{"asOf":"2026-07-25T20:48:53.377Z","block":"6200-6299 OGONTZ AVE","blockUrl":"https://philadelphia.blockreport.homes/block/6200-6299-ogontz-ave","address":"6243 OGONTZ AVE","parcelNumber":"871522940","source":"https://property.phila.gov/?p=871522940","ownerType":"absentee","kind":"mixed-use","isHouse":false,"home":false,"commercial":false,"residential":false,"taxExempt":false,"institutional":false,"buildingCode":"S30","buildingCodeNew":"821","buildingClass":"ROW W/OFF STR 2 STY MASON","buildingClassNew":"ROW MIXED-COM/RES-BLT AS COM","useLabel":"Mixed-use","owner":"KATCHEKPELE OBE ANNE MARIE","coOwner":null,"marketValue":149100,"landAssessment":29800,"improvementAssessment":119300,"livableArea":2162,"yearBuilt":1905,"lastSale":{"price":150000,"date":"2022-06-07T04:00:00Z"},"openViolations":2,"violations":[{"number":"2899641","date":"2013-08-13","code":"PM-302.3/1","title":"EXT A-CLEAN WEEDS/PLANTS","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"2899640","date":"2013-08-13","code":"PM-302.2/2","title":"EXT A-CLEAN RUBBISH/GARBAGE","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"2899642","date":"2013-08-13","code":"PM-304.8/17","title":"EXT S-DOOR REPAIR/REPLACE","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"4812418","date":"2018-08-20","code":"PM15-304.1G","title":"EXTERIOR STRUCT UNSAFE COND 7","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"4812419","date":"2018-08-20","code":"PM15-304.1H","title":"EXTERIOR STRUCT UNSAFE COND 8","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"4812417","date":"2018-08-20","code":"PM15-108.1","title":"UNSAFE STRUCTURE","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"VI-2021-080166","date":"2021-11-18","code":"A-301.1/65","title":"NEW USE","status":"CLOSED","resolutionDate":"2024-11-30","resolution":"CLOSED - ADMINISTRATIVELY"},{"number":"VI-2026-013356","date":"2026-03-09","code":"19-2602(1)","title":"CAL LICENSE OBTAIN","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2026-03-16","resolution":"COMPLIED - LICENSE/CERTIFICATE/REPORT OBTAINED"},{"number":"VI-2026-013357","date":"2026-03-09","code":"F-901.6.4","title":"PERIODIC TESTING\n","status":"CLOSED","resolutionDate":"2026-03-25","resolution":"CLOSED - REISSUED/REWRITTEN"},{"number":"VI-2026-017003","date":"2026-03-25","code":"F-1103.7.11","title":"FIRE ALARM REQUIRED MIXED USE\n","status":"OPEN","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"VI-2026-017004","date":"2026-03-25","code":"F-105.9.3","title":"FIRE ALARM/DETECTION SYSTEMS\n","status":"OPEN","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"3568989","date":"2014-12-09","code":"A-302.8/30","title":"PERM - MUST POST","status":null,"resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null}],"violationCases":[{"number":"397458","type":"STANDARD","priority":"STANDARD","responsibility":"HCEU","status":"CLOSED","createdDate":"2013-08-14","completedDate":"2013-09-19","violations":[{"number":"2899641","date":"2013-08-13","code":"PM-302.3/1","title":"EXT A-CLEAN WEEDS/PLANTS","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"2899640","date":"2013-08-13","code":"PM-302.2/2","title":"EXT A-CLEAN RUBBISH/GARBAGE","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"2899642","date":"2013-08-13","code":"PM-304.8/17","title":"EXT S-DOOR REPAIR/REPLACE","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null}]},{"number":"650647","type":"UNSAFE","priority":"UNSAFE","responsibility":"CSU","status":"CLOSED","createdDate":"2018-08-21","completedDate":"2019-02-05","violations":[{"number":"4812418","date":"2018-08-20","code":"PM15-304.1G","title":"EXTERIOR STRUCT UNSAFE COND 7","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"4812419","date":"2018-08-20","code":"PM15-304.1H","title":"EXTERIOR STRUCT UNSAFE COND 8","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"4812417","date":"2018-08-20","code":"PM15-108.1","title":"UNSAFE STRUCTURE","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null}]},{"number":"CF-2021-111233","type":"NOTICE OF VIOLATION","priority":"STANDARD","responsibility":"CODE ENFORCEMENT COURTS","status":"CLOSED","createdDate":"2021-11-18","completedDate":"2024-11-30","violations":[{"number":"VI-2021-080166","date":"2021-11-18","code":"A-301.1/65","title":"NEW USE","status":"CLOSED","resolutionDate":"2024-11-30","resolution":"CLOSED - ADMINISTRATIVELY"}]},{"number":"CF-2026-021059","type":"NOTICE OF VIOLATION","priority":"STANDARD","responsibility":"QOL BUSINESS COMPLIANCE INVESTIGATOR","status":"CLOSED","createdDate":"2026-03-09","completedDate":"2026-03-25","violations":[{"number":"VI-2026-013356","date":"2026-03-09","code":"19-2602(1)","title":"CAL LICENSE OBTAIN","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2026-03-16","resolution":"COMPLIED - LICENSE/CERTIFICATE/REPORT OBTAINED"},{"number":"VI-2026-013357","date":"2026-03-09","code":"F-901.6.4","title":"PERIODIC TESTING\n","status":"CLOSED","resolutionDate":"2026-03-25","resolution":"CLOSED - REISSUED/REWRITTEN"}]},{"number":"CF-2026-027519","type":"NOTICE OF VIOLATION","priority":"ADMINISTRATIVE NOTICE OF VIOLATION","responsibility":"QOL BUSINESS COMPLIANCE INVESTIGATOR","status":"IN VIOLATION","createdDate":"2026-03-25","completedDate":null,"violations":[{"number":"VI-2026-017003","date":"2026-03-25","code":"F-1103.7.11","title":"FIRE ALARM REQUIRED MIXED USE\n","status":"OPEN","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null},{"number":"VI-2026-017004","date":"2026-03-25","code":"F-105.9.3","title":"FIRE ALARM/DETECTION SYSTEMS\n","status":"OPEN","resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null}]},{"number":"561328","type":null,"priority":null,"responsibility":null,"status":"CLOSED","createdDate":null,"completedDate":null,"violations":[{"number":"3568989","date":"2014-12-09","code":"A-302.8/30","title":"PERM - MUST POST","status":null,"resolutionDate":null,"resolution":null}]}],"violYears":[{"y":2013,"n":3,"worst":null},{"y":2014,"n":1,"worst":null},{"y":2018,"n":3,"worst":"EXTERIOR STRUCT UNSAFE COND 7"},{"y":2021,"n":1,"worst":null},{"y":2026,"n":4,"worst":null}],"investigations":[{"caseNumber":"397458","date":"2013-08-13","type":"HCEU INSP","status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"397458","date":"2013-09-18","type":"HCEU INSP","status":"PASSED"},{"caseNumber":"650647","date":"2018-08-20","type":"CSUINITIAL","status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"650647","date":"2018-09-17","type":"CSUINITIAL","status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"650647","date":"2019-02-05","type":"CSUINITIAL","status":"PASSED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2021-111233","date":"2021-11-18","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2021-111233","date":"2022-01-19","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2021-111233","date":"2022-03-04","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2021-111233","date":"2022-06-16","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2021-111233","date":"2022-09-23","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2021-111233","date":"2024-11-30","type":null,"status":"PASSED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2026-021059","date":"2026-03-10","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2026-027519","date":"2026-03-25","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2026-021059","date":"2026-03-25","type":null,"status":"PASSED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2026-027519","date":"2026-03-30","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2026-027519","date":"2026-06-08","type":null,"status":"FAILED"}],"inspYears":[{"y":2013,"fails":1,"passes":1},{"y":2018,"fails":2,"passes":0},{"y":2019,"fails":0,"passes":1},{"y":2021,"fails":1,"passes":0},{"y":2022,"fails":4,"passes":0},{"y":2024,"fails":0,"passes":1},{"y":2026,"fails":4,"passes":1}],"taxOwed":0,"taxSnapshot":{"available":true,"asOf":"2022-06","matched":false},"taxDelinquencySnapshotAsOf":"2022-06","taxDelinquencySnapshotAvailable":true,"lat":40.049906557417486,"lng":-75.15015670062263,"geom":{"type":"Polygon","coordinates":[[[-75.149993214,40.049854071],[-75.150334001,40.049896827],[-75.150319977,40.049959039],[-75.149979544,40.049916307],[-75.149993214,40.049854071]]]},"liDistrict":"NORTH","certifications":[],"cityRecordAvailability":{"violations":true,"investigations":true,"appeals":true,"certifications":true,"permits":true,"licenses":true},"zip":"19141","beds":null,"baths":null,"stories":null,"lotArea":2208,"zoning":"RSA5","grade":"C","basement":null,"heater":null,"centralAir":null,"extCond":"5","intCond":"5","garage":null,"homestead":false,"mail":"6534 COBBSCREEK PKWY, PHILADELPHIA PA, 19142","mailOut":false,"appeals":[{"type":"ZBA Permit Denial - Variance","grounds":"Permit for a hair salon (personal services) on first floor with existing single family household living above in an existing structure","status":"Completed","outcome":"Granted","date":"2023-05-05","number":"ZP-2022-007314","relatedPermit":"ZP-2022-007314"}],"taxYears":[],"taxNet":0,"taxLien":false,"taxLedgerThrough":2016,"taxLedgerAvailable":true,"timesSold":3,"abated":false,"assessmentExemption":false,"exemptionBasisVerified":false,"valueSeries":[{"y":2016,"v":166000,"taxable":166000,"land":18752,"improvement":147248,"taxableLand":18752,"taxableImprovement":147248,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2017,"v":166000,"taxable":166000,"land":18752,"improvement":147248,"taxableLand":18752,"taxableImprovement":147248,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2018,"v":79500,"taxable":79500,"land":15900,"improvement":63600,"taxableLand":15900,"taxableImprovement":63600,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2019,"v":81800,"taxable":81800,"land":16360,"improvement":65440,"taxableLand":16360,"taxableImprovement":65440,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2020,"v":82600,"taxable":82600,"land":16520,"improvement":66080,"taxableLand":16520,"taxableImprovement":66080,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2021,"v":82600,"taxable":82600,"land":16520,"improvement":66080,"taxableLand":16520,"taxableImprovement":66080,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2022,"v":82600,"taxable":82600,"land":16520,"improvement":66080,"taxableLand":16520,"taxableImprovement":66080,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2023,"v":120400,"taxable":120400,"land":24000,"improvement":96400,"taxableLand":24000,"taxableImprovement":96400,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2024,"v":120400,"taxable":120400,"land":24000,"improvement":96400,"taxableLand":24000,"taxableImprovement":96400,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2025,"v":135800,"taxable":135800,"land":27160,"improvement":108640,"taxableLand":27160,"taxableImprovement":108640,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2026,"v":135800,"taxable":135800,"land":27160,"improvement":108640,"taxableLand":27160,"taxableImprovement":108640,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0},{"y":2027,"v":149100,"taxable":149100,"land":29800,"improvement":119300,"taxableLand":29800,"taxableImprovement":119300,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":0}],"taxNow":1901,"familyHeld":false,"lastTransferNominal":false,"permits":[{"number":"561328","date":"2014-09-12","work":"Major alteration","type":"BP_ALTER","description":"ALTERATION PERMIT","status":"EXPIRED","completedDate":null,"scope":"REPLACE DOORS, WINDOWS, DRYWALL, MOLDING, FLOORS ANY DAMAGE FRAMING, SUB FLOORS, REPLACE TRIM, FENCE IN REAR. NO CHANGE IN STRUCTURE, FOUNDATION OR LOAD BEARING WALLS.REPAIR GARAGE DOOR AND ROOF OF ACCESSORY DETACHED GARAGE.(APPLICANT AGREES TO EZ LIMITED COMMERCIAL ALTERATIONS STANDARD)"},{"number":"928501","date":"2018-11-19","work":"Major alteration","type":"BP_ALTER","description":"ALTERATION PERMIT","status":"COMPLETED","completedDate":"2019-02-05","scope":"MAKE SAFE PERMIT - FOR THE REPAIR/REPLACEMENT OF ROOF AND REAR WALL OF REAR DETACHED GARAGE WITH LIKE AND KIND MATERALS TO RESOLVE CASE #650647. ABUTTING SIDEWALK MUST BE CLOSED WITH FENCING A MINIMUM OF 6' IN HEIGHT. SEPARATE STREETS DEPARTMENT PERMIT REQUIRED FOR SIDEWALK CLOSURE. A SEPARATE PERMIT IS REQUIRED FOR ANY ADDITIONAL ALTERATIONS THAT ARE NOT SPECIFICALLY ADDRESSED ON CASE #650647."},{"number":"ZP-2022-007314","date":"2023-04-05","work":"Change of Use","type":"Zoning","description":"Zoning Permit","status":"Issued","completedDate":null,"scope":"Personal Services"},{"number":"CP-2026-003492","date":"2026-07-06","work":"Addition and/or Alteration","type":"Building","description":"Commercial Building Permit","status":"Issued","completedDate":null,"scope":"FOR LEGALIZATION OF INTERIOR ALTERATIONS AT GROUND FLOOR OF AN EXISTING BUILDING. BUILDING TO COMPLY WITH 2018 FIRE AND PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODES. SEPARATE PERMIT REQUIRED FOR MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL AND PLUMBING WORK."}],"storyTag":"Renovated & sold on","storyDelta":1.5,"timeline":[{"y":2018,"k":"viol","w":"3 L&I violations incl EXTERIOR STRUCT UNSAFE COND 7"},{"y":2018,"k":"permit","w":"Major alteration"},{"y":2021,"k":"viol","w":"L&I violation"},{"y":2021,"k":"insp","w":"Inspection failed"},{"y":2022,"k":"sale","p":150000},{"y":2022,"k":"insp","w":"Inspection failed ×4"},{"y":2023,"k":"permit","w":"Change of Use"},{"y":2023,"k":"appeal","w":"Appeal granted"},{"y":2024,"k":"insp","w":"Inspection passed"},{"y":2026,"k":"viol","w":"4 L&I violations"},{"y":2026,"k":"permit","w":"Addition and/or Alteration"},{"y":2026,"k":"insp","w":"L&I: 4 failed, 1 passed"}],"rented":false,"licenses":[{"number":"350573","type":"Food Preparing and Serving","status":"Inactive","businessName":"JANET M SMITH","legalName":"JANET M SMITH","address":"6243 OGONTZ AVE","revenueCode":"3120","rentalCategory":null,"units":null,"issuedDate":"2005-12-30","latestIssueDate":"2005-12-30","expirationDate":"2006-04-30","inactiveDate":"2012-12-22"},{"number":"635597","type":"Rental","status":"Closed","businessName":"JOVANIA C PERKINS (NEW OWNER AS OF 7/11/14)","legalName":"JOVANIA C PERKINS","address":"6243 OGONTZ AVE","revenueCode":"3202","rentalCategory":"Residential Dwellings","units":1,"issuedDate":"2014-07-21","latestIssueDate":"2015-03-09","expirationDate":"2016-02-29","inactiveDate":null}],"licenseActivity":[{"number":"635597","type":"Rental","businessName":"JOVANIA C PERKINS (NEW OWNER AS OF 7/11/14)","legalName":"JOVANIA C PERKINS","issuedDate":"2014-07-21","latestIssueDate":"2015-03-09","closureDate":"2016-02-29","expirationDate":"2016-02-29","inactiveDate":null,"status":"Closed","statusLabel":"Closed","active":false},{"number":"350573","type":"Food Preparing and Serving","businessName":"JANET M SMITH","legalName":"JANET M SMITH","issuedDate":"2005-12-30","latestIssueDate":"2005-12-30","closureDate":"2012-12-22","expirationDate":"2006-04-30","inactiveDate":"2012-12-22","status":"Inactive","statusLabel":"Inactive","active":false}],"businessLicenseSourceDate":"2026-07-24","signals":[{"kind":"record-pressure","level":"elevated","title":"Records to verify together","summary":"More than one separately dated public record deserves a current-status check.","evidence":["2 open L&I violations","failed L&I inspection activity in 2021, 2022, 2026"],"caveat":"A screening signal, not a foreclosure prediction. Tax entries are historical and must be verified with Philadelphia Revenue."},{"kind":"post-purchase-work","level":"watch","title":"Post-purchase work pattern","summary":"A recorded purchase followed by 2 permit events matches the early part of a renovate-and-resell sequence.","evidence":["purchase recorded in 2022","permit activity in 2023, 2026"],"caveat":"This does not show that the property is listed or that a sale is planned."}],"legalChecks":[{"id":"use-occupancy","level":"attention","title":"Zoning approval is not the occupancy file","finding":"Appeal #ZP-2022-007314: Completed · Granted; related permit ZP-2022-007314. The history also contains “NEW USE.”","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":"2 permits not marked completed: 561328 (EXPIRED), CP-2026-003492 (Issued).","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":"2 open L&I violations","finding":"12 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":"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":"12 failed, 4 passed, and 0 CLOSED investigation outcomes are in the fetched history; the latest dated visit was FAILED on Jun 8, 2026.","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":"1 fire/suppression-related permit 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":"Food Preparing and Serving #350573: Inactive since Dec 22, 2012","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":"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/"}],"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/"}]}