What is the 10% deposit?
Ten percent is the deposit you have to pay in cash, money order, or certified
check at the time of sale. The money orders or certified checks are made
payable to "Sheriff of Northampton County"
When do I have to pay the rest of the money?
The balance of your bid is payable within ten (10) calendar days to the sheriff
in cash, money order or by certified check.
If you do not pay the balance of your bid you will lose your deposit.
Why does the Sheriff's Office highly recommend that you consult your own
attorney for advice about how to purchase property at Sheriff's Sales?
The Sheriff does not guarantee clear title to any property sold at sale.
For example, you may buy a property with numerous liens requiring you to pay a
lot more money than what you bid for the property and you must, under the law,
pay these lien holders to clear what is now your title. This is solely
YOUR responsibility. All liens registered on properties can be obtained at
the Prothonotary Office in the Courthouse. A title search is recommended.
Do Sheriff's Sales differ from Tax Sales or Judicial Sales?
Yes, there are significant differences. For information regarding Tax
Sales or Judicial Sales, contact the Northampton County Revenue Office at Room
302 - 669 Washington Street, Easton, PA., at (610) 559-3102.
When do the Sheriff's Sales take place?
Sheriff's Sales are conducted each month and a yearly calendar maybe obtained on
the counter at the Real Estate section of the Sheriff's Office or found on the
county website.
Where are the Sheriff's Sales held?
Sales are held in County Council Chambers at the Northampton County Courthouse, 669 Washington Street, Easton, PA
on the scheduled day.
Can I obtain a list of the properties to be sold?
Yes, For each property to be sold there is a handbill posted in the
Prothonotary's Office at the Northampton County Courthouse and an advertisement
in the local newspaper of general circulation where the property is situated.
This will appear once a week for three (3) weeks before the sale. A full
list of the properties can also be obtained in booklet form in the Northampton
County Reporter published by the Northampton County Bar Association. To
obtain a subscription call 610-258-6333.
If I see a property I want to buy, can I inspect it before the sale?
No, the properties are not available for inspection and the Sheriff's Department
makes no guarantee on the condition of the property sold at Sheriff's
Sale
How do I buy a property at Sheriff's Sale?
You need to attend the sale at the date and time advertised. The sale is a
public auction and you will have to bid on the property. Attorneys are
present who represent the financial institutions that bring such actions.
Prior to the sale you may want to consult with them.
Note: All persons attending Sheriff Sales shall be dressed in the proper
attire. No eating or drinking is allowed in Council Chambers where the Sheriff
Sale is conducted. All cell phones and pagers are to be turned off during the
sale. These rules will be strictly enforced.
Also Note: Barring official announcements, no questions or discussions will be
taken from the public during the Sheriff Sale.
