Why isn't the public allowed to attend a sheriff's sale? And why aren't the figures for sale made public as are private sales? Have you ever taken the time to read the listing of sales in Cape May County? And why does the sheriff's name appear frequently among the many listed properties?
Moderator's Note: Sheriff sales are public. All properties are sold at the Old Historic Court House at 11 N. Main Street (Route 9), Court House each Wednesday at 1 p.m. (Next door to the Cape May County Superior Court Building). For information contact the Sheriff’s Office, 609-465-6834, or visit cmcsheriff.net/sales. In many cases, the mortgager (usually a financial institution) or mortgagee (person holding the mortgage) pays the required sum beforehand, which negates a sale. Should more than one person desire to pay the required sum, something similar to an auction may take place with the biggest bid winning. The sheriff’s name is listed as seller since it is through his office the sale takes place. He does not personally gain anything from those sales.