Aitkin County's Frequently Asked Land Sale Questions

Tax Forfeited Land's Frequently Asked Questions

Land Sales
    1.    When are they held?
    2.    How can I find out what is for sale?
    3.    How are the parcels selected for sale?
    4.    What is meant by 'no access'?
    5.    Can I purchase the land on a contract for deed?
    6.    What if a parcel doesn't sell the day of the auction?

1. When are they held?
Aitkin County tax forfeited land auctions are held once a year, usually in the fall. The only way that tax forfeited land can be sold is by public auction. The auction is an oral bid (raise your hand to bid) auction. You or someone representing you must be present at the auction. No sealed bids are accepted.

2. How can I find out what is for sale?
Every year the list of available properties is mailed out to all who request to be on a mailing list. An email is also sent out to anyone asking to be on that list. The email notification contains the links to the parcel information pages. The web site will have parcel information on each individual parcel along with photos, aerial photography, and a copy of the plat if it is a platted parcel. Each year the information on the sale is placed on the web approx. 2 months in advance of the sale. Please check our web site for information or email us to be put on the notification list when it becomes available. acld@co.aitkin.mn.us

3.    How are the parcels selected for sale?
    Many people inquire about the process used to determine which tax-forfeited parcels are offered for sale. Much of Aitkin County tax forfeited land has been dedicated for public benefits and will not be considered for sale. Large blocks of forest land, recreation areas, wildlife habitat considerations, public water frontage, public access, or gravel deposits are prime examples of why land would be retained by the County.
    Some parcels are proposed for sale by Aitkin County. Generally, recent tax forfeitures or parcels not essential to County management plans are proposed for sale by the County. Individuals may also request that certain parcels be considered for sale. However, just because we receive a request, that doesn't mean that the parcel will be offered for sale. Once the proposed list is generated, it is reviewed by county staff. Recommendations are forwarded to the Aitkin County Land Classification Committee, which is comprised of citizens and agency staff from within the County, representing a variety of perspectives. Townships review the proposed list of parcels under their jurisdiction. The Aitkin County Board of Commissioners review the proposed list and determines the parcels to be offered for sale, based on input from the previous reviewers. The list is then forwarded to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for review and approval. Specific land parcels will be offered for sale if all of the above parties approve the sale of them. If any one of the above parties disapproves of the sale of a specific parcel, it will not be offered for sale.

4. What is meant by 'no access'?
If a parcel is sold without access, it is the purchaser's responsibility to obtain an access into the property. If there is no access, you will be trespassing to cross another individual's property to get to it without their permission. In the State of Minnesota, there is a law (Statute 164.08 subd 2) that stats if you have 5 acres or more, you cannot be denied access, however it is up to you to obtain your access. The first step would be to contact the adjoining land owners to see if they are interested in selling or giving you an access to the land. If they are not willing to do this, you would need to contact the township in which the land is located. The town board, by resolution, shall establish a cartway at least two rods wide connecting the petitioner's land with a public road. Generally speaking, all costs incurred by the township would be paid by the individual requesting the easement.

5. Can I purchase the land on a contract for deed?
Yes. However, on sales amounting to $500.00 or less per parcel, the purchase price shall be paid in cash at the time of purchase. Sales amounting to more than $500.00 per parcel, the purchaser shall pay at least 10% or $500.00 of the land value, whichever is greater, plus the timber and buildings, with the privilege of paying the balance in equal yearly payments but with a minimum of $100.00 per year (not to exceed 10 years, or in 10 equal, annual installments plus interest, whichever is shorter) at the present rate of 10 percent per annum (interest is set by the state each year and can vary from 10% to 15%). (simple interest accrues). Any remaining balance may be paid at any time. The purchaser shall pay in cash at the time of the sale, the sale price of timber and the sale price of buildings when listed separately. The purchaser at such sale shall be entitled to immediate possession subject to the provisions of any existing lease made on behalf of the State. All lands are sold subject to any railroad, highway and other easements.

6. What if a parcel doesn't sell the day of the auction?
If a parcel doesn't sell the day of the auction, it is available on a first come, first serve basis for the appraised price for a period of four months after the date of the auction. After that time, the sale is closed to allow time to prepare for the next year's sale and no purchases will be allowed.