El Paso County Public Trustee Search: Foreclosure & Tax Info

What rights do property owners have when faced with foreclosure in El Paso County? Understanding the role of the Public Trustee is crucial because it manages foreclosure timelines, protects borrower rights, and oversees overbid funds and junior lien notices. Effective navigation of the after-hours document drop boxes and online foreclosure registration ensures compliance and timely participation in auctions. This knowledge equips users to confidently handle public trustee procedures and safeguard their legal interests.

El Paso County Public Trustee Search: Quick Access

Public Trustee Contact and Office Hours

The El Paso County Public Trustee serves as a vital resource for homeowners and lienholders within the county. Located at the Citizens Service Center, Suite 2100, 1675 West Garden of the Gods Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80907, the office remains accessible during regular business hours: Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding holidays. For phone inquiries, the Public Trustee’s direct line is 719-520-6780, with a fax number of 719-520-6781.

If you cannot reach the office during business hours, note that there are two after-hours payment and document drop-off locations. One drop box is directly to the left of the Public Trustee office door on the second floor of the Citizens Service Center. The other is a green drop box near the customer garage entrance; just turn left before entering the garage, and you will find it on your left. Avoid using the white ballot box located east of the building in the roundabout, as this is not for Public Trustee use.

Online Foreclosure Portal and Registration

For ease of access, El Paso County utilizes an online foreclosure portal hosted through RealAuction.com. Foreclosure auctions occur every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. Mountain Time. Interested bidders must register online at https://elpasoco.realforeclose.com. To prepare for bidding, free training classes are available by calling (877) 361-7325 or emailing [email protected]. The online system streamlines the foreclosure sale process and provides transparency for all parties involved.

El Paso County Public Trustee Search: Foreclosure Details

Notice, Timelines, and Borrower Rights

When a property enters foreclosure, the El Paso County Public Trustee sends a notice of foreclosure sale to the property owner. This notice includes important dates, timelines, and rights under Colorado law. Borrowers have the right to receive a detailed payment statement and must be given at least 110 days' notice before the public trustee schedules the sale.

The law also requires the holder of the deed of trust to appoint a single point of contact for the borrower, who can provide information and work with the borrower on alternatives to foreclosure. If a borrower believes the lender or servicer has engaged in unfair practices such as dual tracking, complaints can be filed with the Colorado Attorney General or the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Filing a complaint does not delay the foreclosure sale.

Ownership of the property will not transfer away from the borrower until at least 8 business days after the foreclosure sale. This means there is no legal requirement to vacate the home before this period expires.

Overbid Funds and Junior Lien Notices

In some cases, a foreclosed property is sold at auction for more than the total amount owed on the mortgage and any other liens. This difference is known as overbid funds. Homeowners and lienholders may be eligible to claim these excess funds. The El Paso County Public Trustee’s office clearly provides the step-by-step procedures for recovering overbid funds and specifies the exact timeline of 8 business days after sale for claims to be filed.

If you are the holder of a junior lien on the property, you may file an intent to redeem within 8 business days after the sale by submitting the appropriate form with a $50 filing fee. You do not have to redeem to collect funds, but filing this intent protects your lien rights to overbid amounts up to the lien's value.

The Public Trustee maintains a list of individuals who may be owed overbid funds and encourages contacting their office directly via phone or email ([email protected]) to claim these funds. There is no need to use third parties or contractors for these claims.

Author's Note
"Homeowners should always check for potential overbid refunds after foreclosure sales and file timely claims to avoid losing entitled funds."

Foreclosure Process: Step-by-Step Guide for Homeowners

Understanding the foreclosure process can help homeowners protect their rights and prepare for each phase. The El Paso County Public Trustee follows a strict procedure defined by Colorado Revised Statutes Title 38, ensuring fairness and transparency throughout.

• Notification: Homeowners receive a Notice of Election and Demand informing them of default and foreclosure initiation.
• Payment Opportunity: Borrowers have a window to cure default by paying owed amounts before the sale.
• Sale Scheduling: The foreclosure auction date is set at least 110 days after the initial notice.
• Auction: The property is sold via public online auction, with bids typically starting at the total owed.
• Post-Sale: Ownership transfers after 8 business days unless a redemption or claim interrupts the process.

This step-by-step outline ensures homeowners know what to expect during a foreclosure. Access to detailed foreclosure documents and the online auction registration enhances transparency and assists in managing expectations.

Tax Information From the El Paso County Treasurer

The El Paso County Treasurer’s Office is responsible for collecting and managing property taxes within the county. It ensures timely payment and distribution of taxes to local authorities, such as schools, municipalities, and special districts.

Property owners can check tax balances, pay taxes, or obtain Certificates of Taxes Due (CTDs) through the Treasurer’s office. Unpaid taxes may result in a Tax Lien Sale or redemption process complying with Colorado law.

For questions about property tax status or to make tax payments, the Treasurer's office is reachable at 719-520-7900 or via their official website. The office provides information on tax lien sales and assists taxpayers in meeting their financial obligations to avoid foreclosure related to unpaid taxes.

Fees, Scheduling, and Auction Resources

Beginning July 1, 2025, the Public Trustee fees for release of deed of trust and foreclosure services will update to reflect current recording costs.

The fee breakdown is as follows:

• Public Trustee service fee: $30.00
• Clerk & Recorder recording fee: $43.00 (flat fee)
• Total cost: $73.00

This update aligns with the new state-mandated recording fee structures. The Public Trustee office uses these fees to fund operational needs and maintains compliance with Colorado Revised Statutes.

Foreclosure auctions are held online every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. Mountain Time, managed through the RealAuction.com platform. Bidders must register in advance to participate. The online platform offers training to familiarize bidders with the process.

For after-hours business, note the payment and document drop boxes are located conveniently: one on the second floor left of the Public Trustee office entrance and a second green drop box near the customer garage entrance. These drop boxes allow homeowners and lienholders to submit payments or documents securely when the office is closed.

FAQ: el paso county public trustee search

What is the El Paso County Public Trustee Search?

The El Paso County Public Trustee Search allows homeowners and lienholders to access foreclosure sale information, claim overbid funds, and obtain important foreclosure-related documents through the Public Trustee’s office and online portal.

How can I contact the El Paso County Public Trustee?

You can contact the El Paso County Public Trustee at 719-520-6780 during business hours, Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office is located at Citizens Service Center, Suite 2100, 1675 West Garden of the Gods Road, Colorado Springs, CO.

How do I find foreclosure information in El Paso County?

Foreclosure details can be found through the El Paso County online foreclosure portal at https://elpasoco.realforeclose.com. The platform offers auction schedules and bidder registration for weekly foreclosure sales.

How do I claim overbid funds after a foreclosure sale?

To claim overbid funds, submit a claim within 8 business days after the foreclosure sale by contacting the Public Trustee’s office directly. Follow their step-by-step procedure, and no third parties are needed for this process.

What are after-hours payment and document drop-off options for the Public Trustee?

After-hours drop boxes are located left of the Public Trustee office door on the second floor and near the customer garage entrance. These allow secure submission of payments or documents when the office is closed.

When and where are foreclosure auctions held in El Paso County?

Foreclosure auctions are held online every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. Mountain Time through RealAuction.com. Interested bidders must register online and can access training resources before participating.