Upon expiration of the time for payment as fixed by the order of the court, the general county officer having authority to receive state and county taxes shall advertise the sale of the several tracts of real estate on which the amount adjudged against the same by the order has not been paid. The advertisement shall be made in some newspaper published and of general circulation in the county at least 10 days prior to the date of sale. At such sale each lot, tract or parcel of land shall be sold separately, free and clear of all liens and encumbrances, except for general taxes and unpaid special assessments not included in the judgment, the lien for which shall remain unimpaired, to the highest bidder for cash. The sale shall not be complete until the purchase price is paid. No tract shall be sold for less than the costs of sale, costs adjudged by the court, and amount of all past due installments of special assessments created by this Division 3 as determined by the court. The person so selling shall make, execute and deliver to the purchaser a certificate of sale which shall describe the real estate sold, recite the date of sale, the name and address of the purchaser, the amount bid and that the purchaser is entitled to a deed conveying fee simple title to the premises upon expiration of the period of redemption and upon compliance by the purchaser or his assignee with the provisions of this Division 3. The proceeds received from such sale shall be disbursed in the following order: first, all costs and expenses of sale and suit shall be fully paid; second, the amount necessary to satisfy the special assessments shall be transferred to the proper officer; third, the residue, if any, shall be delivered to the court to be turned over to the owner, mortgagee or such other person as shall establish right thereto. A report of sales shall be made promptly to the court together with a copy of each certificate of sale issued.
65 ILCS 5/9-3-44