If no one else bids, the property will be sold to the bank for their bid. Whoever has the highest bid, over the bank's bid will be the purchaser. Depending on how the foreclosure was filed, you may have a period of redemption after the sheriff sale.
Most properties on auction at a sheriff's sale sell for a discounted amount, giving investors the opportunity for a large return on investment from flipping. You'll have access to various property types to expand your investment portfolio. There is also typically less competition than in other property auctions.
Initially, Sheriff Deputies will serve actions in mortgage foreclosure to the defendant of the property that is the subject to the foreclosure action. If the defendant fails to take action to resolve the dispute, the Sheriff may be required to execute a Sheriff Sale on the property.
Once the thirty days has elapsed and the occupant is still in the property, you must prepare a Complaint in Ejectment with a 20 Day Notice to Defend and a legal description of the property and/or the deed.
After the foreclosure sale is confirmed, the new owner (the highest bidder at the sheriff's sale) must serve a "Notice to Quit" on the former homeowner. This notice informs the former homeowner that they must vacate the property within a specific period (usually 10 days) or face eviction.
Before the notice of default can be filed, the lender must give you at least 10 days' notice and another 30 days' notice before the foreclosure sale can take place by the sheriff. The sheriff will notify you by delivering a copy of the notice directly and by putting a handbill on the property itself.
It ensures that a Pennsylvania homeowner knows their home is being foreclosed upon. An Act 91 notice is sent to a homeowner with a conventional mortgage when they are at least 3 months delinquent.
How Long Does the Foreclosure Process Take? There is no set timeline for a foreclosure in PA. The specifics of your case and the court's agenda may add or subtract a few weeks from the timeline. Typically, you can expect 120 days to pass before an uncontested foreclosure is finalized.
When Can a Pennsylvania Foreclosure Start? Under federal law, the servicer usually can't officially begin a foreclosure until you're more than 120 days past due on payments, subject to a couple of exceptions. (12 C.F.R. § 1024.41 (2024).)