We are interested in purchasing a property through a sheriff sale in Pennsylvania. What liens would we be responsible for paying as the new owners?
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We are interested in purchasing a property through a sheriff sale in Pennsylvania. What liens would we be responsible for paying as the new owners?
Some of the properties have judgments from various creditors, some have liens from not paying Federal taxes, some have unpaid county taxes on the property, and some of course are mortgage foreclosures. What would we, as prospective buyers, need to be concerned about paying?
Asked on June 10, 2009 under Real Estate Law, Pennsylvania
Answers:
MD, Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 15 years ago | Contributor
We won't know all of it but certainly you should have a title search done before to determine if there is a cloud on the title that would prohibit you from obtaining a loan and/or clear title. Further, it depends on the fine print and each individual state is different. In some states, such liens if not in first position may be extinguished during a sale and the entities cannot keep the lien on the property.
You may need to enlist the help of a real estate attorney to ensure you can purchase without worry. Try www.attorneypages.com and check his or her record at the Pennsylvania State Bar.
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