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A Sacramento man blew himself up inside his own home after losing it in a tax auction, turning one seized property into a deadly symbol of the ugly surprises that can come with bargain real estate deals.
The man died in an explosion at the house after the property had been sold through Sacramento County’s tax-defaulted auction system, according toThe Sacramento Bee.
The case now looms over the county’s latest tax sale, where 32 properties were listed for auction and promoted as potential deals for buyers willing to take on the risk.
The auction, which began Monday—includes homes, vacant lots, and other parcels that were put up for sale after owners fell behind on property taxes.
Under California’s tax-default process, counties can sell properties after years of unpaid taxes, allowing bidders to scoop up real estate that can appear far cheaper than anything on the traditional market.
But the Sacramento case shows the darker reality behind those tempting listings.
The property tied to the explosion had been taken through the same system, with a map showing the seized home at the center of the tragedy.
Sacramento County warns bidders that tax auction properties carry significant risks.
Buyers are told they may not be able to inspect homes before bidding, may not be able to enter them, and may discover after the fact that someone is still living inside.
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
