Best Real Estate Attorneys in Philadelphia

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?

  The Philadelphia Police Department may be reached at 311 for non-emergency concerns.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?

  To request a copy of incident reports from the Philadelphia Police Department, you must complete the application form that can be accessed at https://www.phila.gov/media/20210510104709/application_for_police_incident_or_offense_report_82-47.pdf.

  You may request the reports in person or by mail at the address: Department of Records Public Safety Records Unit City Hall, Room 170 1400 John F. Kennedy Blvd. Philadelphia, PA 19107

• If you bought a foreclosed real estate in Philadelphia, can the prior owner redeem the property?

  If you bought foreclosed real estate in an auction in Philadelphia, the previous owner could redeem the property within nine months following the sale. The previous owner must also fulfill the standards under 53 P.S. Section 7293, which are as follows:

  • They must pay the amount involving the sale bid, taxes, liens, insurance, and municipal claims;
  • They must have continuously occupied the residence for at least ninety days before the date of the sale.

• Is it possible for a person to take the title of a neglected real estate in Philadelphia?

  Yes. The doctrine of adverse possession allows an occupant to claim ownership of neglected real estate in Philadelphia. For a trespasser to be considered an adverse possessor, they must meet six criteria: (1) actual possession; (2) continuous residency in the entire 21-year period; (3) use of the land in a manner hostile to the rights of the actual landowner; (4) use of the land in a manner open and notorious; (5) exclusive residency; and in some cases (6) the claim is based upon the color of title.

• Is it legal if a seller and buyer use the same real estate agent in Philadelphia?

  It is not against the law in Philadelphia. If the seller and the buyer of the property agree in writing, the same real estate agent may represent both parties. A real estate agent acting as a dual agent has a fiduciary duty to protect the interests of each party in the transaction. The agent owes confidentiality to both parties, with the exception that the licensee must disclose the material latent defects in the seller's property.

• What type of contracts can be made in real estate transactions in Philadelphia?

  In Philadelphia, there are four types of real estate contracts, such as:

  • Purchase agreements are sale contracts outlining details, from the identities of each party involved, the condition of the property, and terms of possession to the payment of closing costs;
  • Assignment contracts are intended to purchase agreements on distressed properties;
  • Lease agreements are landlord-tenant contracts;
  • Power of attorney agreements are contracts that pass the control of properties to a beneficiary if the owner becomes incapacitated.

• As a real estate seller in Philadelphia, what property defects must you disclose to the homebuyer?

  If you are selling real estate in Philadelphia, you are required by law to fill out a property disclosure form. You must describe any flaws in the house that you are aware of that could potentially reduce its value or endanger someone who lives there. These include faulty electrical systems, plumbing issues, and defective appliances. In addition, you must disclose the history of structural conditions and the records of repairs or modifications done to the property.