{"asOf":"2026-07-27T23:46:12.818Z","block":"5000-5099 BALTIMORE AVE","blockUrl":"https://philadelphia.blockreport.homes/block/5000-5099-baltimore-ave","address":"5027 BALTIMORE AVE","parcelNumber":"871213600","source":"https://property.phila.gov/?p=871213600","ownerType":"investor","kind":"mixed-use","isHouse":false,"home":false,"commercial":false,"residential":false,"taxExempt":false,"institutional":false,"buildingCode":"Y50","buildingCodeNew":"821","buildingClass":"STR/OFF+APT 3 STY MASONRY","buildingClassNew":"ROW MIXED-COM/RES-BLT AS COM","useLabel":"Apartment building","owner":"MAHARI YARED DEVELOPMENT","coOwner":null,"marketValue":392300,"landAssessment":78400,"improvementAssessment":313900,"livableArea":3412,"yearBuilt":1925,"lastSale":{"price":150000,"date":"2016-06-17T04:00:00Z"},"openViolations":0,"violations":[{"number":"2373521","date":"2012-03-01","code":"PM-102.4/2","title":"LICENSE-VAC RES BLDG","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null}],"violationCases":[{"number":"317773","type":"STANDARD","priority":"STANDARD","responsibility":"HCEU","status":"CLOSED","createdDate":"2012-03-01","completedDate":"2012-04-09","violations":[{"number":"2373521","date":"2012-03-01","code":"PM-102.4/2","title":"LICENSE-VAC RES BLDG","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null}]}],"violYears":[{"y":2012,"n":1,"worst":null}],"investigations":[{"caseNumber":"317773","date":"2012-02-29","type":"HCEU INSP","status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"317773","date":"2012-04-09","type":"HCEU INSP","status":"PASSED"}],"inspYears":[{"y":2012,"fails":1,"passes":1}],"taxOwed":0,"taxSnapshot":{"available":true,"asOf":"2022-06","matched":false},"taxDelinquencySnapshotAsOf":"2022-06","taxDelinquencySnapshotAvailable":true,"lat":39.94805606678163,"lng":-75.22443895998458,"geom":{"type":"Polygon","coordinates":[[[-75.224374886,39.947936429],[-75.224437062,39.947929803],[-75.224503852,39.948173211],[-75.224439173,39.948181233],[-75.224374886,39.947936429]]]},"liDistrict":"CENTRAL WEST","certifications":[],"cityRecordAvailability":{"violations":true,"investigations":true,"appeals":true,"certifications":false,"permits":true,"licenses":true},"zip":"19143","beds":null,"baths":null,"stories":3,"lotArea":1620,"zoning":"CMX2","grade":"C","basement":null,"heater":null,"centralAir":null,"extCond":"3","intCond":"3","garage":null,"homestead":false,"mail":"633 N 64TH ST, PHILADELPHIA PA, 19151","mailOut":false,"appeals":[{"type":"Zoning board appeal","grounds":"PERMIT FOR A TAKE-OUT RESTAURANT ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF AN EXISTING THREE (3) STORY STRUCTURE WITH A ONE (1) FAMILY DWELLING ON THE FIRST FLOOR REAR, A TWO (2) FAMILY DWELLING ON THE SECOND FLOOR, AND A ONE (1) FAMILY DWELLING ON THE THIRD F","status":"CLOSED","outcome":"Dismissed","date":"2010-03-16","number":"10500","relatedPermit":"247115"},{"type":"Zoning board appeal","grounds":"PERMIT FOR THE ERECTION OF ONE STORY REAR ADDITION ABOVE THE EXISTING SECOND FLOOR  AND  TAKE OUT RESTAURANT WITH SEATING (NO DRIVE THROUGH OR TAKE OUT WINDOWS)ON FIRST FLOOR AND  ABOVE FOUR (4) FAMILY DWELLING  IN THE SAME  EXISTING  STRUC","status":"CLOSED","outcome":"Granted with conditions","date":"2012-06-13","number":"17380","relatedPermit":"382081"}],"taxYears":[],"taxNet":0,"taxLien":false,"taxLedgerThrough":2016,"taxLedgerAvailable":true,"timesSold":3,"abated":true,"assessmentExemption":true,"exemptionBasisVerified":false,"valueSeries":[{"y":2016,"v":98300,"taxable":98300,"land":24300,"improvement":74000,"taxableLand":24300,"taxableImprovement":74000,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2017,"v":190100,"taxable":98300,"land":24300,"improvement":165800,"taxableLand":24300,"taxableImprovement":74000,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":91800},{"y":2018,"v":226100,"taxable":125951,"land":45220,"improvement":180880,"taxableLand":45220,"taxableImprovement":80731,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":100149},{"y":2019,"v":232800,"taxable":129558,"land":46333,"improvement":186467,"taxableLand":46333,"taxableImprovement":83225,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":103242},{"y":2020,"v":235100,"taxable":130838,"land":46791,"improvement":188309,"taxableLand":46791,"taxableImprovement":84047,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":104262},{"y":2021,"v":235100,"taxable":130838,"land":46791,"improvement":188309,"taxableLand":46791,"taxableImprovement":84047,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":104262},{"y":2022,"v":235100,"taxable":130838,"land":46791,"improvement":188309,"taxableLand":46791,"taxableImprovement":84047,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":104262},{"y":2023,"v":285100,"taxable":159656,"land":57020,"improvement":228080,"taxableLand":57020,"taxableImprovement":102636,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":125444},{"y":2024,"v":285100,"taxable":159656,"land":57020,"improvement":228080,"taxableLand":57020,"taxableImprovement":102636,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":125444},{"y":2025,"v":270800,"taxable":151648,"land":54160,"improvement":216640,"taxableLand":54160,"taxableImprovement":97488,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":119152},{"y":2026,"v":270800,"taxable":151648,"land":54160,"improvement":216640,"taxableLand":54160,"taxableImprovement":97488,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":119152},{"y":2027,"v":392300,"taxable":392300,"land":78400,"improvement":313900,"taxableLand":78400,"taxableImprovement":313900,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0}],"taxNow":2123,"familyHeld":false,"lastTransferNominal":false,"permits":[{"number":"266357","date":"2010-03-11","work":"Use","type":"ZP_USE","description":"USE PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2010-03-11","scope":"FOR A VACANT FIRST FLOOR (USE REGISTRATION REQUIRED PRIOR TO OCCUPANCY) FOR A TWO FAMILY DWELLING ON THE SECOND/THIRD FLOORS (TOTAL TWO DWELLING UNITS) ALL IN AN EXISTING THREE STORY STRUCTURE."},{"number":"382081","date":"2012-06-26","work":"Zoning/use","type":"ZP_ZON/USE","description":"ZONING/USE PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2012-06-26","scope":"FOR ERECTION OF ONE STORY REAR ADDITION ABOVE THE EXISTING SECOND FLOOR.SIZE AND LOCATION AS SHOWN THE APPLICATION. TAKE OUT RESTAURANT WITH SEATING (NO DRIVE THROUGH, NO TAKE OUT WINDOWS)ON FIRST FLOOR AND ABOVE FOUR (4) FAMILY DWELLING IN THE SAME EXISTING STRUCTURE. NO SIGN ON THIS PERMIT"},{"number":"477743","date":"2013-12-03","work":"Addition","type":"BP_ADDITON","description":"ADDITION PERMIT","status":"EXPIRED","completedDate":null,"scope":"FOR PARTIAL DEMOLITION OF BUILDING EXTERIOR & FOR LEVEL III ALTERATIONS & AN ADDITION W. NO CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION WITHIN AN EXIST. THREE (3) STORY MIXED-USE MULTI-FAMILY BUILDING TO INCLUDE ERECTION OF ONE (1) STORY ADDITION OF LIGHT-FRAME CONSTRUCTION, INTERIOR PARTITION WALLS FOR KITHEN, TOILET ROOM, & DWELLING UNIT SPACES, ERECTION OF EXTERIOR ACCESSIBLE RAMP @ ENTRY, & ENCLOSURE OF STAIRWAY WITH FIRE-RESISTANCE RATED CONSTRUCTION; BUILDING TO BE FULLY SPRINKLERED."},{"number":"700767","date":"2016-06-17","work":"Mechanical","type":"BP_MECH","description":"MECHANICAL PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2016-11-16","scope":"EZ PERMIT DUCTWORK AND WARM AIR APPLIANCES- EZ PERMIT DUCTWORK & WARM-AIR APPLIANCES- FOR THE INSTALLATION OF NEW DUCTWORK, REGISTERS/GRILLES/DIFFUSERS, AND WARM-AIR APPLIANCES AS PER ATTACHED STANDARD. DEVIATIONS FROM THIS STANDARD WILL RESULT IN PERMIT REVOCATION AND REQUIRE SUBMISSION OF CONSTRUCTION PLANS."},{"number":"700776","date":"2016-06-17","work":"Demolition","type":"BP_DEMO","description":"DEMOLITION PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2016-11-16","scope":"NON LOAD BEARING DEMOLITION -EZ INTERIOR DEMOLITION- FOR THE INTERIOR DEMOLITION OF NON LOAD-BEARING PARTITION WALLS AND CEILINGS AS PER ATTACHED STANDARD. DEVIATIONS FROM THIS STANDARD WILL RESULT IN PERMIT REVOCATION AND REQUIRE SUBMISSION OF CONSTRUCTION PLANS."},{"number":"700769","date":"2016-06-29","work":"Major alteration","type":"BP_ALTER","description":"ALTERATION PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2016-11-22","scope":"FOR PRESCRIPTIVE ALTERATIONS TO ALTER THE FIRST FLOOR COMMERCIAL SPACE AS SHOWN IN APPROVED PLANS. SEPARATE PERMITS REQUIRED FOR MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL, PLUMBING, AND FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEMS."},{"number":"704446","date":"2016-07-01","work":"Administrative","type":"BP_ADMINST","description":"ADMINISTRATIVE PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2016-11-22","scope":"AMEND BLDG PRMT# 700769 TO EXPAND SCOPE OF WORK UNDER SUCH BUILDING PERMIT TO MATCH THAT APPROVED UNDER PREVIOUSLY EXPIRED BUILDING PERMIT# 477743. ALL WORK TO BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH PREVIOUS APPROVALS; NO NEW WORK PERMITTED HEREIN. ENTIRE BUILDING TO BE FULLY SPRINKLERED."},{"number":"703715","date":"2016-07-13","work":"Electrical","type":"EP_ELECTRL","description":"ELECTRICAL PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2016-11-08","scope":"WIRE THROUGH OUT OUTLETS, LIGHTS, GFCI, SWITCHES, EXHAUST FANS FOR BATHROOMS, DOOR BELLS, 300AMP SVC COMPLETE WITH GROUNDING, 6 PANELSS, 6 GANG METER SOCKET AS PER NEC 2008 (WEST DISTRICT) INSTALL FIRE ALARM SYSTEM HORN STROBES, PULL CHAIN SMOKE CRTS AS PER NFPA72"},{"number":"708765","date":"2016-07-28","work":"Suppression","type":"BP_FIRESUP","description":"SUPPRESSION PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2017-03-21","scope":"INSTALL NEW FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM WITH 2\" FIRE SERVICE AND 2\" WILKINS 950XLT2 BACKFLOW PREVENTION ASSEMBLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH NFPA 13 FOR THE FIRST FLOOR COMMERCIAL SPACE AND 13R THROUGHOUT THE REST OF THE BUILDING. ALL WORK SHALL COMPLY WITH THE APPROVED PLANS. ALL WORK SHALL BE PERFORMED BY A FIRE SUPPRESSION CONTRACTOR LICENSED BY THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA."},{"number":"712209","date":"2016-08-05","work":"Plumbing","type":"PP_PLUMBNG","description":"PLUMBING PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2016-08-22","scope":"INSTALL 5\" LATERAL, 5X4 CURB TRAP WITH 4\" PVC VENT. INSTALL NEW 4\" CAST IRON TO FOUNDATION WALL AND BACKFLOW PREVENTOR (MIXED USE)SELF CERTIFICATION'S ARE NO LONGER PERMITTED\",\"ALL EXCAVATIONS AND PLUMBING TRENCHES IN EXCESS OF 5 FT IN DEPTH MUST HAVE APPROVED SHORING IN PLACE AT THE TIME OF INSPECTION\""},{"number":"706453","date":"2016-08-26","work":"Plumbing","type":"PP_PLUMBNG","description":"PLUMBING PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2016-11-22","scope":"ALTERATIONS & AN ADDITION : INTERIOR PLUMBING; FIRST FLOOR RESTAURANT ,THREE (3) STORY MIXED-USE MULTI-FAMILY BUILDING - THE INSTALLATION WILL COMPLY WITH THE PHILADEPHIA PLUBMING CODE 2004"},{"number":"723576","date":"2016-11-16","work":"Administrative","type":"BP_ADMINST","description":"ADMINISTRATIVE PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2016-11-22","scope":"TO AMEND PERMIT #700769 TO REVISE THE LOCATION OF STAIRS AS SHOWN IN REVISED PLANS."},{"number":"739340","date":"2016-11-28","work":"Use","type":"ZP_USE","description":"USE PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2016-11-28","scope":"CHANGE USE OF COMMERCIAL SPACE ONLY FROM RESTAURANT TO RETAIL(CONSUMER GOODS), NO CHANGE IN HEIGHT OR SQUARE FOOTAGE."}],"storyTag":"Renovated & sold on","storyDelta":5.37,"timeline":[{"y":2013,"k":"permit","w":"Addition"},{"y":2016,"k":"permit","w":"Mechanical"},{"y":2016,"k":"permit","w":"Demolition"},{"y":2016,"k":"sale","p":150000},{"y":2016,"k":"permit","w":"Major alteration"},{"y":2016,"k":"permit","w":"Administrative"},{"y":2016,"k":"permit","w":"Electrical"},{"y":2016,"k":"permit","w":"Suppression"},{"y":2016,"k":"permit","w":"Plumbing"},{"y":2016,"k":"permit","w":"Plumbing"},{"y":2016,"k":"permit","w":"Administrative"},{"y":2016,"k":"permit","w":"Use"}],"rented":false,"licenses":[{"number":"495467","type":"Rental","status":"Inactive","businessName":"INDEPENDENCE RE OF PHILADELPHIA INC","legalName":"INDEPENDENCE RE OF PHILADELPHIA INC","address":"5027 BALTIMORE AVE","revenueCode":"3202","rentalCategory":"Residential Dwellings","units":2,"issuedDate":"2010-03-12","latestIssueDate":"2010-03-12","expirationDate":"2011-02-28","inactiveDate":"2012-12-22"},{"number":"558487","type":"Vacant Residential Property / Lot","status":"Inactive","businessName":"SABREE PROPERTY GROUP LLC","legalName":"SABREE PROPERTY GROUP LLC","address":"5027 BALTIMORE AVE","revenueCode":"3219","rentalCategory":null,"units":null,"issuedDate":"2012-03-21","latestIssueDate":"2012-03-21","expirationDate":"2013-02-28","inactiveDate":null},{"number":"717715","type":"Rental","status":"Inactive","businessName":"MAHARI BAILEY","legalName":"MAHARI BAILEY","address":"5027 BALTIMORE AVE","revenueCode":"3202","rentalCategory":"Residential Dwellings","units":4,"issuedDate":"2016-10-25","latestIssueDate":"2025-07-31","expirationDate":"2025-10-24","inactiveDate":"2025-12-23"}],"licenseActivity":[{"number":"717715","type":"Rental","businessName":"MAHARI BAILEY","legalName":"MAHARI BAILEY","issuedDate":"2016-10-25","latestIssueDate":"2025-07-31","closureDate":"2025-12-23","expirationDate":"2025-10-24","inactiveDate":"2025-12-23","status":"Inactive","statusLabel":"Inactive","active":false},{"number":"558487","type":"Vacant Residential Property / Lot","businessName":"SABREE PROPERTY GROUP LLC","legalName":"SABREE PROPERTY GROUP LLC","issuedDate":"2012-03-21","latestIssueDate":"2012-03-21","closureDate":"2013-02-28","expirationDate":"2013-02-28","inactiveDate":null,"status":"Inactive","statusLabel":"Inactive","active":false},{"number":"495467","type":"Rental","businessName":"INDEPENDENCE RE OF PHILADELPHIA INC","legalName":"INDEPENDENCE RE OF PHILADELPHIA INC","issuedDate":"2010-03-12","latestIssueDate":"2010-03-12","closureDate":"2012-12-22","expirationDate":"2011-02-28","inactiveDate":"2012-12-22","status":"Inactive","statusLabel":"Inactive","active":false}],"businessLicenseSourceDate":"2026-07-25","signals":[{"kind":"permit-mismatch","level":"watch","title":"Assessment/permit mismatch","summary":"The assessment jumped 45% in 2027, but no matching permit appears in the property timeline.","evidence":["assessment moved from $270,800 to $392,300","no permit shown in 2026-2028"],"caveat":"Not proof of unpermitted work; reassessment, corrected data, or a permit under another parcel can also explain it."}],"legalChecks":[{"id":"use-occupancy","level":"attention","title":"Zoning approval is not the occupancy file","finding":"Appeal #10500: CLOSED · Dismissed; related permit 247115. Use permit #266357: COMPLETED.","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: 477743 (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":"mixed-use","level":"verify","title":"Residential and business space run on separate compliance tracks","finding":"OPA classifies this parcel as mixed-use.","why":"The zoning/use and occupancy file must cover the actual residential and commercial spaces. Dwelling units can require Rental Licenses and lead compliance; the operator can separately need an Activity License and sector license; installed fire systems can require annual certification.","action":"Match every dwelling and business use to the zoning permit, CO, current operator licenses, and life-safety filings.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/services/permits-violations-licenses/get-a-certificate/get-a-certificate-of-occupancy/"},{"id":"rental-status","level":"verify","title":"Residential form does not establish rental use","finding":"OPA classifies the parcel as mixed-use; no active Rental License row matched.","why":"A multi-unit or mixed-use classification does not prove that space is currently rented. If dwelling space is rented, Philadelphia generally requires a current Rental License and related occupancy, tax, violation, and lead compliance.","action":"Confirm actual occupancy first; if any unit is rented, verify the license and legal unit count with L&I.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/services/permits-violations-licenses/rent-or-sell-property/get-a-rental-license/"},{"id":"investigations","level":"verify","title":"Failed inspections are dated events—not the current condition","finding":"1 failed, 1 passed, and 0 CLOSED investigation outcomes are in the fetched history; the latest dated visit was PASSED on Apr 9, 2012.","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":"building-certifications","level":"verify","title":"A fire-system permit exists, but no annual certification matched","finding":"5 fire/suppression-related permits matched; the fetched BIN certification feed returned no row.","why":"Installed systems in mixed-use and larger buildings generally require periodic certification, but applicability and limited-area exceptions vary. A missing BIN/address join is not proof of a compliance failure.","action":"Confirm what system was installed and whether a current annual certificate is required and filed.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/departments/department-of-licenses-and-inspections/inspections/maintenance-certifications/fire-protection-certifications/"},{"id":"business-license","level":"verify","title":"A historical business license is not current operating authority","finding":"Vacant Residential Property / Lot #558487: Inactive","why":"A license record proves the licensed activity existed at that time. An inactive or expired license does not establish that the business still operates—or that it may legally reopen under the same use.","action":"If business income matters, verify the current tenant, use registration, and active license in eCLIPSE.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/departments/department-of-licenses-and-inspections/licenses/business-licenses/"},{"id":"abatement","level":"verify","title":"A reduced taxable assessment is not a verified abatement","finding":"OPA’s numeric assessment fields show a reduced taxable assessment; BlockReport has no official program determination for this parcel.","why":"The numeric treatment can reflect an improvement abatement or another exemption. It does not identify the ordinance, approval, start or end date, or continuation requirements after a transfer. Once OPA verifies a specific active abatement, many common programs attach the benefit to the property for the remaining term rather than ending automatically at sale, but some require a new-owner filing and continued qualifying use or tax compliance.","action":"Obtain the OPA exemption/abatement determination and history, then underwrite the buyer’s bill from the verified program terms.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/services/payments-assistance-taxes/taxes/property-and-real-estate-taxes/get-real-estate-tax-relief/get-a-property-tax-abatement/"},{"id":"commercial-trash","level":"verify","title":"A separate Commercial Trash account may apply","finding":"OPA classifies the parcel as mixed-use. 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/"},{"id":"violations","level":"clear","title":"No open violation; closed history remains relevant","finding":"The fetched record shows 0 open and 1 historical violation across 1 case.","why":"A closed case is materially better than an open one, but it does not by itself prove that every altered use, unit, or concealed condition matches today’s approvals.","action":"Use the closed cases to target the inspection and occupancy-file review.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/departments/department-of-licenses-and-inspections/inspections/violation-and-order-types/"}],"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/"}]}