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Sheriff Sale - Frequently Asked Questions

Sheriff Sale - Frequently Asked Questions

No. For more information regarding Tax Sales or Judicial Sales, contact the Tax Services at (717)337-9837
  • Read the “Conditions of Sale” found on the Sheriff’s Office website.
  • Complete your due diligence on interested properties.
  • Decide how much you are willing to spend.
  • Access the website www.bid4assets.com/adamscountysheriffsales and create an account.
  • Make sure you fund your pre-bidding deposit before the deposit deadline on the Friday before the sale at 4pm.
  • Follow their instructions for bidding.
  • If you are a winning bidder, we require 20% down on the next business day of the sale and the remaining balance is due within 20 calendar days.
  • Follow all post-sale instructions provided by Bid4Assets.
  • The Sheriff’s sale deed is processed approximately 45-60 days after the sale.
  • Each purchase is unique – situations and issues will vary from case to case.
  • A full listing is available on the Sheriff’s website at www.adamscounty.us/Dept/Sheriff/Pages/RealEstate.aspx
  • Properties are advertised in the Gettysburg Times and Adams County Legal Journal
  • Handbills are posted outside of the Sheriff’s Office at the Adams County Courthouse.
You will be able to find judgements or liens assigned to the property in the Prothonotary’s Office, Taxes owed may be obtained at the Tax Claim Bureau. Any mortgages attached to the property can be found in the Register and Recorder’s Office. You can obtain all Sewer & Water, etc. against the property or party action through the Municipal Authority by name and address.
The Foreclosure Sales Listing is frequently updated and reflects the current case status.
  • No, the properties are not available for inspection.
  • The Sheriff’s Office and Bid4Assets 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 prior to purchasing a 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.
  • Debt Amount: Money owed to plaintiff
  • All Costs: Advertising & administrative expenses incurred by plaintiff prior to sale (no county revenue is used for advertising)
  • Minimum bid: This dollar amount is determined by the plaintiff and shown on the website prior to the sale. It is the minimum amount the plaintiff will accept for the property.
  • Postponed: The sale was postponed previously to the current sale date.
  • Postponed By Court Order: The sale was postponed by a court order to the current sale date and is now available for sale.
  • Bankruptcy Postponed: The sale was previously postponed due to a bankruptcy filing and is now on the current sale list.
  • Open/Preview: The sale will be held on date listed.
  • Reserve price: This is the predetermined amount a Plaintiff is willing to bid in order to obtain a particular property. It may be more or less than the judgment amount.
  • Stayed: The sale has been completely stopped.
  • Sold For Costs : There was no active bidding, plaintiff purchased at cost.
  • Sold Consideration 3rd Party : “John Doe” has purchased the property.
property.
  • Will I owe any more money after the sale?
  • Are inheritance taxes included?
  • When can I change the locks?
  • Am I responsible for evicting the current occupants? If so, how do I evict them?
  • How do the liens on the property get paid?
  • Are all liens included in the purchase price?
  • Will I be responsible for additional mortgages on the property?
  • Can I start making repairs to the property after I paid the full purchase amount?
All liens registered on properties can be obtained from the Prothonotary’s Office
  • Sales are usually scheduled for the third Friday of every other month. A Calendar of dates is published on our website. 
  • The sales are open to the public via an on-line format at  www.bid4assets.com/adamscountysheriffsales
  • Registration is required!