The writ of execution in an action of mortgage foreclosure shall be substan- tially in the following form: [Caption] WRIT OF EXECUTION ‘‘Commonwealth of Pennsylvania ) ‘‘County of ) ‘‘To the Sheriff of County: ‘‘To satisfy the judgment, interest and costs in the above matter you are directed to levy upon and sell the following described property:
Rule 3257.Writ of execution; mortgage foreclosure.
Adopted March 30, 1960 · Last amended March 13, 2007 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceThis rule supplies the form of the writ of execution in mortgage foreclosure, directing the sheriff to sell the described mortgaged real property, and the personal property too where the mortgage covers both under the Uniform Commercial Code.
Full Text of Rule 3257
(1) (Specifically describe real property)
(2) (Specifically describe personal property when judgment results from a mortgage covering both personal and real property pursuant to Section 9604(a) of the Uniform Commercial Code)
Plain-English Summary
This rule prints the writ of execution the sheriff acts on in a mortgage foreclosure. Directed to the sheriff, it commands the levy upon and sale of the specifically described mortgaged real property, and, when the judgment results from a mortgage covering both real and personal property under the Uniform Commercial Code, it also describes the personal property to be sold.
The note allows the property description to be included in or attached to the writ. Because foreclosure reaches a specific parcel — sometimes with related personal property — the writ’s detailed description makes clear exactly what the sheriff is to sell to satisfy the judgment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the foreclosure writ of execution direct?
It directs the sheriff to levy on and sell the described mortgaged real property to satisfy the judgment.
Can it reach personal property too?
Yes, where the mortgage covers both real and personal property under the Uniform Commercial Code, the writ also describes the personal property.
Official Note
Note Description of property may be included in, or attached to, the writ. Amount due $ Interest from $ [Costs to be added] $ ‘‘(Name of Prothonotary (Clerk)) Seal of the Court Date ‘‘(Deputy)’’
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 3257 adopted March 30, 1960, effective November 1, 1960; amended March 13, 2007, effective June 1, 2007, 37 Pa.B. 1411. Immediately preceeding text appears at serial pages (255389) to (255390).
Source & verification. Rule text, the Official Note, and the amendment
history are reproduced verbatim from the Pennsylvania Code, Title 231, the official compilation
of rules adopted by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Last verified June 30, 2026. ·
Official text
Also known as: writ of execution mortgage foreclosure