Auction, land bank or a regular sale: which fits you?
Three ways to buy, side by side: what each asks of your credit, your cash and your time — and who each one is best for.
4 minute read. Checked November 5, 2026.
Side by side
| County tax auction | Land bank | Regular sale | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How you buy | Bid online | Send an application | Make an offer with an agent |
| Credit check | No | Yes, a background and credit check | Yes, if you use a mortgage |
| Competition | Other bidders set the price | The Board picks a buyer | Other offers |
| Seeing it first | Usually from outside only | Required, inside for buildings | Showings and an inspection |
| Money up front | Deposit, premium and fees within days | $50 per applicant, plus proof of funds | Down payment and closing costs |
| How you pay | Usually cash | Cash, a loan or a funding letter | Usually a mortgage |
| Rules after | Few | Finish work in about a year; sometimes live there 5 years | Few, unless a program has its own |
| Best for | Cash buyers who can handle risk | People with a plan and some money | First-time buyers who want move-in ready |
County tax auction
- How you buy
- Bid online
- Credit check
- No
- Competition
- Other bidders set the price
- Seeing it first
- Usually from outside only
- Money up front
- Deposit, premium and fees within days
- How you pay
- Usually cash
- Rules after
- Few
- Best for
- Cash buyers who can handle risk
Land bank
- How you buy
- Send an application
- Credit check
- Yes, a background and credit check
- Competition
- The Board picks a buyer
- Seeing it first
- Required, inside for buildings
- Money up front
- $50 per applicant, plus proof of funds
- How you pay
- Cash, a loan or a funding letter
- Rules after
- Finish work in about a year; sometimes live there 5 years
- Best for
- People with a plan and some money
Regular sale
- How you buy
- Make an offer with an agent
- Credit check
- Yes, if you use a mortgage
- Competition
- Other offers
- Seeing it first
- Showings and an inspection
- Money up front
- Down payment and closing costs
- How you pay
- Usually a mortgage
- Rules after
- Few, unless a program has its own
- Best for
- First-time buyers who want move-in ready
How to choose
- Credit around 680 or higher, or cash: a regular sale with our partner agent is often the simplest path.
- Credit around 580 to 679: look at FHA and first-time buyer programs — and down payment help.
- Low credit but some cash and a plan: the land bank or an auction can work, since auctions don't check credit.
- Not sure: answer a few questions and we'll point you to the way that fits.