Sheriff Sale Listings in Essex County, NJ
167 active listings tracked right now, scored on real equity, timing, and risk signals — not just a raw feed of the county's own list. Median opening bid: $401,928.
Real outcomes, not just listings
Of 42 closed auctions we've tracked in Essex County, 48% sold to an outside bidder, 45% were bought back by the lender, and 7% were redeemed by the owner.
Average discount to estimated market value on those: 29%.
This source never publishes a final sale price, only opening bid and outcome status — these are real tracked outcomes, not estimates.
How to bid in NJ (In-person sheriff sale)
Held at the county sheriff's office/courthouse. Arrive early with valid ID.
Deposit: 20% of the winning bid in cash or certified/cashier's check (as low as 3.5% of the upset price for an eligible purchaser -- foreclosed owner, next of kin, tenant, nonprofit CDC, or an owner-occupant committing to live there 84+ months).
Balance due: ~30 days (90 business days for eligible purchasers).
Source: N.J. Court Rule 4:65-2; N.J.S.A. 2A:50-64. Confirm current details with the sheriff/trustee/clerk.
Essex County sheriff sale guide
- When are sheriff sales held in Essex County?
- Tuesdays at 1:30 PM. The Sheriff's page also says sales have been held bi-weekly since 2022, so check the listing for dates. source
- Where are Essex County sheriff sales held?
- In person at the Leroy F. Smith, Jr. Public Safety Building, 60 West Market Street, 14th Floor Conference Room, Newark, NJ 07102. source
- Can I bid online or do I have to be there in person?
- In person, open auction with no sealed bids. Registration happens only on sale day. The plaintiff opens at $100, and bids then rise in $1,000 increments. source
- What deposit do I need to bring?
- 20% of the total bid, immediately after the sale, by money order, certified check or bank check. No cash or personal, company or agency checks. source
- When is the rest of the purchase price due?
- Within 30 days of the sale. Interest is added from the 11th day, at a rate that changes yearly. source
- Why was a sale postponed?
- Defendants are entitled to two statutory adjournments of 28 days each, at $28 per adjournment, requested in person. source
- Where is the list of upcoming sales published?
- Advertised in the Star Ledger every Wednesday, and in a local paper, for four consecutive weeks before the sale. Also listed on the Sheriff's CivilView page. source
- How do I contact the sheriff sale office?
- Sheriff sale information: 973-621-4116. source
Good to know before you bid
- The buyer pays the Realty Transfer Tax; the Sheriff's fees come out of the purchase price. source
- The Sheriff's deed arrives within 10-14 business days of final payment, but it does not give clear title. source
- Properties are sold subject to unpaid taxes, water bills and assessments. source
General information taken from the Essex Countysheriff's official pages (checked Oct 13, 2026). Not legal advice and not attorney-reviewed; procedures change, so confirm with the sheriff's office before a sale.
Official source: Essex County NJ Sheriff Sales (civilview.com)