Pennsylvania Foreclosure Timeline and Laws

Pennsylvania Foreclosure Process and Procedure

If you default on your mortgage, your lender can institute foreclosure proceedings against you and auction your property at a foreclosure sale.

Pennsylvania foreclosures are conducted by judicial foreclosure.

Notice Requirements for Foreclosure in Pennsylvania

The borrower has 20 days to file an answer to a foreclosure complaint or default  will be entered. The borrower must be given at least 10 days notice before default is entered and 30 days notice before foreclosure sale. 

Pennsylvania requires two pre-foreclosure notices be sent to the borrower ,  a notice of intention to foreclose, to be sent certified mail within 60 days of a default, and an Act 9 1 notice to be sent regular or certified mail, relating to mortgage default where the borrower is advised there may be assistance available through HEMAP.  FHA loans under $50K in default usually require Act 6 notices.

Pennsylvania Deficiency and Anti-Deficiency Laws

The lender may obtain a deficiency judgment if the property is sold at a public sale for less than the loan amount.

Pennsylvania Redemption Rights

Pennsylvania has no post-sale statutory right of redemption.

Pennsylvania Assistance, Special Programs, Government Help, and Law Updates

Foreclosure Programs:

• Pennsylvania Foreclosure Avoidance Counseling -HUD
• Pennsylvania HEMAP (Homeowners Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program loan
• to cure the existing default
• The Home Affordable Mortgage Modification Program
• The Home Affordable Refinance Program
• The Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program
• FHA Secure
• Hope for Homeowners

Foreclosure Lawyer

Pennsylvania foreclosure laws are complex. It is recommended that you consult with a foreclosure lawyer who can advise you about options to avoid foreclosure including refinancing, reinstatement, deed in lieu, mortgage modification, short sale or bankruptcy.