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How much time do I have before the sheriff sale?
Six questions. You'll see which stage of the Pennsylvania foreclosure sequence you're in, what options are still open at that stage, and whether this is a matter of months, weeks, or today.
Sale this month? Call (717) 724-7503Common questions
- How long does foreclosure take in Pennsylvania?
- It varies, but the sequence is fixed. Federal rules generally bar the first legal filing until you are 120 days delinquent. After the complaint is served you have 20 days to respond, and after judgment the lender can request a writ of execution and the sheriff can schedule a sale — often within a couple of months. Counties with diversion programs add time at the complaint stage.
- Can a sheriff sale be postponed?
- Yes, and postponements are routine in most Pennsylvania counties. A postponed sale is not a cancelled sale — the property returns to a later list unless the underlying case is resolved. Always confirm status with the county sheriff's office rather than relying on your last piece of mail.
- Does filing bankruptcy stop a sheriff sale?
- A Chapter 13 filed before the sale takes place stops it through the automatic stay under 11 U.S.C. § 362, and § 1322(b)(5) then lets you cure the arrears over three to five years. Chapter 7 stops a sale temporarily but has no mechanism to cure arrears.
- Is this tool legal advice?
- No. It is general information about the Pennsylvania foreclosure sequence, based on the answers you enter. County practice varies and sale schedules change. For advice about your loan, speak with an attorney — the consultation is free.
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