Hundreds of tax-defaulted properties acrossSan Diego Countyare headed to the auction block next month, with officials opening registration for interested bidders.

The County Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office said 686 parcels will be offered during the annual online sale, scheduled for March 13 through March 18,Fox 5 San Diego reported. To take part, prospective buyers must complete the online registration process by March 3.

The properties up for grabs have been delinquent on taxes for at least five years. This year’s inventory includes 70 improved parcels, 66 vacant lots and 550 timeshare interests.

Would-be bidders must submit a $1,000 refundable deposit along with a $35 nonrefundable processing fee to register, though certain properties may require a larger deposit.

County officials emphasized that purchases made during the auction are final and encouraged participants to carefully review all rules and property details in advance. A complete list of available parcels can be found on theTreasurer-Tax Collector’s website.

Get the perfect blend of news, sports and entertainment delivered to your inbox every day.

Property ownersstill have a narrow window to prevent their parcels from being sold. Any outstanding taxes and associated fees must be paid in full by 5 p.m. on March 12 to halt the sale.

The Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office added that it attempts to notify all affected owners prior to auctioning their properties.

San Diego isn’t alone inhosting high-profile tax auctions. Nearby Riverside County, one of California’s fastest-growing markets, isauctioning nearly 1,000 properties this year, including homes in Lake Elsinore and Wildomar, with starting bids as low as $100.

Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos