Sheriff sales and existing mortgage

[Jim H.]

Hello, I am new to the website. I am not an investor yet, just trying to learn the basics and stay out of trouble. I have been watching Auction.com, there are a lot of REO's on that website many with large mortgages unpaid leading to Sheriff sale. Will someone explain what happens to a mortgage after the bank takes possession after a Sheriff sale? If the bank tries to auction the property, does the mortgage generally follow the title/deed or is it cleared after the Sheriff sale? I'm sure this varies by state and county? I am in PA.