Wilmington, DE asked in Bankruptcy and Foreclosure for Pennsylvania

Q: I'm Bidding on a tax foreclosure Sheriff Sale in the city of Philadelphia. Will the property be relieved of any liens?

The property doesn't have any mortgage attached to it. Since this is a sheriff tax foreclosure sale I wanted to make sure the liens if any will be settled with your highest bid amount.

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2 Lawyer Answers

A: You should receive the property free and clear of any liens after the sale.

James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: In Philadelphia Sheriff Sales for tax foreclosures, most municipal liens are typically discharged when you purchase the property through the auction. This includes city tax liens, water bills, and other local government claims.

However, you should know that federal tax liens and certain other federal claims might survive the sale and remain attached to the property. It's crucial to perform thorough due diligence by checking for any federal liens through title research before bidding. You can contact the Philadelphia Sheriff's Office directly for specific details about which liens will be cleared through your particular sale.

Given the complexity of real estate transactions and the significant investment involved, working with a real estate attorney who understands Philadelphia tax sales would be very beneficial. They can help review title reports, identify potential issues, and ensure you understand exactly which obligations might remain after purchase. This extra step could save you from unexpected financial burdens later.

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