{"asOf":"2026-07-28T14:15:11.116Z","block":"1700-1799 N FRONT ST","blockUrl":"https://philadelphia.blockreport.homes/block/1700-1799-n-front-st","address":"1701 N FRONT ST","parcelNumber":"881000045","source":"https://property.phila.gov/?p=881000045","ownerType":"investor","kind":"apartments","isHouse":false,"home":false,"commercial":false,"residential":false,"taxExempt":false,"institutional":false,"buildingCode":"B30","buildingCodeNew":"804","buildingClass":"DET W/GAR 2 STY MASONRY","buildingClassNew":"APARTMENTS - LOW RISE","useLabel":"Apartments","owner":"21 E COLUMBIA AVE INVESTORS LLC","coOwner":null,"marketValue":15281700,"landAssessment":1528100,"improvementAssessment":13753600,"livableArea":21080,"yearBuilt":1900,"lastSale":{"price":1,"date":"2021-01-30T05:00:00Z"},"openViolations":0,"violations":[{"number":"VI-2021-000380","date":"2021-01-05","code":"PM15-108.1","title":"UNSAFE STRUCTURE","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2021-11-19","resolution":"COMPLIED - PERMIT OBTAINED"},{"number":"VI-2021-000381","date":"2021-01-05","code":"PM15-304.1(G)","title":"EXTERIOR WALLS","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2021-11-19","resolution":"COMPLIED - PERMIT OBTAINED"},{"number":"VI-2023-086958","date":"2023-11-03","code":"B-3306.2","title":"WALKWAY NOT PROVIDED\n","status":"SVN ISSUED","resolutionDate":"2023-11-03","resolution":"SVN ISSUED"}],"violationCases":[{"number":"CF-2021-000619","type":"NOTICE OF VIOLATION","priority":"UNSAFE","responsibility":"CSU INVESTIGATOR","status":"CLOSED","createdDate":"2021-01-05","completedDate":"2021-11-19","violations":[{"number":"VI-2021-000380","date":"2021-01-05","code":"PM15-108.1","title":"UNSAFE STRUCTURE","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2021-11-19","resolution":"COMPLIED - PERMIT OBTAINED"},{"number":"VI-2021-000381","date":"2021-01-05","code":"PM15-304.1(G)","title":"EXTERIOR WALLS","status":"COMPLIED","resolutionDate":"2021-11-19","resolution":"COMPLIED - PERMIT OBTAINED"}]},{"number":"CF-2023-115324","type":"SITE VIOLATION NOTICE","priority":"STANDARD","responsibility":"CONSTRUCTION COMPLAINT INVESTIGATOR","status":"SVN ISSUED, BALANCE DUE","createdDate":"2023-11-03","completedDate":null,"violations":[{"number":"VI-2023-086958","date":"2023-11-03","code":"B-3306.2","title":"WALKWAY NOT PROVIDED\n","status":"SVN ISSUED","resolutionDate":"2023-11-03","resolution":"SVN ISSUED"}]}],"violYears":[{"y":2021,"n":2,"worst":"UNSAFE STRUCTURE"},{"y":2023,"n":1,"worst":null}],"investigations":[{"caseNumber":"CF-2021-000619","date":"2021-01-05","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2021-000619","date":"2021-06-11","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2021-000619","date":"2021-07-15","type":null,"status":"FAILED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2021-000619","date":"2021-11-19","type":null,"status":"PASSED"},{"caseNumber":"CF-2023-115324","date":"2023-11-03","type":null,"status":"FAILED"}],"inspYears":[{"y":2021,"fails":3,"passes":1},{"y":2023,"fails":1,"passes":0}],"taxOwed":0,"taxSnapshot":{"available":true,"asOf":"2022-06","matched":false},"taxDelinquencySnapshotAsOf":"2022-06","taxDelinquencySnapshotAvailable":true,"lat":39.975105922679354,"lng":-75.13394163539441,"geom":{"type":"Polygon","coordinates":[[[-75.134124815,39.975348951],[-75.133871171,39.975238241],[-75.133843774,39.975285619],[-75.133826052,39.975277884],[-75.133814431,39.975297924],[-75.133618837,39.975230965],[-75.133844023,39.974841601],[-75.134230802,39.975010421],[-75.134124815,39.975348951]]]},"liDistrict":"CENTRAL EAST","certifications":[{"number":"BC-2026-009874","type":"Sprinkler Certification","inspectionDate":"2026-03-18","result":"Certified","expirationDate":"2027-03-18","buildingId":"1044826"}],"cityRecordAvailability":{"violations":true,"investigations":true,"appeals":true,"certifications":true,"permits":true,"licenses":true},"zip":"19122","beds":null,"baths":null,"stories":4,"lotArea":18476,"zoning":"CMX3","grade":"C","basement":null,"heater":null,"centralAir":null,"extCond":"1","intCond":"1","garage":null,"homestead":false,"mail":"1701 N FRONT ST, PHILADELPHIA PA, 19125","mailOut":false,"appeals":[],"taxYears":[],"taxNet":0,"taxLien":false,"taxLedgerThrough":2016,"taxLedgerAvailable":true,"timesSold":0,"abated":true,"assessmentExemption":true,"exemptionBasisVerified":false,"valueSeries":[{"y":2022,"v":2708000,"taxable":1067279,"land":270800,"improvement":2437200,"taxableLand":270800,"taxableImprovement":796479,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":1640721},{"y":2023,"v":2708000,"taxable":1067279,"land":270800,"improvement":2437200,"taxableLand":270800,"taxableImprovement":796479,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":1640721},{"y":2024,"v":11962300,"taxable":8106341,"land":1495290,"improvement":10467010,"taxableLand":1495290,"taxableImprovement":6611051,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":3855959},{"y":2025,"v":14952900,"taxable":2712100,"land":1495290,"improvement":13457610,"taxableLand":1495290,"taxableImprovement":1216810,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":12240800},{"y":2026,"v":14952900,"taxable":2712100,"land":1495290,"improvement":13457610,"taxableLand":1495290,"taxableImprovement":1216810,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":12240800},{"y":2027,"v":15281700,"taxable":2771673,"land":1528100,"improvement":13753600,"taxableLand":1528100,"taxableImprovement":1243573,"exemptLand":0,"exemptImprovement":12510027}],"taxNow":37964,"familyHeld":false,"lastTransferNominal":false,"permits":[{"number":"ZP-2021-000615","date":"2021-09-13","work":"New construction, addition, GFA change","type":"Zoning","description":"Zoning Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2025-09-29","scope":"FOR COMPLETE DEMOLITION OF ONE (1) EXISTING ONE-STORY STRUCTURE. ONE (1) EXISTING STRUCTURE TO REMAIN (NO CHANGE AREA OR HEIGHT). FOR THE ERECTION OF AN ADDITION WITH CELLAR AS PART OF AN EXISTING ATTACHED STRUCTURE WITH ACCESSORY ROOF DECK (FOR RESIDENTIAL USE ONLY) WITH ROOF ACCESS STRUCTURE. SIZE AND LOCATION AS SHOWN IN THE APPLICATION / PLAN"},{"number":"CP-2021-003397","date":"2021-11-03","work":"New Construction","type":"Building","description":"Commercial Building Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2025-09-29","scope":"FOR THE ERECTION OF AN ADDITION WITH CELLAR AS PART OF AN EXISTING ATTACHED STRUCTURE WITH ACCESSORY ROOF DECK (FOR RESIDENTIAL USE ONLY) WITH ROOF ACCESS STRUCTURE. FOR VACANT COMMERCIAL SPACES ON FIRST FLOOR (USES AS PERMITTED IN CMX-3, USE REGISTRATION PERMIT AND FIT-OUT ARE REQUIRED PRIOR TO OCCUPANCY) AND FOR MULTI-FAMILY HOUSEHOLD LIVING SIXTY-THREE (63) DWELLING UNITS AND EXISTING MULTI-FAMILY HOUSEHOLD LIVING 20 UNITS TO REMAIN UNCHANGED ON EXISTING STRUCTURE), AND ACCESSORY OFF STREET INTERIOR PARKING NINE (9) SPACES INCLUDING ONE (1) ACCESSIBLE SPACES (INCLUDING VAN ACCESSIBLE SPACE), THREE (3) CARSHARE PARKING SPACES AND THIRTY (30) CLASS 1A BICYCLE PARKING SPACES ON AN ACCESSIBLE ROUTE. BUILDING TO BE FULLY SPRINKLERED. SEPARATE PERMITS REQUIRED FOR M.E.P.S WORK. SEPARATE APPROVAL REQUIRED FROM PA L&I FOR ELEVATOR INSTALLATION. AMENDMENT TO ELEVATOR SHAFT DOORWAYS."},{"number":"PP-2021-022664","date":"2021-12-02","work":"New Construction or Additions","type":"Plumbing","description":"Plumbing Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2021-12-09","scope":"Lateral seal"},{"number":"FP-2022-001292","date":"2022-06-09","work":"New Construction","type":"Fire Suppression","description":"Fire Suppression Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2025-09-29","scope":"FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A NEW FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM DESIGNED PER NFPA 13 STANDARD WITH A 6 INCH FIRE SERVICE LINE, STANDPIPES AND SPRINKLER LAYOUT AS PER PLANS."},{"number":"MP-2022-004403","date":"2022-09-06","work":"Addition and/or Alterations","type":"Mechanical","description":"Mechanical / Fuel Gas Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2025-09-29","scope":"INSTALLATION OF NEW HVAC SYSTEM FOR A NEW CONSTRUCTION MIXED USE BUILDING AS PER APPROVED PLANS. *2018 IMC REVIEW*"},{"number":"PP-2022-007217","date":"2022-09-21","work":"New Construction or Additions","type":"Plumbing","description":"Plumbing Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2025-09-29","scope":"AMENDMENT 7/14/2025 CURB TRAP, FAI, MAIN DRAIN AND 3\" WATER DISTRIBUTION PIPE.(Please disregard the distribution pipe size under the construction details. This building was constructed prior to PWDs revisions to exclude 3\" water distribution piping. Stamped PWD utility Plan reflects 3\") supply and install water and drainage to 72 units per plans and install fixtures per plans"},{"number":"EP-2023-003565","date":"2023-05-29","work":"New Construction","type":"Electrical","description":"Electrical Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2024-09-12","scope":"Wire and install new 2000 amp main service gear. Install new 180kw deisel backup generator. Wire and install all equipment and devices for 63 residential units, all common areas, hallways, and elevators. Fire pump,Install rescue assistance system. Wire and install new fire alarm system. ALL WORK IS TO BE DONE ACCORDING TO APPROVED DRAWINGS-2017 NEC,2016 NFPA-72,2018 PHILA FIRE CODE."},{"number":"ZP-2024-010816","date":"2024-11-21","work":"Change of Use","type":"Zoning","description":"Zoning Permit","status":"Issued","completedDate":null,"scope":"Eating and Drinking Establishments - Prepared Food Shop"},{"number":"CP-2024-006261","date":"2025-02-04","work":"Addition and/or Alteration","type":"Building","description":"Commercial Building Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2026-06-22","scope":"NEW CONSTRUCTION FIT-OUT OF GROUND FLOOR SHELL COMMERCIAL SPACE (SEE PERMIT CP-2021-003397) FOR A PREPARED FOOD SHOP AS PER APPROVED PLANS. BUILDING FULLY SPRINKLERED PER NFPA 13. *2018 IBC REVIEW* **SEPARATE PERMITS REQUIRED FOR MEP & FIRE SUPPRESSION WORK** AMENDMENT APPROVED 5/4/25 AMEND FIT-OUT PERMIT CP-2024-006261 FOR CHANGES TO KITCHEN AND WORK AREA LAYOUT AND EQUIPMENT AS PER APPROVED PLANS."},{"number":"FP-2025-001165","date":"2025-06-04","work":"Addition and/or Alterations","type":"Fire Suppression","description":"Fire Suppression Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2026-06-22","scope":"EZ PERMIT SPRINKLER RELOCATION (NFPA 13)- For the Relocation of Sprinkler Heads as per attached standards. Deviations from these standards require submission of construction and site plans. *CP-2024-006261* RELOCATE (12) SPRINKLER HEADS -CAFE TINTO - 1ST FLOOR"},{"number":"EP-2025-003906","date":"2025-06-06","work":"Addition and/or Alteration","type":"Electrical","description":"Electrical Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2026-05-26","scope":"Install Fire alarm restaurant . ALL WORK IS TO BE DONE ACCORDING TO APPROVED DRAWINGS-2017-NEC,2016 NFPA-72. **THIS PERMIT IS FOR FIRE ALARM ONLY-SEPARATE INTERIOR WIRING PERMIT REQ'D**"},{"number":"MP-2025-003098","date":"2025-06-16","work":"New Construction","type":"Mechanical","description":"Mechanical / Fuel Gas Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2026-06-22","scope":"INSTALLATION OF NEW HVAC SYSTEM FOR A PREPARED FOOD SHOP ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF A BUILDING AS PER APPROVED PLANS. *2018 IMC REVIEW*"},{"number":"EP-2025-004972","date":"2025-07-07","work":"Addition and/or Alteration","type":"Electrical","description":"Electrical Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2026-05-18","scope":"INSTALL NEW 400 AMP ELECTRICAL PANEL WITH PROPER GROUNDING AND BONDING. INSTALL WIRING, LIGTHING, EMERGENCY LIGHTING, EMERGENCY EXIT SIGNS AND RECEPTACLE OUTLETS. INSTALL DEDICATED BRANCH CIRCUITS FOR KITCHEN EQUIPMENT. REPLACING AND RELOCATING FIRE ALARM DEVICES. ALL WORK TO BE DONE ACCORDING TO THE 2917 NEC, 2016 NFPA 72 AND PER PLANS."},{"number":"PP-2025-006291","date":"2025-07-09","work":"Alterations","type":"Plumbing","description":"Plumbing Permit","status":"Completed","completedDate":"2026-06-22","scope":"FIT OUT OF PREPARED FOOD SHOP. INSTALLATION OF DRAINAGE, WASTE, VENT, AND WATER SUPPLY FOR LISTED FIXTURES CONNECTING TO EXISTING PIPING. ALL PIPING FOR COMMERCIAL SPACES TO BE METALLIC. VENTING TO BE DESIGNED AND INSTALLED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 919 PHILADELPHIA SINGLE STACK VENT SYSTEM. BACKFLOW PREVENTERS AND AIR GAPS TO BE PROVIDED WHERE REQUIRED BY CODE FOR ALL FOOD PREPERATION FIXTURES AND RECEPTOR. ALL WORK TO BE PERFORMED IN STRICT COMPLIANCE WITH 2018 PPC AND APPROVED PLANS. NOTE: BACKFLOW PREVENTER FOR BUILDING IS EXISTING. IF A NEW PREVENTER IS INSTALLED, ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED."}],"storyTag":"New construction","storyDelta":null,"timeline":[{"y":2022,"k":"permit","w":"Addition and/or Alterations"},{"y":2022,"k":"permit","w":"New Construction or Additions"},{"y":2023,"k":"permit","w":"New Construction"},{"y":2023,"k":"viol","w":"L&I violation"},{"y":2023,"k":"insp","w":"Inspection failed"},{"y":2024,"k":"permit","w":"Change of Use"},{"y":2025,"k":"permit","w":"Addition and/or Alteration"},{"y":2025,"k":"permit","w":"Addition and/or Alterations"},{"y":2025,"k":"permit","w":"Addition and/or Alteration"},{"y":2025,"k":"permit","w":"New Construction"},{"y":2025,"k":"permit","w":"Addition and/or Alteration"},{"y":2025,"k":"permit","w":"Alterations"}],"rented":true,"licenses":[{"number":"561439","type":"Rental","status":"Inactive","businessName":"CLASSIC CAPITAL GROUP LP","legalName":"CLASSIC CAPITAL GROUP LP","address":"1701 N FRONT ST","revenueCode":"3202","rentalCategory":null,"units":20,"issuedDate":"2012-04-20","latestIssueDate":"2014-11-18","expirationDate":"2014-02-28","inactiveDate":null},{"number":"799963","type":"Rental","status":"Inactive","businessName":"BOX FACTORY LOFTS LP","legalName":"BOX FACTORY LOFTS LP","address":"1701 N FRONT ST","revenueCode":"3202","rentalCategory":null,"units":20,"issuedDate":"2019-01-18","latestIssueDate":"2020-02-06","expirationDate":"2021-01-17","inactiveDate":"2021-03-18"},{"number":"917919","type":"Rental","status":"Active","businessName":"21 E COLUMBIA AVE INVESTORS LLC","legalName":"21 E COLUMBIA AVE INVESTORS LLC","address":"1701 N FRONT ST","revenueCode":"3202","rentalCategory":"Residential Dwellings","units":63,"issuedDate":"2023-03-01","latestIssueDate":"2026-01-21","expirationDate":"2027-02-28","inactiveDate":null}],"licenseActivity":[{"number":"917919","type":"Rental","businessName":"21 E COLUMBIA AVE INVESTORS LLC","legalName":"21 E COLUMBIA AVE INVESTORS LLC","issuedDate":"2023-03-01","latestIssueDate":"2026-01-21","closureDate":null,"expirationDate":"2027-02-28","inactiveDate":null,"status":"Active","statusLabel":"Active","active":true},{"number":"799963","type":"Rental","businessName":"BOX FACTORY LOFTS LP","legalName":"BOX FACTORY LOFTS LP","issuedDate":"2019-01-18","latestIssueDate":"2020-02-06","closureDate":"2021-03-18","expirationDate":"2021-01-17","inactiveDate":"2021-03-18","status":"Inactive","statusLabel":"Inactive","active":false},{"number":"561439","type":"Rental","businessName":"CLASSIC CAPITAL GROUP LP","legalName":"CLASSIC CAPITAL GROUP LP","issuedDate":"2012-04-20","latestIssueDate":"2014-11-18","closureDate":"2014-02-28","expirationDate":"2014-02-28","inactiveDate":null,"status":"Inactive","statusLabel":"Inactive","active":false}],"businessLicenseSourceDate":"2026-07-27","units":63,"signals":[{"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":["8 permit events 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":"The record identifies more than one dwelling/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":"violations","level":"attention","title":"An unsafe-building history still deserves the repair file","finding":"The fetched record shows 0 open and 3 historical violations across 2 cases.","why":"The aggregate currently shows zero open violations, so a historical unsafe/imminently-dangerous row is not a current hazard finding. The repair or demolition permit, final inspection, and case closure are the evidence that resolves the former designation.","action":"Review the Make Safe/repair permit, final inspection, and case closure.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/departments/department-of-licenses-and-inspections/inspections/violation-and-order-types/"},{"id":"rental-license","level":"verify","title":"A rental license does not transfer with the deed","finding":"1 active Rental License record matched.","why":"If dwelling space is rented, the buyer must obtain a new annual Rental License; the seller’s license is not transferable. New applications require proof of ownership and legal occupancy, tax compliance, no open L&I violations, and lead compliance where applicable.","action":"Plan the buyer’s replacement license before settlement.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/services/permits-violations-licenses/rent-or-sell-property/get-a-rental-license/"},{"id":"lead","level":"verify","title":"Lead compliance is a separate record","finding":"OPA records a 1900 build year; BlockReport does not receive the Health Department’s unit-level lead certificate file.","why":"Philadelphia requires covered pre-March-1978 rentals to be certified lead-safe or lead-free for a new or renewed lease and for a new or renewed Rental License. A certificate is unit-specific; a renovation does not by itself create an exemption.","action":"Request the current lead certificate or City exemption for every dwelling unit.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/documents/lead-and-healthy-homes-resources-for-landlords/"},{"id":"investigations","level":"verify","title":"Failed inspections are dated events—not the current condition","finding":"4 failed, 1 passed, and 0 CLOSED investigation outcomes are in the fetched history; the latest dated visit was FAILED on Nov 3, 2023.","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":"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 apartments. 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":"building-certifications","level":"clear","title":"Filed system certifications are current in this dataset","finding":"Sprinkler Certification: Certified through Mar 18, 2027","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":"Confirm the certificate covers every applicable system and remains accepted by L&I.","url":"https://www.phila.gov/departments/department-of-licenses-and-inspections/inspections/maintenance-certifications/fire-protection-certifications/"}],"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/"}]}