Disaster At Sheriffs Sale

[John Perry]

Yesterday I did something incredibly stupid. I was bidding on a house at a Sheriff's Sale online. During the auction I went to increase my bid and accidentally ended up bidding on the wrong house (I know baffling). Turns out there is no way to cancel an active bid.. After winning I immediately called the Sheriffs department and was told there wasn't a lot they could do. They gave me the number to the law firm representing the bankruptcy and I'm communicating with them now but.. From what I can see online the news will not be good..

I already made a $4000 deposit to gain the ability to bid, and this money is obviously now locked up. I've read that in many places failure to pay the full amount (usually in 30-90 days) will or may result in contempt of court. Any other options I should pursue? The deal wasn't that good either given the little research I did on the house after the fact. Seems like there is some potential that is mostly dependent on the interior condition, but I really don't want the headache. I've already accepted this nightmare, just hoping to reduce loses. Any Advice? 

[Wayne Brooks]

Quote from @John Perry:

I don't believe I'll have access until the sale is confirmed which won't happen for at least 1 month. I can show outside pictures.

Knock….On….The….Door! If you approach the occupant properly, you can likely get a look inside. As for simply just forfeiting your deposit, I find it unlikely there would be any type of contempt charges. You can inquire with the sheriff’s dept to see what would happen instead of worrying about what “may” happen in “some places”.