ATTENTION PROPERTY OWNERS:  If you have experienced flooding in your home from the recent rains and your insurance company has deemed your losses to be 50% of your property value or more, you may qualify for a local option abatement. Contact the Brown County Assessor’s office before July 1st @ 507-233-6606 to speak with an appraiser to request an inspection.

General Auction/Property Sale Information

Upcoming Auction:

At this time, there are no upcoming auctions scheduled. Please continue to check back for information on future tax-forfeited land auctions.


Over the Counter Sale Offerings:

Land not sold at auction will be offered for sale over the counter starting at 8am the day after the auction. Please call (507) 233-6617 to schedule an appointment.

Current Over the Counter Sales

2020 Bill and Terms of Sale (PDF)
2016.1 Bill and Terms of Sale (PDF)

 

How much does auctioned land cost?

After the classification process, an appraised value is set for the land.

In addition to the purchase cost, a city can reapply prior year canceled special assessments to the taxes of purchased land. Check with the city before bidding, for possible:

  • Special assessments
  • Various (code, inspection) fees

Terms of Sale:

Carefully review the terms of the auction found above on this page.  Terms may vary each auction.

All sales of auctioned lands are:

  • Final — no refunds or exchanges
  • Not guaranteed by the county
  • Sold "as-is" (in current condition) and may not conform to local building and zoning ordinances. Check with a real estate agent and the city before bidding, for things such as, but not limited to:
  1. Inspections
  2. Special assessments since forfeiture date
  3. Local building and zoning ordinances
  4. Renter history

Registration and Earnest Money:

Anyone (individuals, corporations, entities, etc.) may purchase land.

You must register and provide earnest money in the form of a cashier's check, money order or certified check from your bank. No credits cards or cash accepted. Earnest money must:

  • Be made payable to Brown County Treasurer
  • Payment must be in your name
  • Be in the amount specified in the terms published.
  • Include "For purchase of tax-forfeited land at public auction"  in the memo section
  • When you register, you will receive a bidding number

If you win a bid

Your earnest money can be applied to the purchase cost. The following payment types are accepted to complete the purchase:

  • Cashier's Checks, money orders or certified checks from your bank
  • Contract for Deed (not all auctions accept Contracts for Deed)
  • No credit cards or cash

If you do not win a bid

Your earnest money will be returned to you when you return your bidding number.

If you win a bid, but change your mind

Earnest money will not be returned.

If you pay by check

Checks used for payment of the purchase price must clear the bank before a State Deed is ordered.  If a check is returned for insufficient funds, or any other reason as non-negotiable, the sale is automatically cancelled, the earnest money will be forfeited to Brown County, and the property may be scheduled for a subsequent public auction at the sole discretion of Brown County.


 What does the county do with sale proceeds?

The net revenue is distributed annually to the local taxing districts on the following percentage basis:

  • 40% county
  • 40% school district
  • 20% city

The county’s portion pays for the maintenance, operation and repair of tax-forfeited land on inventory.


Additional information:

Brown County will normally host a Tax Forfeited Land sale when the inventory warrants a sale.

 

Contact Auditor-Treasurer Office

General

Brown County Courthouse
14 S State Street
PO Box 115
New Ulm, MN 56073-0115

Located on the 2nd floor, Rm 206
Hours: 8 am – 4:30pm Weekdays

Telephone: (507) 233-6613
Fax: (507) 359-1430

Email County Auditor-Treasurer


Elections

Telephone: (507) 233-6614

Email Brown County Elections

Translate

Mission Statement

Commitment to Excellence through Leadership, Teamwork, and Education

Contact

Office Hours: 8am to 4:30pm
(most offices)

Main Office Phone: 507-233-6600

Courthouse Address:
14 S State St
New Ulm, MN 56073

Individual Office Hours may vary.

 

© 2023 Brown County, MN. All Rights Reserved.