NOTICE TO BROWN COUNTY TAXPAYERS: 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)
- Lakeside Village: Parcels for Sale (PDF) - Original Plat (PDF) - Agreements, Covenants, and Restrictions (PDF) - Development Agreement (PDF)
- Dacotah West Addition: Parcels for Sale (PDF) - Original Plat (PDF) - Declaration of Covenants (PDF) - Development Agreement (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:
- Inspections
- Special assessments since forfeiture date
- Local building and zoning ordinances
- 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.