Winning bid at foreclosure auction question

[Carla Winnegar]

I was the winning bidder on a HOA foreclosure (2nd lien). Property has a 1st mortgage (also filed in forclosure). I received the certificate of title from the clerks office. Can I get (or need title) insurance ?

Does certificate of title allow me access to property now? 

[Peter Walther]

Generally you can always get title insurance, the problem is what exceptions to coverage will appear in the policy.  For example, in your situation, I would expect a policy would except the prior mortgage and the foreclosure suit from coverage.  Did you get a title search prior to purchasing?  Are they a policy issuing agent for a title underwriter?

As for as gaining access, I'm not an attorney and you may want to get a legal opinion before drilling the front door lock, but I've bought property at HOA/COA sales and have accessed the property immediately after the CT is issued. I check as best I can to make sure no one is occupying the property before I do so though.