Frequently Asked Questions

I’m interested in purchasing a home from a Sheriff Sale. What are some risks I should be aware of?

Although you will have a proof of purchase from the Sheriff Sale, it may not be enough to establish legal ownership of the property. Oftentimes, the previous owner of a property sold through a Sheriff Sale has not been given proper notice — leading to issues down the road for the new owner. If you try to sell the property later, you may be unable to do so unless you can establish clear ownership through a quitclaim deed or performing an action to quiet title. Since filing a quitclaim deed requires finding the original owner and gaining their cooperation, performing an action to quiet title – a lengthy and expensive legal process – is far more common.

What steps can I take to protect my investment?

There are several ways to protect yourself from a lengthy legal process. First, make sure to do your research, including the property’s title and insurance. Second, take a tour of the property. Third, consult with a trusted legal expert familiar with real estate sales.

My home was purchased from a sheriff sale, and I recently learned there is a problem with my title. I can’t sell the property until it’s resolved. What can I do now?

There are a few options to remedy this issue, but the best place to start is likely with obtaining legal representation. Your attorney can guide you through your options. You may be able to find the original owner and have them sign a quitclaim deed. Another, and more likely, option is to wade through a lengthy legal process to perform an action to obtain a quiet title on the property.

Where can I find more resources?

Your local property appraiser will have a wealth of information on the property you are looking to buy. You can also ask questions of the organizers of the local Sheriff Sale for more information.