All Liens Removed from Props that go through Sherrif Sale in PA?

[Matthew Smuts]

Hi All!

I'm looking at purchasing a property at the Allegheny County Sheriff sale in Pittsburgh and wanted to make sure that all liens are guaranteed to be cleared if I purchase a property at the sale? I have heard multiple conflicting things from different folks. Some folks have told me that just private liens are cleared and others have said that public liens are the first to be cleared. I have done extensive due diligence on the property and even had a chance to look inside with the owner. I'm ready to buy but just want to make sure I don't face any gotchas after the purchase. Any insight on liens or anything else I may be missing are more than welcome. Thanks!

Matt

[Greg Wilkins]

@ Matthew Smuts

Caveat emptor - let the buyer beware.

Generally a mortgage foreclosure sale is intended to convey clear title to a property. However, only junior liens are divested (wiped out). Therefore, you want to make sure that it is a first mortgage that is being foreclosed. Municipal items like delinquent taxes and water and sewer will also be paid from the sheriff's distribution. Remember there are no guarantees. If someone made a mistake in the process you are buying that mistake.

Is the property going to sale this coming Monday or do you have more time to look into this?

I have been doing foreclosures for banks for 17 years. Send me a message if you want to discuss at length.

Good luck.