Experiences in PA with tax sales and ejectment?

[Zack Thiesen]

I have scoured the internet for examples of stories from people buying occupied property at a tax sale and having to file for ejectment. I am eyeing properties in Pennsylvania and looking at past years sales records and almost none of the properties sell, even at the low prices. I know it can take up to or even over a year sometimes, but beyond that I had trouble finding the range of associated costs. And then also the matter of clearing the title etc etc. As far as I can tell it is anywhere from $400 - $2500, or up to $10k? Who knows..but it is important info to ballpark into my math before going into an auction. Does anyone have examples or formulas for this that they use? I'm aware that every case can be wildly different.. but even if you had like a worst-case scenario number, I would use that metric and be grateful to know it. 

I suppose I should also ask, is it common to disclose if the properties are occupied or not? Do they make it known? I downloaded the bidder one-sheet from the county I'm interested in and of course there is a line that says the county makes no claims or warranties regarding occupancy yadda yadda but it appears to be boiler plate. Do they let you know?
 

I read about how in Philadelphia - for example - the sheriff will "often require the owner to provide four movers, a twenty-four foot moving truck, and storage for the squatter"!! WTF... so ya, any stories would be appreciated!

Seems like someone should have a set amount of days and then the sheriff comes, end of it. Why does this have to be some complicated?

Thanks.