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 Washington State, a sheriff's deed is a legal document that transfers ownership of a property sold at a sheriff's sale, which typically occurs due to a court-ordered foreclosure or to satisfy a court judgment. Washington law provides a redemption period for debtors whose property has been sold at a sheriff's sale. This statutory redemption period allows the debtor to reclaim the property by paying the full amount owed before the sale is confirmed by the court. The redemption period in Washington is 12 months for most properties, but it can vary based on specific circumstances. If the property is sold for less than the amount owed, the lender may seek a deficiency judgment against the debtor to recover the remaining balance, unless the loan is a non-recourse loan or other specific conditions apply that would prevent such a judgment. It's important for debtors and bidders to understand these rights and obligations under Washington's foreclosure and redemption laws.