ATHOL — Fifteen properties, ranging from land parcels to a two-family home, will be up for bid next month in a public auction at Athol Town Hall.
The Zekos Group, based in Shrewsbury, is handling the auction, scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. on Dec. 7, with bidder registration at 12:30. Nine residences, including a single-family home slated for demolition at 1911 Main St., and six patches of land will hit the auction block as the town has ordered.
Athol Town Manager Shaun Suhoski said these properties were acquired through tax title.
“The majority of sites have not had property taxes paid for several years and the owners of record have failed to respond to requests for payment,” he said. “Over the past three years the town has made a concerted effort to catch up on a backlog of such properties as they remain mostly vacant and force other taxpayers to carry the burden.”
Suhoski said he is cautiously optimistic the auction will allow new owners to occupy and improve the properties “while returning them to an active taxpaying status.”
According to The Zekos Group, bidders must have positive identification and the required deposit amount in the form of a bank check (treasurer’s, cashier’s, or certified) to qualify to bid. No personal or business checks will be accepted. The check should be made payable to the Town of Athol OR Your Name. This means both the “Town of Athol” and your name should appear on the check, connected by the word “OR.”
Each property will be sold as-is, so bidders are encouraged to rely on their own research and inspections. Buyers will be expected to close on their purchase within 30 days.
There are pre-bidding requirements and details, including required deposit amount, on each property that can be found at http://bit.ly/2zTj6l8 or by visiting www.zekosgroup.com.