property
sheriffs deed
A sheriff's deed is a deed given by a sheriff or court officer to the buyer of property at a court-ordered sale, such as a judicial foreclosure or a sale to satisfy a judgment. It conveys whatever interest the former owner had, with no warranties of title. Buyers usually take the property as is and may be subject to redemption rights where state law allows. Title insurance and a title search are especially important.
- Exam tip
- Sheriff's deeds, like other court-ordered deeds, carry no warranties. Contrast with a general warranty deed, which gives the most protection.
- Example
- After a judicial foreclosure, the high bidder at the sheriff's sale pays $210,000 and receives a sheriff's deed with no title warranties.
Related terms & state variants
Sources
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Last verified: 2026-10-23