Purchase Surplus Real Estate

  General Surplus Process

(Over 0.10 Acres)

Step 1 — Property identified as possible surplus:

The Central Services Officer (CSO) gives initial approval before the process can begin.

Step 2 — County research of the property:

The Real Estate Division collects deeds, checks plat references, runs a title search, and confirms ownership. Additional information is gathered as needed.

Step 3 — Agency polling (19 County agencies):

The property is circulated to 19 County agencies to see if there is a current or future County need.

If any agency does not approve, the process ends.

Step 4 — CAO makes final surplus determination:

If agencies approve, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) makes the final decision that the property is surplus.

Step 5 — Notify community of surplus intent:

Adjacent property owners, community or homeowners associations, and the County Council Member are notified of the intent to surplus the property.

Step 6 — Property appraised:

The Real Estate Division orders independent appraisal(s):

• One appraisal if the estimated value is under $100,000
• Two appraisals if the value is $100,000 or more

Step 7 — Method of sale:

The County proceeds with the determined method of sale (for example: public auction or sealed bids).

Step 8 — CAO approval of proposed disposition:

The CAO must approve the proposed sale plan before moving forward.

Step 9 — Public bidding notice:

Notices go to adjacent property owners, community associations, and the Council Member. The notice includes the minimum bid and the timeframe for submitting bids.

Step 10 — Winning bid accepted:

The Real Estate Division accepts the winning bid. The CAO must again approve the disposition.

Step 11 — County Council resolution:

If the CAO approves, the County Executive seeks County Council approval by resolution. This confirms the property is surplus and sets the sale terms.

Step 12 — Closing & transfer:

The winning bidder receives a schedule of fees. After all fees are paid, a deed is prepared and signed by the Office of Law. The property transfer is complete.

  Non-Buildable/Small Parcels

(Under 0.10 Acres)

Step 1 — Property identified as possible surplus:

The CSO gives initial approval to begin the process.

Step 2 — County research of the property:

The Real Estate Division reviews ownership, collects deeds, checks plat references, runs a title search, and gathers any additional information.

Step 3 — Agency polling (2 agencies):

The Real Estate Division checks with DPW (Public Works) and DRP (Recreation & Parks) to see if there is a need for the property.

If either agency does not approve, the process ends.

Step 4 — CAO makes final surplus determination:

If both agencies approve, the CAO decides the property is surplus.

Step 5 — Notify community and invite bids:

Adjacent property owners, community or homeowners associations, and the Council Member are notified of the plan to surplus and invited to bid.

Step 6 — Highest offer selected:

The Real Estate Division determines the highest purchase offer.

Step 7 — CAO approval of proposed disposition:

The CAO must approve the proposed sale plan.

Step 8 — Community notice and comments:

Another notice is given to adjacent property owners, community associations, and the Council Member. This includes plans to surplus the property and invites any comments.

Step 9 — Winning bid accepted:

The Real Estate Division accepts the winning bid. CAO approval is required.

Step 10 — County Council resolution:

If the CAO approves, the County Executive seeks County Council approval by resolution. This confirms the property is surplus and approves the sale terms.

Step 11 — Closing & transfer:

The winning bidder receives a schedule of fees. After all fees are paid, a deed is prepared and signed by the Office of Law. The property transfer is complete.