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The City of Newburgh periodically offers for sale property acquired through foreclosure or other actions. Property sales are announced in Press Releases. They may also be described in the pages for the Office of the Assessor.
How do I get information on City-owned properties?
On this website, check Press Releases and the pages for the Assessor. There you can see any current promotions for property sales, with an information sheet for each parcel and an application with instructions. You can also pick up a list of current properties for sale at the Assessor's office or the Planning Department office, both in City Hall, 83 Broadway.
When is the auction?
The City currently has no plans to host an auction. Properties may be offered through sales promotions, available at the Assessor's Office (569-7333), the Department of Planning and Development (845-569-9400), and on this website.
Are there funding opportunities?
If available, funding opportunities are listed on the spec sheets for individual properties.
What is a first-time homebuyer?
Anyone who has not owned a home for the past three years is a first-time home buyer. Single parents and displaced homemakers who owned or resided in a home with a spouse during the last three years are also first-time home buyers.
Is there funding available to rehabilitate?
There currently are no City funds available for use in connection with the acquisition and rehabilitation of City-owned properties.
How does the City acquire properties?
The City of Newburgh acquires properties through tax foreclosure, donations or city-owned surplus.
When will you have more properties?
The City acquires and sells properties all the time. Just check press releases or the Assessor's page once a month to keep up to date.
Can I buy a property and just hold it for future development?
No, you must have a project in mind and complete it within the given timeframe.
I know of a property owned by the City but not on the available list? Why is that? Can I still make an offer?
The City has some properties that are not offered for purchase, because they have been optioned or otherwise committed to a project or program. (For example, two City-owned properties on South Clark St. are being held for the school district in case it expands the Washington Street School.) That said, feel free to submit a Letter of Interest to the Department of Planning & Development concerning an "unlisted" property, but first call to check on its status (569-9400).
How much is the property and how is it determined?
Prices are set by City staff members who are trained in property valuation. Those prices reflect the market's reaction to properties of similar quality and condition.
Who do I contact to make a site visit or inspect a property?
When safety conditions allow, properties may be personally inspected. An appointment is required. Contact the Office of the Assessor at 569-7333 to schedule a property inspection. When visiting a property, please wear work boots and bring a flashlight, camera and notebook. It's also a good idea to bring along your contractor or architect.
What if I am going to rent the property to others?
If you're not going to live there, you're an investor. As such, your offer is given a lower priority than a similar offer made by someone promising to be an owner-occupant. The City's first priority is to sell to people who will use the property as their primary residence for at least five years. If the City receives no offers from qualified owner-occupants, the property is sold to a qualified investor.
Is this where you buy a house for $1?
Rarely does the City sell a building for $1. A dollar sale is typically made to Habitat for Humanity or some other group committed to providing housing for persons of lower income..
How do I know my home design will fit on the lot for sale?
No matter what you are planning to do — rehabilitate or build new — it is a good idea to talk with someone in the building department about those plans before you start the work. Call the Building Inspector's office 569-7400 for an appointment.
Can I buy the adjacent lot to my house for a side yard even if it's buildable?
No, the City's policy is to sell buildable lots for residential 'infill'. Our goal is to increase homeownership in City neighborhoods.
Should I call the City Council if I see something I want to buy?
Call anyone you'd like, but be aware that the City has developed a clear, consistent, transparent policy for disposing of its properties — a policy that strives to ensure that all offers to purchase City-owned property are given equal and fair consideration.
What type of deed will you prepare for me?
The City will give you a quit claim deed, a deed that relinquishes any claim the City may have to the property.
Can I buy one or two lots from a collection of properties being offered for sale?
Our goal is to increase homeownership in City neighborhoods. There are opportunities for developing of a collection of properties through our Request For Proposal (RFP) process.
If I bring a check today, can I buy it now? Can you hold it for me?
The short answer on both accounts is "No". The City has a process in place for disposing of its properties. The easiest way to learn about the process is here on the website under Public Notices, where any current property sales are posted. Those promotions include an information sheet on each of the properties being offered, an application form and instructions. You can also get copies at the Assessor's Office (569-7333) and the Planning & Development (569-9400) at City Hall.
When is the application due? Is this a bid situation?
Deadlines are associated with each sales promotion and will be noted in the promotional material. Applications must be received on or before that deadline.
What do I need to include with my application?
The application instructions list the attachments required.
Is there an application fee? Are there closing costs?
There is no application fee. Once your offer is accepted you will receive a closing statement from the City's corporation counsel. At closing you must pay the price of the property, school taxes for the prior two years, plus recording fees.
Do I need to rezone the property? How much will that cost?
It is advisable that you check to see if you will need a zoning variance and how much it will cost you before submitting an offer. Costs vary depending on the type of application. Check with the Building Inspector's office at 845-569-7400.
Are there any liens on the properties that I may purchase?
There may be. We recommend that your own title search.
After I purchase the property, what if I don't complete my project for some reason?
The City requires properties to be rehabilitated within 18 months from the closing date. City staff will help you develop a schedule and conduct regular inspections. (Time extensions may be granted under certain circumstances.) The City reclaims properties if the buyer fails to complete the work and meet all code requirements within the allotted time.
There's a property boarded up near Broadway; can I buy it?
City staff cannot discuss a property unless you clearly identify it. Please identify the address by looking at neighboring properties; you may also check maps located in the Office of the Assessor.
What are the current or back taxes due on the property?
The Tax Collector's office in City Hall can provide information of property taxes. Please note that when purchasing property from the City, you are responsible to settle the property's school tax for the prior two years.
What price should I bid?
You should bid an amount that you can afford. The minimum bid is indicated on the property description sheet. We also suggest that you take advantage of a scheduled site visit; bring your contractor, architect, handyman, etc. (Remember to wear boots and to bring a flashlight.) After the site visit, you'll have a better sense of the work to be done and how much you should offer.
Updated
July 24, 2007
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