{"asOf":"2026-07-23T21:43:26.351Z","block":"700-799 E CHELTEN AVE","blockUrl":"https://philadelphia.blockreport.homes/block/700-799-e-chelten-ave","address":"717 E CHELTEN AVE","parcelNumber":"775098200","source":"https://property.phila.gov/?p=775098200","ownerType":"investor","kind":"commercial","isHouse":false,"home":false,"commercial":false,"residential":false,"taxExempt":true,"institutional":true,"buildingCode":"WB0","buildingCodeNew":"620","buildingClass":"HSE WORSHIP ALL 2 STY MAS","buildingClassNew":"RELIGIOUS","useLabel":"Place of worship","owner":"WHY NOT PROSPER INC","coOwner":null,"marketValue":219300,"landAssessment":28509,"improvementAssessment":190791,"livableArea":3690,"yearBuilt":2000,"lastSale":{"price":205000,"date":"2006-08-08T04:00:00Z"},"openViolations":1,"violations":[{"number":"4104175","date":"2016-08-02","code":"9-3902 (3)","title":"ROOMING UNIT OR HOUSE (R3 R2)","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"4590304","date":"2017-11-03","code":"FC-13-101113","title":"FIRE ESCAPE MAINTENANCE","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"4590305","date":"2017-11-03","code":"FC-13-101115","title":"FIRE ESCAPE REPORT","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"4590303","date":"2017-11-03","code":"FC-13-101111","title":"FIRE ESCAPE MATERIALS/STRENGTH","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"VI-2023-021691","date":"2023-04-06","code":"F-901.6.4","title":"PERIODIC TESTING\n","status":"CLOSED","resolutionDate":"2024-11-23","resolution":"CLOSED - ADMINISTRATIVELY"},{"number":"VI-2023-021692","date":"2023-04-06","code":"F-907.4.2.4","title":"MANUAL FIRE ALARM BOX SIGNS\n","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2023-04-25","resolution":"COMPLIED - OWNER REPAIR"},{"number":"VI-2023-021693","date":"2023-04-06","code":"F-505.1","title":"ADDRESS IDENTIFICATION\n","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2023-04-25","resolution":"COMPLIED - PERMIT OBTAINED"},{"number":"VI-2023-021694","date":"2023-04-06","code":"F-901.7","title":"SYSTEMS OUT OF SERVICE\n","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2023-04-25","resolution":"COMPLIED - OWNER REPAIR"},{"number":"VI-2023-041832","date":"2023-06-13","code":"F-1104.16.5.1.8","title":"FIRE ESCAPE REPORT REQUIRED\n","status":"OPEN","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"VI-2024-079174","date":"2024-09-18","code":"A-701.1/3","title":"NEW USE OCCUPIED PRIOR TO CO","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2024-12-05","resolution":"COMPLIED - LICENSE/CERTIFICATE/REPORT OBTAINED"},{"number":"VI-2024-079173","date":"2024-09-18","code":"F-1103.8","title":"SINGLE- & MULTIPLE-STATION SMOKE ALARMS\n","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2024-10-24","resolution":"COMPLIED - OWNER REPAIR"},{"number":"VI-2024-079172","date":"2024-09-18","code":"A-301.1/65","title":"NEW USE","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2024-12-05","resolution":"COMPLIED - LICENSE/CERTIFICATE/REPORT OBTAINED"},{"number":"VI-2024-079176","date":"2024-09-18","code":"F-906.2","title":"FIRE EXTINGUISHERS\n","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2024-10-24","resolution":"COMPLIED - OWNER REPAIR"}],"violationCases":[{"number":"548236","type":"HAZARDOUS","priority":"HAZARDOUS","responsibility":"HCEU","status":"CLOSED","createdDate":"2016-08-04","completedDate":"2016-12-23","violations":[{"number":"4104175","date":"2016-08-02","code":"9-3902 (3)","title":"ROOMING UNIT OR HOUSE (R3 R2)","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null}]},{"number":"610875","type":"STANDARD","priority":"STANDARD","responsibility":"CI","status":"CLOSED","createdDate":"2017-11-03","completedDate":"2018-05-18","violations":[{"number":"4590304","date":"2017-11-03","code":"FC-13-101113","title":"FIRE ESCAPE MAINTENANCE","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"4590305","date":"2017-11-03","code":"FC-13-101115","title":"FIRE ESCAPE REPORT","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"4590303","date":"2017-11-03","code":"FC-13-101111","title":"FIRE ESCAPE MATERIALS/STRENGTH","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null}]},{"number":"CF-2023-028491","type":"NOTICE OF VIOLATION","priority":"STANDARD","responsibility":"FIRE SAFETY INVESTIGATOR","status":"CLOSED","createdDate":"2023-04-06","completedDate":"2024-12-31","violations":[{"number":"VI-2023-021691","date":"2023-04-06","code":"F-901.6.4","title":"PERIODIC TESTING\n","status":"CLOSED","resolutionDate":"2024-11-23","resolution":"CLOSED - ADMINISTRATIVELY"},{"number":"VI-2023-021692","date":"2023-04-06","code":"F-907.4.2.4","title":"MANUAL FIRE ALARM BOX SIGNS\n","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2023-04-25","resolution":"COMPLIED - OWNER REPAIR"},{"number":"VI-2023-021693","date":"2023-04-06","code":"F-505.1","title":"ADDRESS IDENTIFICATION\n","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2023-04-25","resolution":"COMPLIED - PERMIT OBTAINED"},{"number":"VI-2023-021694","date":"2023-04-06","code":"F-901.7","title":"SYSTEMS OUT OF SERVICE\n","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2023-04-25","resolution":"COMPLIED - OWNER REPAIR"}]},{"number":"CF-2023-055751","type":"NOTICE OF VIOLATION","priority":"STANDARD","responsibility":"AUDITS AND INVESTIGATIONS BUILDING CERTS","status":"IN VIOLATION","createdDate":"2023-06-13","completedDate":null,"violations":[{"number":"VI-2023-041832","date":"2023-06-13","code":"F-1104.16.5.1.8","title":"FIRE ESCAPE REPORT REQUIRED\n","status":"OPEN","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null}]},{"number":"CF-2024-103120","type":"NOTICE OF VIOLATION","priority":"STANDARD","responsibility":"BUSINESS COMPLIANCE INVESTIGATOR","status":"CLOSED","createdDate":"2024-09-18","completedDate":"2024-12-05","violations":[{"number":"VI-2024-079174","date":"2024-09-18","code":"A-701.1/3","title":"NEW USE OCCUPIED PRIOR TO CO","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2024-12-05","resolution":"COMPLIED - LICENSE/CERTIFICATE/REPORT OBTAINED"},{"number":"VI-2024-079173","date":"2024-09-18","code":"F-1103.8","title":"SINGLE- & MULTIPLE-STATION SMOKE ALARMS\n","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2024-10-24","resolution":"COMPLIED - OWNER REPAIR"},{"number":"VI-2024-079172","date":"2024-09-18","code":"A-301.1/65","title":"NEW USE","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2024-12-05","resolution":"COMPLIED - LICENSE/CERTIFICATE/REPORT OBTAINED"},{"number":"VI-2024-079176","date":"2024-09-18","code":"F-906.2","title":"FIRE EXTINGUISHERS\n","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2024-10-24","resolution":"COMPLIED - OWNER REPAIR"}]}],"violYears":[{"y":2016,"n":1,"worst":null},{"y":2017,"n":3,"worst":null},{"y":2023,"n":5,"worst":null},{"y":2024,"n":4,"worst":null}],"investigations":[{"caseNumber":"548236","date":"2016-08-02","type":"HCEU INSP","status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"548236","date":"2016-10-03","type":"HCEU INSP","status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"548236","date":"2016-12-21","type":"HCEU INSP","status":"PASSED"},{"caseNumber":"610875","date":"2017-11-03","type":"HCEU INSP","status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"610875","date":"2018-01-04","type":"HCEU INSP","status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"610875","date":"2018-02-15","type":"HCEU INSP","status":"CLOSED"},{"caseNumber":"610875","date":"2018-05-14","type":"PRECOURT","status":"PASSED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2023-028491","date":"2023-04-06","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2023-028491","date":"2023-04-25","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2023-028491","date":"2023-05-31","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2023-055751","date":"2023-06-13","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2023-028491","date":"2023-08-31","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2023-055751","date":"2023-09-26","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2024-103120","date":"2024-09-18","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2023-055751","date":"2024-09-19","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2024-103120","date":"2024-10-24","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2023-055751","date":"2024-11-13","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2023-028491","date":"2024-11-23","type":null,"status":"PASSED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2024-103120","date":"2024-12-05","type":null,"status":"PASSED"}],"inspYears":[{"y":2016,"fails":2,"passes":1},{"y":2017,"fails":1,"passes":0},{"y":2018,"fails":1,"passes":1},{"y":2023,"fails":6,"passes":0},{"y":2024,"fails":4,"passes":2}],"taxOwed":0,"taxSnapshot":{"available":true,"asOf":"2022-06","matched":false},"taxDelinquencySnapshotAsOf":"2022-06","taxDelinquencySnapshotAvailable":true,"lat":40.04487607486884,"lng":-75.16594698859352,"geom":{"type":"Polygon","coordinates":[[[-75.165764381,40.044706714],[-75.166205313,40.044974984],[-75.166132363,40.045045576],[-75.165689799,40.044779412],[-75.165764381,40.044706714]]]},"liDistrict":"NORTH","certifications":[{"number":"BC-2023-003609","type":"Fire Escape Report","inspectionDate":"2017-12-23","result":"Safe with Repair","expirationDate":"2022-12-23","buildingId":"1131032"},{"number":"BC-2024-029201","type":"Fire Alarm Certification","inspectionDate":"2024-10-24","result":"Certified","expirationDate":"2025-10-24","buildingId":"1131028"},{"number":"BC-2025-026214","type":"Fire Alarm Certification","inspectionDate":"2025-09-30","result":"Certified","expirationDate":"2026-09-30","buildingId":"1131028"}],"cityRecordAvailability":{"violations":true,"investigations":true,"appeals":true,"certifications":true,"permits":true,"licenses":true},"zip":"19144","beds":null,"baths":null,"stories":null,"lotArea":5102,"zoning":"CMX2","grade":"C","basement":null,"heater":null,"centralAir":null,"extCond":"4","intCond":"4","garage":null,"homestead":false,"mail":"PO BOX 949, NORRISTOWN PA, 19404","mailOut":true,"appeals":[{"type":"Zoning board appeal","grounds":"PERMIT FOR ROOMING HOUSE FOR MAXIMUM FIVE (5) UNITS (SINGLE ROOM RESIDENCE) IN AN EXISTING STRUCTURE.","status":"CLOSED","outcome":"Granted with conditions","date":"2013-10-17","number":"20415","relatedPermit":"462482"},{"type":"Zoning board appeal","grounds":"PERMIT FOR ROOMING HOUSE FOR MAXIMUM ELEVEN (11) OCCUPANTS IN FIVE (5) UNITS (SINGLE\nROOM RESIDENCE) IN AN EXISTING STRUCTURE.","status":"CLOSED","outcome":"Granted with conditions","date":"2016-08-02","number":"27946","relatedPermit":"685646"},{"type":"ZBA Permit Denial - Variance","grounds":"Permit for a Transitional recovery housing (re-entry facility) in an existing structure with other existing uses in the structure as previously approved.","status":"Completed","outcome":"Granted","date":"2025-05-12","number":"ZP-2024-010704","relatedPermit":"ZP-2024-010704"}],"taxYears":[],"taxNet":0,"taxLien":false,"taxLedgerThrough":2016,"taxLedgerAvailable":true,"timesSold":1,"abated":false,"assessmentExemption":false,"exemptionBasisVerified":false,"valueSeries":[{"y":2016,"v":205800,"taxable":0,"land":76500,"improvement":129300,"taxableLand":0,"taxableImprovement":0,"exemptLand":76500,"exemptImprovement":129300},{"y":2017,"v":205800,"taxable":0,"land":76500,"improvement":129300,"taxableLand":0,"taxableImprovement":0,"exemptLand":76500,"exemptImprovement":129300},{"y":2018,"v":219300,"taxable":0,"land":28509,"improvement":190791,"taxableLand":0,"taxableImprovement":0,"exemptLand":28509,"exemptImprovement":190791},{"y":2019,"v":219300,"taxable":0,"land":28509,"improvement":190791,"taxableLand":0,"taxableImprovement":0,"exemptLand":28509,"exemptImprovement":190791},{"y":2020,"v":219300,"taxable":0,"land":28509,"improvement":190791,"taxableLand":0,"taxableImprovement":0,"exemptLand":28509,"exemptImprovement":190791},{"y":2021,"v":219300,"taxable":0,"land":28509,"improvement":190791,"taxableLand":0,"taxableImprovement":0,"exemptLand":28509,"exemptImprovement":190791},{"y":2022,"v":219300,"taxable":0,"land":28509,"improvement":190791,"taxableLand":0,"taxableImprovement":0,"exemptLand":28509,"exemptImprovement":190791},{"y":2023,"v":219300,"taxable":0,"land":28509,"improvement":190791,"taxableLand":0,"taxableImprovement":0,"exemptLand":28509,"exemptImprovement":190791},{"y":2024,"v":219300,"taxable":0,"land":28509,"improvement":190791,"taxableLand":0,"taxableImprovement":0,"exemptLand":28509,"exemptImprovement":190791},{"y":2025,"v":219300,"taxable":0,"land":28509,"improvement":190791,"taxableLand":0,"taxableImprovement":0,"exemptLand":28509,"exemptImprovement":190791},{"y":2026,"v":219300,"taxable":0,"land":28509,"improvement":190791,"taxableLand":0,"taxableImprovement":0,"exemptLand":28509,"exemptImprovement":190791},{"y":2027,"v":219300,"taxable":0,"land":28509,"improvement":190791,"taxableLand":0,"taxableImprovement":0,"exemptLand":28509,"exemptImprovement":190791}],"taxNow":0,"familyHeld":false,"lastTransferNominal":false,"permits":[{"number":"222622","date":"2009-06-22","work":"Alteration","type":"BP_ALTER","description":"ALTERATION PERMIT","status":"EXPIRED","completedDate":null,"scope":"REPLACE 20 EXISTING ROOF RAFTERS, SIZE AND LOCATION TO MATCH ORIGINAL, INSTALL NEW ROOF SHEATHING AND ROOF COVERING."},{"number":"462482","date":"2016-03-02","work":"Use","type":"ZP_USE","description":"USE PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2016-03-02","scope":"PER PROVISO TEMPORARY THREE (3) YEAR PERMIT FOR ROOMING HOUSE (SINGLE ROOM RESIDENCE) FOR MAXIMUM SEVEN (7) RESIDENTS IN AN EXISTING STRUCTURE. NO SIGN ON THIS PERMIT."},{"number":"685646","date":"2016-10-04","work":"Use","type":"ZP_USE","description":"USE PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2016-10-04","scope":"PER PROVISO TEMPORARY FIVE (5) YEAR PERMIT FOR SINGLE ROOM RESIDENCE FOR MAXIMUM FIVE (5) OCCUPANTS IN FIVE (5) UNITS IN AN EXISTING STRUCTURE. ALL OCCUPANTS ARE CAPABLE OF SELF PRESERVATION AND SELF SUSTAINING, NO OCCUPANTS UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF ANY COURT SYSTEM. NO SIGN ON THIS PERMIT."},{"number":"PP-2020-001750","date":"2020-05-12","work":"Alterations","type":"Plumbing","description":"Plumbing Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2020-11-12","scope":"For minor construction work at the subject property in accordance with all applicable provisions of the Philadelphia Code, all references codes and standards, and the attached EZ Standard, where included. Deviation from this standard shall result in permit revocation. A separate permit from the Philadelphia Department of Streets is required for any sidewalk and street closures. All means of pedestrian protection required at the site in accordance with the Philadelphia Building Code Chapter 33 shall be in place prior to start of work."},{"number":"ZP-2020-002249","date":"2020-06-18","work":"Signs (Accessory / Non-Accessory)","type":"Zoning","description":"Zoning Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2022-12-06","scope":"For the erection of one (1) static internally illuminated flat wall sign. Size and location as shown on plans."},{"number":"GP-2020-003129","date":"2021-09-03","work":"Sign","type":"General","description":"General Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2022-12-06","scope":"FOR THE ERECTION OF AN INTERNALLY ILLUMINATED FLATWALL SIGN TO INCLUDE FASTENER INSTALLATIONS. **SEPARATE PERMITS TO BE REQUIRED FOR ELECTRICAL WORK.**"},{"number":"ZP-2024-010703","date":"2024-10-29","work":"Change of Use","type":"Zoning","description":"Zoning Permit","status":"Issued","completedDate":null,"scope":"Artist Studios and Artisan Industrial."}],"storyTag":"Improved","storyDelta":null,"timeline":[{"y":2017,"k":"viol","w":"3 L&I violations"},{"y":2017,"k":"insp","w":"Inspection failed"},{"y":2018,"k":"insp","w":"L&I: 1 failed, 1 passed"},{"y":2020,"k":"permit","w":"Alterations"},{"y":2020,"k":"permit","w":"Signs (Accessory / Non-Accessory)"},{"y":2021,"k":"permit","w":"Sign"},{"y":2023,"k":"viol","w":"5 L&I violations"},{"y":2023,"k":"insp","w":"Inspection failed ×6"},{"y":2024,"k":"viol","w":"4 L&I violations"},{"y":2024,"k":"insp","w":"L&I: 4 failed, 2 passed"},{"y":2024,"k":"permit","w":"Change of Use"},{"y":2025,"k":"appeal","w":"Appeal granted"}],"rented":false,"licenses":[],"licenseActivity":[],"businessLicenseSourceDate":"2026-07-23","signals":[{"kind":"record-pressure","level":"watch","title":"Records to verify together","summary":"More than one separately dated public record deserves a current-status check.","evidence":["1 open L&I violation","failed L&I inspection activity in 2023, 2024"],"caveat":"A screening signal, not a foreclosure prediction. Tax entries are historical and must be verified with Philadelphia Revenue."},{"kind":"transition-activity","level":"watch","title":"Recent transition activity","summary":"The property has an unusually active paper trail worth monitoring for the next permit, inspection, deed, or listing.","evidence":["1 permit event since 2023","1 zoning/board appeal since 2023"],"caveat":"Record activity alone does not establish that a sale or redevelopment is planned."}],"legalChecks":[{"id":"use-occupancy","level":"attention","title":"Zoning approval is not the occupancy file","finding":"Appeal #20415: CLOSED · Granted with conditions; related permit 462482. Use permit #462482: COMPLETED. The history also contains “NEW USE OCCUPIED PRIOR TO CO.”","why":"Philadelphia says a zoning approval or Property Sales Certification can identify a use without proving that it was established under the Building Code. A change of use, unit count, exits, or fire rating can require a Building Permit and Certificate of Occupancy.","action":"Verify the lawful use, unit count, associated construction permits, and Certificate of Occupancy with L&I.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/services/permits-violations-licenses/get-a-certificate/get-a-certificate-of-occupancy/"},{"id":"permit-status","level":"attention","title":"A permit row needs file-level verification","finding":"1 permit not marked completed: 222622 (EXPIRED).","why":"Issued work is not the same as approved final work. L&I uses final inspections and required certifications to close construction permits; expired, withdrawn, and completed are different City statuses.","action":"Open the permit file and confirm final inspections, holds, and any resulting occupancy certificate.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/departments/department-of-licenses-and-inspections/inspections-by-permit-type/"},{"id":"violations","level":"attention","title":"1 open L&I violation","finding":"13 violation rows are retained in the City ledger.","why":"Open notices can accrue fees, block permits or license renewal, and move to court or collection. Standard initial notices generally have a 30-day appeal window; unsafe or imminently-dangerous notices have a much shorter window.","action":"Read the notice—not only the summary status—and confirm reinspection, fees, and appeal posture with L&I.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/departments/department-of-licenses-and-inspections/inspections/violation-and-order-types/"},{"id":"building-certifications","level":"attention","title":"A life-safety certification appears expired","finding":"Fire Escape Report: Safe with Repair through Dec 23, 2022; Fire Alarm Certification: Certified through Sep 30, 2026","why":"Fire-protection certifications apply to the named system and inspection period only; they are not a whole-building safety certificate. Philadelphia generally requires annual sprinkler, standpipe, fire-alarm, special-hazard, and emergency-power inspections where those systems exist.","action":"Request the correction/reinspection and current filed certificate.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/departments/department-of-licenses-and-inspections/inspections/maintenance-certifications/fire-protection-certifications/"},{"id":"investigations","level":"verify","title":"Failed inspections are dated events—not the current condition","finding":"14 failed, 4 passed, and 1 CLOSED investigation outcome are in the fetched history; the latest dated visit was PASSED on Dec 5, 2024.","why":"A PASSED or FAILED value applies to that inspection visit. CLOSED is a separate source status; none of the three alone proves the parent permit or violation case closed—or describes today’s condition.","action":"Open the parent case/permit for each material failure and confirm its later disposition.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/departments/department-of-licenses-and-inspections/inspections-by-permit-type/"},{"id":"full-tax-exemption","level":"verify","title":"OPA shows a full exemption; its legal basis is unverified","finding":"OPA currently marks the land and building assessment fully tax-exempt; BlockReport does not receive the exemption determination or basis.","why":"Full OPA exemptions can have different legal bases, including government, religious, charitable/institutional, veteran, or other treatment. The current owner/use record is not a buyer’s tax forecast.","action":"Confirm the exact exemption basis, buyer eligibility, and next tax-year treatment directly with OPA.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/departments/office-of-property-assessment/tax-exemptions-and-abatements/"},{"id":"commercial-trash","level":"verify","title":"A separate Commercial Trash account may apply","finding":"OPA classifies the parcel as commercial. BlockReport does not receive a current Commercial Trash account balance.","why":"Philadelphia charges qualifying small commercial, mixed-use, and multi-unit properties that use City collection; exemptions and private collection can change applicability. A use category alone does not prove a fee is due.","action":"Check the Commercial Trash account inside the date-effective Property Payoff.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/2026-06-09-pay-your-trash-fee-bill-by-june-30/"}],"closingChecks":[{"title":"Property Sales Certification","body":"The seller must obtain Philadelphia’s certificate showing the base zoning, last use in the zoning record, and open violations. The City warns that it does not prove Building Code occupancy or show zoning overlays.","action":"Obtain the fresh certificate and compare it with the CO, permits, and Atlas overlays.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/services/permits-violations-licenses/get-a-certificate/get-a-property-sales-certification/"},{"title":"Date-effective City Property Payoff","body":"The Tax Center Property Payoff covers Real Estate Tax, Commercial Trash, and L&I abatement-work invoices. Philadelphia says it does not include business-tax debts or liens, water and sewer charges, or fines for code violations.","action":"Request the City statement effective through settlement; read every period and invoice.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/guides/philadelphia-tax-center/what-to-do/"},{"title":"Professional title and water-lien searches","body":"OPA ownership, deed summaries, and a zero tax balance are not clear title. Mortgages, judgments, municipal claims, water liens, easements, heirs, and other encumbrances require separate searches.","action":"Use a Pennsylvania lawyer/title company and obtain owner’s title insurance; order the separate water search/payoff.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/2026-04-07-why-title-insurance-is-your-best-friend-when-buying-a-home-in-philadelphia/","secondaryUrl":"https://www.phila.gov/services/water-gas-utilities/pay-or-dispute-a-water-bill/resolve-water-liens-judgments/"}]}