Sheriff's Sales ( Auctions of Property)

AuctionsThe Shelby County Sheriff’s office sells property held pursuant to court ordered writs of execution throughout the year. The property is seized and sold to satisfy civil judgments.

When sales of personal property are ordered, the Sheriff's Office posts notices in public places, announcing the dates, times, and locations of the sales, including brief descriptions of the items involved. When sales of real property are ordered, notices are published in the Daily Legal News or other newspaper of general circulation as required by law. As a service, we are now listing upcoming sales on our website to provide another opportunity for citizens to learn of these sales.

Other property seized by Shelby County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Bureau Deputies is also for sale at various times of the year. These sales are officially conducted by Shelby County Government. You may find out about the next sale by email at: Darren.Feathers@shelby-sheriff.org

You may have questions about items included in a Sheriff’s Sale or need other questions answered. Each sale has a specific Deputy Sheriff who serves as the coordinator. Look for an easily link to his/her e-mail address in each sale listing.

Sheriff's Office Sales Guide to Bidders

It is strongly recommended that you seek legal counsel to assist and advise you in your endeavor to purchase property at a Sheriff's Sale.

Neither, the Sheriff of Shelby County or his deputies or other representatives are permitted to give legal advice.

What is a Sheriff's Sale?

A Sheriff's Sale is an execution on a judgment that may be taken on Real Estate and/or Personal Property to satisfy a debt.

Where are the Sheriff's Sales held?

Sales of real property are held at the front door of the Shelby County Courthouse, 140 Adams Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee.

Sales of automobiles and other vehicles are generally held at Dick Diggons, 3493 Democrat Road, Memphis, Tennessee.

Other items of personal property may, on notice, be held at other locations.

When do the Sheriff's Sales take place?

The Sheriff's Sales are conducted when announced.

Where are the Sheriff's Sales advertised?

Sheriff's sales of real property are presently advertised in the Daily Legal News or other newspapers of general circulation as required by law.

Sheriff's sales of automobiles and other personal property are posted at these locations:

  • Shelby County Courthouse, 140 Adams Ave., Memphis, Tennessee
  • Shelby County Credit Union, 157 Poplar Ave., Memphis, Tennessee
  • Shelby County Credit Union, 1160 Sycamore View Rd., Memphis, Tennessee
  • Dick Diggons, 3495 Democrat Rd., Memphis, Tennessee
  • Ben L. Hooks Main Library, 3030 Poplar Ave., Memphis, Tennessee
What methods of payment are accepted?

Cash only for items of personal property unless otherwise advertised.

Sales of real estate require a 10% cash deposit at time of sale. The balance of the sales price is due by 2:00 p.m. the day of the sale in the form of a wire transfer or certified bank check payable to the Clerk of the Court which ordered the sale.

 

Who determines the amount of money the property will be sold for?

The attorney who represents the particular lender, taxing body or a judgment holder determines the amount they are seeking. This bid will rarely be less than the judgment amount and cost to bring the property to sale.

 

 

What is the minimum acceptable starting price for real or personal property sold at a Sheriff's Sale?

The minimum acceptable price can be set by the Sheriff, however, the starting price can not be less than 50% of the FMV of the item.

Is any property research required before the Sheriff's Sale?

The Sheriff's Office strongly recommends doing a complete title search. This will also assist you in deciding whether to buy the property.

Are any guarantees or warranties given for real or personal property sold at a Sheriff's Sale?

No. The Sheriff's Office makes no guarantee or warranty regarding the condition, value, or functionality of any item or property sold. Every item is sold "as is".

Important to Remember!!

  • You are responsible to have your own title searches
  • You are responsible to make sure that the property that you bid on is the property you want.
  • You are responsible to do your own investigation as to where real property is located.
  • We do not have keys to the real properties. We sometimes have keys to automobiles.
  • We have no other information about a particular parcel of property other than what was provided to us by the attorney representing the plaintiff when the property was originally advertised for sale. We do not verify or certify the property description information.
  • Should you be a successful purchaser of real property of Sheriff's Sale, and someone is still residing at the property, it is your responsibility to have him or her removed from the property by legal process.
  • Only limited information is available about any item listed. Most, if not all, available information is listed on the website. Interested parties should inspect the item on the sale date if interested in purchasing any item.
  • Items of personal property must be removed from the site at time of sale.