View Active Kent County Listings
Opening bids, property photos, ARV estimates, and auction dates
Overview
Kent County (Grand Rapids) holds weekly mortgage foreclosure sales on Tuesdays at 10:00 AM at the Kent County Courthouse, 180 Ottawa Ave NW. The county explicitly states that mortgage foreclosures are NOT conducted by the County — the Sheriff acts only as auctioneer under the lender's attorney's direction. Tax foreclosures are conducted by the Treasurer via tax-sale.info, with property lists available around July 1 each year.
Quick Reference
How to Bid at a Kent County Sheriff Sale
Follow these steps to participate in an upcoming Kent County auction:
Find upcoming listings
Browse Kent County sheriff sale listings on SheriffIQ or the county sheriff’s website. Check sale dates and property details.
Research the property
Run a title search through the Kent County Recorder of Deeds. Check property tax status, municipal liens, and IRS liens. Drive by the property to assess exterior condition.
Register to bid
Register with the Kent County Sheriff’s Office before the sale. Bring valid photo ID and any required deposits.
Attend and bid
Attend the auction at the designated location on sale day. Bidding is live, verbal, and ascending.
Pay the deposit
If you win, the deposit (the required deposit) is due per county rules. Have your payment ready in the accepted format — typically cashier’s check or money order.
Pay the balance
The remaining balance is due Cashier's check or cash; confirm payee with lender's law firm. Failure to pay typically results in forfeiture of your deposit and potential ban from future sales.
Receive your deed
After full payment, the Sheriff’s Deed is recorded and transferred to you.
Key Notes for Kent County Investors
Kent County DOES NOT manage mortgage foreclosures — all questions go to the lender's attorney listed in the published notice.
Grand Rapids Legal News is the sole official publication; there is no county-maintained online database of upcoming mortgage sales.
Schafer v. Kent County (2024) confirmed retroactive Rafaeli surplus claim rights for pre-2021 tax sales.
Tax auction property lists available around July 1 at kentcountymi.gov and tax-sale.info.
Buyer CANNOT enter property until redemption period expires.
Always conduct a full title search before bidding — the Sheriff cannot advise on liens, taxes, or property condition.
Browse Kent County Listings Now
See opening bids, estimated ARV, property photos, and equity spread for every active listing.
View Kent County ListingsFrequently Asked Questions
Are Kent County sheriff sales in person or online?
Kent County sheriff sales are conducted in person: In-person at Kent County Courthouse (17th Circuit Court). You’ll need to attend the auction location on sale day.
Can I inspect a property before bidding?
No. Sheriff sale properties are sold AS-IS. The Sheriff’s Office cannot provide property access or keys. Drive by to assess exterior condition and neighborhood, but interior inspections are not available before the auction.
Is there a redemption period in Michigan?
Michigan has a 6-month redemption period (12 months if less than 2/3 of the mortgage was owed). During redemption, you cannot take possession, renovate, or rent the property. Budget for carrying costs.
What liens survive a Kent County sheriff sale?
Property tax arrears, municipal liens (water, sewer, code violations), and IRS federal tax liens typically survive a sheriff sale. Junior mortgages and judgment liens are usually extinguished if properly named in the foreclosure suit. Always run a comprehensive title search before bidding.
Where can I find Kent County sheriff sale listings?
SheriffIQ aggregates Kent County sheriff sale listings with opening bids, property photos, ARV estimates, and auction dates. You can also check the Kent County Sheriff’s Office website directly.
Official Resources
Kent County Listings on SheriffIQ
Photos, opening bids, ARV, and equity spread