Sheriff Sale - Delaware County, PA

[Tom Doherty]

Hey BP,

I attended a sheriff sale this past Friday in Delaware County, PA. It was a great experience for me to attend and see the process of a sheriff sale. I understand that you have to do you due diligence on each property ( comps, drive by, liens , etc) the only concern I have are the potential liens against each property.

I have heard the when you buy at a sheriff sale that the title is clear, is that true?

I know there are two ways to check out title on a property. 1) reach out the a title company 2) do it on your own.

When the time comes for me to buy a property at a sheriff sale, I just want to make sure that I have done my homework on each property and that there are no surprises in regards of liens.

I appreciate the help!

@Steve Babiak - I read every forum post from you which was very helpful prior to attending the sheriff sale but for some reason liens are a red flag for me. Thanks for the help!

[James Masotti]

@Tom Doherty - Properties purchased at sheriff sale could be lien free and could also not be lien free. For this you need to understand your local laws, and the type of the sale. For example I know down in New Castle County, Delaware that a tax sale will wipe out any other liens, however...if you simply buy a bank owned foreclosure at the auction...you still possibly have to pay the back taxes and outstanding utility bills and fees. The few people I've heard of who are successful at buying many properties at the auction have an attorney or title company check title on any property they are interested in after doing their research (comps, drive bys, door knocking, etc.) early on you may pay for this but over the long haul they will do it for free or at a much reduced rate so long as that you bring all your actual closing work to them.