you often can't go inside) and check for other liens like mortgages or utility bills that might not be wiped out.
You are either buying the property itself or the right to collect debt:
Most auctions require you to register in advance and may ask for a deposit (e.g., 10%–15% of the property value).