FAQs - Real Estate Dispositions

FAQS – REAL ESTATE DISPOSITIONS

1. HOW DO I REQUEST COUNTY OWNED REAL ESTATE TO BE DECLARED SURPLUS?

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 approved and declared surplus by the Board of Commissioners. 

5. 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.

6. DOES THE COUNTY PAY CLOSING COSTS?

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

7. CAN I VIEW THE PROPERTIES ONLINE?

A. Yes, you can view all parcels that DeKalb County holds a real estate interest in here: Site Selector App

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

A. Visit the DeKalb Regional Land Bank website, which can be found here: DeKalb Regional Land Bank sales

9. HOW CAN I PARTICIPATE IN COUNTY TAX SALES AND DOWNLOAD A LIST OF PROPERTIES?

A. Tax Sales are managed by the DeKalb County Tax Commissioner. Find more information here: Tax Sales General Information

10. HOW CAN I DOWNLOAD A LIST OF TAX DELINQUENT PARCELS?

A. Through the DeKalb County 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 here: Request for Public Right of Way Abandonment

13. CAN I PURCHASE UNREDEEMED AND UNFORECLOSED TAX DEEDS?

A. Yes, DeKalb County only holds a defeasible fee interest in the parcel and requests will go through the surplus process. All requests are subject to approval by the DeKalb Regional Land Bank, DeKalb Tax Commissioner, and DeKalb Board of Commissioners. Parcels may have outstanding liens and cloud on title. Submit a request here: (Request for County Owned Property).

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. First, utilize the Clerk of Superior Court Records Search to determine if the parcel has a deed recorded that identifies DeKalb County Government as the Grantee. Find more information here: Landmark Web Official Records Search

16. WHAT IS A TAX FI FA?

A. In Georgia, a FiFa, also known as a Writ of Fieri Facias, is a lien placed against a piece of property for failure to pay taxes when due.

17. WHAT IS A CLOUD ON TITLE?

A. Any document, claim, unreleased lien, or encumbrance that could invalidate or impair a title to real property or cast doubt on the title.

18. 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.

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

A. Donations are subject to approval and require due diligence for acceptance. Submit details about your property for consideration to Chris Bell Real Estate Specialist

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

A. Submit your questions to Chris Bell Real Estate Specialist