FAQs - Real Estate Dispositions

FAQS – REAL ESTATE DISPOSITIONS

1. HOW DO I PURCHASE COUNTY OWNED REAL ESTATE?

A. Submit your request using this form: Request for County Owned Property

2. WHERE CAN I FIND A LIST OF COUNTY OWNED PROPERTIES FOR SALE?

A. Approved surplus real estate sales are posted under Active ITBs on the webpage of Purchasing and Contracting. 

3. WILL I HAVE TIME TO ARRANGE FINANCING IF I WANT TO MAKE A PURCHASE?

A. All sales must be cash to the Seller (DeKalb County). Any financing must be done prior to the closing. Keep in mind that the County’s policy requires the Buyer to close within 30 days of the Notice of Award.

4. HOW OFTEN DO YOU SCHEDULE YOUR SALES?

A. Sales are scheduled once properties have been declared surplus by the Board of Commissioners. There is no particular schedule.

5. HOW DO I REQUEST FOR A PROPERTY TO BE DECLARED SURPLUS?

A. Submit your request using this form: Request for County Owned Property

6. DO YOU DONATE PROPERTIES TO NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS?

A. No. The County is prohibited from granting any donation or gratuity regardless of the worthiness of the purpose or the recipient. Where the public receives no substantial benefit, the donation or free use of county-owned property violates this constitutional prohibition.

According to State law and the Real Property Disposition Policy of the DeKalb County GIS Department, the price of each property is based on its fair market value, which is determined by a qualified appraisal. Neither State Law nor County policy provide exceptions for non-profit buyers.

7. DOES THE COUNTY PAY CLOSING COSTS?

A. No, the buyer is responsible for paying all closing costs.

8. CAN I VIEW THE PROPERTIES ONLINE?

A. Yes, you can view all parcels that DeKalb holds a real estate interest at our Site Selector App

9. HOW CAN I PURCHASE A PROPERTY FROM THE LAND BANK?

A. Click for more information about DeKalb Regional Land Bank sales

10. CAN I PURCHASE DELINQUENT TAX PARCELS?

A. Yes, through the DeKalb Tax Commissioner. Find more information here: Delinquent Tax  at DeKalb Tax Commissioner

11. HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE DETAILS ABOUT PARCELS?

A. The DeKalb County GIS Department has developed a suite of applications to assist you. Find more information here: DeKalb County GIS Department Apps

12. CAN I PURCHASE A SECTION OF ROAD OR ALLEY NEAR MY PROPERTY?

A. Under certain conditions it is possible for DeKalb County to abandon right of way. Submit your request to Chris Bell Real Estate Specialist

13. CAN I PURCHASE UNREDEEMED AND UNFORCLOSED TAX DEEDS?

A. You may submit a request using this form: (Request for County Owned Property). All requests are subject to approval by the DeKalb Regional Land Bank, DeKalb Tax Commissioner, and DeKalb Board of Commissioners.

14. HOW CAN I REPORT A CODE VIOLATION?

A. Go to Code Compliance Report a Violation

15. HOW CAN I DETERMINE IF THE COUNTY OWNS A PROPERTY?

A. Use the Clerk of Superior Court Records Search to determine if the property has a tax lien recorded. Find more information here: Landmark Web Official Records Search

16. WHAT IS A TAX FI FA?

A. A property tax fi fa is a lien placed against a piece of property for failure to pay taxes when due.

17. IS THERE A RESERVE FOR SURPLUS PROPERTY?

A. Yes, the fair market value of the property is the minimum price that will be accepted from the buyer. If the reserve price is not met, the County is not required to sell the property, even to the highest bidder.

18. HOW CAN I DONATE MY PROPERTY TO THE COUNTY?

A. Submit details about your property for consideration to Chris Bell  Real Estate Specialist

19. I HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS ABOUT COUNTY OWNED PROPERTY, WHO MAY I CONTACT?

A. Submit your questions to Chris Bell Real Estate Specialist