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1. When and where do Sheriff’s Sales take place?

* Sheriff’s Sales take place on the last Wednesday of every month at 1:00 p.m.
* The sale is open to the public.
* No registration is required.
* Sales are held at the:
Montgomery County Courthouse
Courtroom A, 3rd Floor
2 Airy Street
Norristown, PA 19404

2. How do I find out which properties are being sold?

* The Law Reporter booklet, which is published by the Montgomery Bar Association, lists
properties that are being offered for the sale. You can obtain a subscription by calling (610)
279-9660 x220.
* Properties are also advertised in local newspapers.
* Handbills are posted in the Sheriff’s Office at the Courthouse.
* A full listing is also available under the Real Estate Sheriff’s Sales section on the Sheriff’s website at www.montcopa.org/sheriff.

3. May I inspect a property I’m interested in prior to the sale?

No. The properties are not available for inspection. The Sheriff’s Office makes no guarantees on the condition of the property sold at the Sheriff’s Sale. The Sheriff’s Office highly recommends that you consult with an attorney for advice about purchasing property at the Sheriff’s Sale. The Sheriff does not guarantee clear title to any property being sold. Properties may have numerous liens requiring buyers to pay significantly more than the bid price in order to clear the title. This is solely the BUYER’S responsibility. A title search is recommended.

All liens registered on properties can be obtained at the Prothonotary’s Office at the Courthouse. Public records for properties are also available at the Board of Assessment Appeals under “Property Records”.

4. Are Tax Sales or Judicial Sales included in the Sheriff’s Sale?

No. For more information regarding Tax Sales or Judicial Sales, contact the Montgomery County Tax Claim Bureau by calling (484) 681-9231 or visiting the Tax Claim Bureau section of the Montgomery County website under Departments/County Administration.

5. How do I buy a property at the Sheriff’s Sale?

* Read the “Conditions of Sale” on the Real Estate Sheriff’s Sales section of the Sheriff’s Office website.
* Research the properties you are interested in.
* Decide how much you are willing spend.
* Attend the sale and bid on property.
* Bring your government issued ID with you.
* Prepare to make a 10 percent deposit on the property, which will be due at the time of purchase. The balance of the bid is due within 10 calendar days. Both are payable either by cash, money order, or certified check payable to “Sheriff of Montgomery County.”

6. How often is the sale list on the Real Estate Sheriff’s Sales web page updated with the status of the properties being offered?

The list is updated in real time. Whenever there is a disposition change on a property, the listing is updated immediately.

7. Courtroom conduct.

No eating or drinking is allowed in the courtroom. All cell phones and pagers must be turned off and all participants are to be seated before and during the sale. No questions or statements will be taken from the public during the sale. These rules will be strictly enforced.

8. REAL ESTATE SALE TERMINOLOGY

* Debt Amount: Money plaintiff is owed
* All Costs: Advertising & administrative expenses incurred by plaintiff prior to sale
* Up Set Price: Minimum amount plaintiff will accept for property

Pre-sale dispositions

* STAYED: The sale has been completely stopped.
* Postponed: The sale has been postponed to a future sale.
* Pstpnd by CO: The sale has been postponed by court order.
* Bnkrptcy –PP: The sale is postponed due to a bankruptcy filing.
* For Sale: The sale will be held on date listed.

Post-sale dispositions

* SOLD - For Costs – There was no active bidding. The plaintiff has purchased at cost.
* SOLD - Consideration 3RD Party – “John Q. Public” has purchased the property.