How the Sheriff’s Auction Works

All foreclosure auctions in Hennepin County are conducted via open bidding at 350 South 5th Street, Minneapolis, MN. To participate, bidders must follow strict payment protocols and statutory requirements as outlined below.

Notice: This guide provides informational details on the Hennepin County foreclosure process as of 2026. This website is an independent portal and is not affiliated with the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office.

Requirement	Details
Payment Deadline	Immediately after the winning bid
Accepted Forms	Cashier’s Check or Cash
Mandatory Fees	$200 Sheriff’s fee per property
Bidding Order	Mortgage representative bids first, followed by public

In Hennepin County, property foreclosures are managed by the Sheriff’s Office through public sales. Whether you are a buyer looking for auction details or a homeowner understanding your redemption rights, this guide explains the legal steps under Minnesota Statutes 580-582.

How Much Time Do You Have to Reclaim Your Property?

Most foreclosure sales allow a 6-month redemption period, though it may range from 5 weeks to 12 months depending on the case. This period enables homeowners to reclaim their property by paying debts in full.

Standard Period: Most homeowners in Hennepin County have 6 months to redeem.

Extended Period: Some cases allow up to 12 months (usually for large agricultural lands).

Shortened Period: If the property is abandoned or if you filed for a postponement, the period can be as short as 5 weeks.

How to Calculate the Redemption Amount

If you are a homeowner reclaiming your property, your total payment is calculated as follows:

Component	Description	Example
Sale Bid	The price paid at the Sheriff’s sale	$200,000
Interest	Accrued from sale date to today	$5,000
Allowable Costs	Verified taxes, insurance, and legal fees	$2,000
Total Due	Amount required to redeem title	$207,000

Types of Mortgage Foreclosures

Foreclosures include by advertisement, the most common type, and by action, which requires a court order. Notices of sale must be served and published according to Minnesota statutes to ensure legal compliance.

Notices of Sale and Publication Requirements

Notices must be published in a qualified newspaper once a week for 6 weeks before the sale. Attorneys handle service, publication, and posting in public places. The sheriff’s office does not maintain a sale calendar.

Filing an Affidavit of Postponement

Homeowners can postpone a sale by filing an affidavit 15 days before the scheduled date, paying a $50 fee, and submitting copies to the sheriff and the lender’s attorney. Redemption period reduces to 5 weeks after postponement.

Help for Homeowners and Tenants

Notices of sale must be served 4 weeks before the scheduled date. Homeowners and tenants should read advice notices, contact designated organizations or attorneys, and remain cautious of foreclosure scams or unauthorized assistance.

Regulating Statutes for Foreclosure Redemption

Redemptions are governed by Minnesota Statutes 580, 581, and 582, which outline mortgagor rights, creditor procedures, allowable costs, and statutory deadlines. Compliance ensures valid redemption, legal protection, and transparent foreclosure resolution.

Redemption Process by Mortgagor

Mortgagors submit a written request with a $250 fee to the sheriff’s office at 350 South 5th Street, Room 190, Minneapolis, MN. Redemption amount includes bid, accrued interest, and additional costs such as insurance, taxes, and attorney fees.

Redemption Payment Methods for Mortgagors

Payments must be made in cash, cashier’s check, or electronic wire to the sheriff’s office during business hours (9 a.m.–4 p.m.). Other payment methods are not accepted. Proper submission ensures certificate issuance and legal transfer.

Redemption Process by Creditor

If mortgagor fails to redeem, junior lien holders may redeem one week before redemption ends by filing notices, lien records, assignments, and paying $100 filing plus $250 request fees. Redemption amount is computed like mortgagor’s.

Creditor Payment and Affidavit Requirements

Creditors must pay the redemption amount to the sheriff, then submit an original affidavit of amount due stating the lien and amount owed (Minnesota Statute 580.25). This ensures legal recognition of creditor rights and lien priority.

Non-Sheriff Redemption Filing

If redemption occurs outside the sheriff’s office, a recorded copy of the redemption certificate and affidavit must be submitted with a $20 filing fee. This maintains proper legal recording and validates the redemption process.

Tips for Buyers and Homeowners

• For Buyers: Unlike traditional sales, you cannot inspect the interior of the home. Always perform a title search to check for junior liens that might stay with the property.
• For Homeowners: Under the Tyler v. Hennepin County ruling, if your home sells for more than what you owe, you may be entitled to the surplus equity. Don’t leave money on the table!

Conclusion

Navigating Hennepin County foreclosure sales requires understanding sheriff’s auctions, redemption periods, and legal procedures. Buyers must pay bids immediately and follow recording requirements, while homeowners and junior lien holders can redeem properties within statutory timeframes. Using the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office foreclosure database ensures access to accurate property records, recent sales, and redemption information, providing a secure and transparent process for all parties involved.

Important Notice: This guide is a private informational resource and is NOT affiliated with the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office or any government agency.