A sheriff’s deed is a deed that transfers or conveys title (ownership rights) in property purchased at a sheriff’s sale. A sheriff’s sale is typically ordered by a court after a person or entity fails to pay a court judgment against them (a judgment debtor) or when the property is the subject of a mortgage foreclosure.

Laws vary from state to state, but a debtor whose property is the subject of a mortgage foreclosure that was sold at a sheriff’s sale may have the right to redeem the property or the right to redemption of the property—paying the amount due and keeping the property—until confirmation of the sale is signed by the judge and filed by the court. This redemption period is usually defined by state statute and may be referred to as a statutory redemption period.

The lender (bank) that is foreclosing on the mortgage is often the high bidder that purchases the property at a sheriff’s sale. If another party is the high bidder at the sheriff’s sale, the lender (bank) may be able to get a deficiency judgment against the debtor (borrower or mortgagor) if the sale amount isn’t enough to pay the balance of the debt—depending on the state’s law.

In New Hampshire, a sheriff's deed is a legal document that transfers ownership of a property sold at a sheriff's sale, which is typically the result of a court-ordered sale due to a failure to pay a court judgment or as a consequence of mortgage foreclosure. New Hampshire law provides a statutory redemption period, which allows the debtor to redeem the property by paying the full amount due before the sale is confirmed by the court. This redemption period is critical for the debtor as it offers a last chance to retain ownership of the property. If the property is sold at the sheriff's sale for less than the amount owed on the mortgage, the lender may seek a deficiency judgment against the debtor for the remaining balance. However, the specifics of the deficiency judgment and the length of the redemption period can vary and are governed by New Hampshire state statutes. Debtors facing foreclosure or interested in the redemption process should consult with an attorney to understand their rights and obligations under New Hampshire law.