I don’t know anything about how to do title checks, but you definitely want to do that before you buy at a trustee sale. Otherwise you might be surprised to find a lien or something on the house that you’d be responsible for as the new owner.

I would definitely recommend going down to the courthouse to watch an auction before you actually go down to bid. I went down there last week (220 W. Broadway, downtown SD, where many of the local aucions are held) and watched a few hours worth of auctions. There were several very-well-prepared professionals who were in constant contact by phone with their office, where they had other staff counseling them on how much to pay for any particular property. Even as they participated in the auction, they were on the phone. “A hundred more. (Gets a look on his face like there’s somebody talking to him on the phone in his ear) Two hundred thirty seven thousand. A hundred more. (Talks mutedly into phone). A hundred more.” That’s what you’ll be up against. There were also a dozen or more others who had paperwork and laptops, but bid rarely or not at all. A fascinating scene, really, and one with which I’d think you’d want to be familiar before actually going down there to bid. One other thing about the auction that surprised me (although it shouldn’t have), and that would be helpful to know before going in, was that they don’t wait around for you to decide. They move very quickly, and as soon as there’s a pause, it’s: Two hundred and thirty eight thousand one hundred going once -(less than a one second pause)- going twice (less than a one second pause) sold for two hundred and thirty eight thousand one hundred. Next.

I’m sure there are other things you’ll want to do, but I don’t know what they are; this is just my two cents on a couple of things.