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PLEASE BE ADVISED: All persons entering the Courthouse must do so through the new building entrance on Monroe Street.

Requirements for Requesting Expedited Real Estate Sales - Vacant/Abandoned Properties

For additional service requirements, or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the office at (570) 517-3312 or email the Sheriff Office - Real Estate Division.

IMPORTANT - Properties are sold sight unseen and subject to all liens.  -----   PLEASE READ The Conditions of Sale for Real Estate


The deposit (for attorneys presenting property for sale) is $2,000.00. We will only accept law firm checks and cashier's checks. We reserve the right to request additional deposit monies.

Act 32 of 2018 “Vacant and Abandoned Real Estate Foreclosure Act” (effective 12/2018) calls for an expedited procedure to reduce delays in an action of Mortgage Foreclosure in which the property has been deemed Vacant or Abandoned.  New incoming expedited sales will require an accelerated sale fee of $500.00 in addition to the following documents.

The following is required for all new Real Estate sale Packages:

IF YOU ARE E-FILING YOUR PAPERWORK WITH THE PROTHONOTARY YOU MUST PRINT THE FOLLOWING TO BE INCLUDED WITH YOUR SALE PACKAGE:

  • Prothonotary issued Writ of Execution

  • FILED copy of praecipe for Writ of Execution (must be time stamped by Prothonotary) 

  • FILED copy of the Affidavit 3129.1 (must be time stamped by Prothonotary)

Real Estate Forms

  • Certificate Pursuant to Act 32 of 2018 - Expedited Sale Fee - Submit one (1) signed copy.

  • Tax Claim Lien Certificate Form - Submit two (2) copies. A seperate copy is required for each tax-coded parcel. 

  • Affidavit Pursuant to Rule 3129.1 - Original is filed in the Prothonotary Office. Submit one (1) copy with the Sheriff's Office. 

  • Notice of Sheriff's Sale of Real Property - Submit three (3) copies. 

  • Writ of Execution Notice - Submit three (3) copies. 

  • Legal Description - Submit ten (10) legible copies. Must include the Tax Code and PIN number.

  • Sheriff Service Process Receipt - See instructions below. All highlighted fields must be completed. 
    An individual Sheriff Service Process Receipt is required for the follpwing:

    • One form (1) is required for posting the property
      • A seperate form is required for each tax-coded parcel.
      • Include the tax code and PIN number along with the address of the property to be posted.
    • One form (1) is needed for advertising
    • One form (1) is needed per individual to be served by the Sheriff.
      • Please select only one service typer per form.
      • Please provide a complete address.
    • P.O Box addresses can only be used for mailing services.
  • Copy of the mortgage in execution; plus all assignments of mortgages. A follow-up required for any changes thereafter. All updates MUST be received no later than the week after sale. 

  • Deeding instructions include the full name and address of the party the property is to be conveyed. A follow-up is required for any changes thereafter which MUST be received no later than the wek after sale. 

  • (2) Two self-addressed stample envelopes for return of service affidavits.

  • Post Sale Requirement- - A Realty Transfer Tax Statement of Value will be required within one week after the sale. We need a signed original and one copy (front and back). PLEASE NOTE: When Deeds are ready for recording, if the property is being deeded to an entity other than the holder of the mortgage, a check for transfer tax must be payable to "Recorder of Deeds" and submitted to the Sheriff's Office also.

  • Terms of ten (10%) percent of the bid price or Sheriff's costs, whichever is higher at the time of the sale. Notice is hereby given that the Sheriff will file a schedule of distribution, no later than thirty days (30) days after the day of the sale, and that distribution will be made in accordance with the schedule unless exceptions are filed thereto within then (10) days thereafter.