What Is Sheriff's Sale?

A sheriff's sale is the auction at which a foreclosed property is sold to the highest bidder, often the lender itself via a credit bid. In Michigan, this is the central event in the foreclosure-by-advertisement process.

Before the sale, the foreclosure must be advertised — typically for four consecutive weeks in a local newspaper — and notice posted on the property. The sale is held publicly at the county courthouse.

In Michigan, the sheriff's sale doesn't end your rights immediately: the 6-month redemption period begins after the sale, during which you can still sell or redeem the property.