Process
Right of First Refusal
A government's right to buy a foreclosed property before it is offered at public auction.
Some states let public bodies claim tax-foreclosed parcels before the auction, usually at the minimum bid or market value.
How it works by state
- Michigan
- The State, then the city, village, or township, then the county may buy foreclosed property before the auction, by the first Tuesday in July.
General information, reviewed 2026-10-12. Not legal advice. Rules change and each county publishes its own sale terms; confirm with the county before bidding.
Related terms
- Land BankA public authority that takes title to vacant, abandoned, or tax-foreclosed property to return it to use.
- Tax ForeclosureA court or administrative process that takes title to a property because its taxes are unpaid.
- Withdrawn ParcelA parcel removed from an auction list before or during the sale.