According to this morning Jacksonville Times-Union Thursday July 10, 2008 you don't have to go down to the courthouse
any more to bid on foreclosed properties. The traditional method had a prospective bidder begin gathering information
from the files of properties to be auctioned at the Clerk of the Courts located downtown at 330 E. Bay St. Jacksonville, FL
32202. It is also helpful to be familiar with the property you are going to bid on, seeing the subject property is
ideal so that you can evaluate what work or repair is required. Then of course do your research to find out the
amount of outstanding debt or liens on the property. After the day the property will be auctioned is determined you
now know when to show up at the courthouse. Of course you always hear the auction is on the courthouse steps, but this
picture taken last week at a property auction indicates the way it is done in Jacksonville, Florida - inside the courthouse
lobby.
At this particular auction, they presented 19 properties in 13 minutes.
Gov. Charlie Crist signed a
measure to authorize the county Clerk of Courts to present properties in online auctions and accept deposits and payments
electronically. The software was developed by Pittsburgh based Grant Street Group. This software will allow the
auctions to be automated, eliminating the work and expense traditionally related to these auctions.
The
courthouse hours are 8:00-4:30, with the online option you are able to access the information at a time and location that
is convenient to you.
