Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Pennsylvania

Dear Investor: Simple answer : No, but if you purchase a property with a judment previously attached, you buy it SUBJECT TO THE JUDGEMENT!

Prudent investors should always check the title before bidding or buying. A simple preliminary judgment title search would provide all encumbrances of title, including federal, state and county taxes or judgments.

Consult an experienced real estate Attorney to assist and advise you, before you sign on the dotted line!

hERE'S A PAGE FROM MY LEGAL COLUN:

HELLO, I�M J. NORMAN STARK,

ATTORNEY, ARCHITECT EMERITUS (Ohio) A.I.A., N.C.A.R.B.

Author: LEGALLY SPEAKING...ABOUT REAL ESTATE.

Before you buy, sell or remodel real estate, consider retaining experienced legal counsel to advise assist, and guide you. Here's why: for more than 35 years, I�ve served Clients in Real Estate Purchases, Sales, Business, Construction, and claims. In my professional experience, which includes a broad range of legal services for Clients, I've gained experience I'd like to share with you. Here's some sound legal advice:

Before buying a used car, most prudent buyers obtain a Car Fax Report. Similarly, before you buy a house, consider obtaining a Real Property Report that discloses the property's ownership, transfer and claims history. Don't get stuck with a property where the previous owner has filed a damage claim, collected the insurance check, and not had the work done, or had it done improperly. Insurance companies will likely refuse to pay out on new claims that were previously paid to a prior owner. For example, consider: claimed hail damage to a roof, $20,000 paid out to previous homeowner, who takes the check, does not replace the roof and sells the house. The unwary new owner (purchaser) later discovers the hail damage resulted in leaks, and files a claim. The current insurance company will deny the claim, based on the recent claims history and previous payout, leaving the new homeowner without coverage.

Experienced legal counsel can help you avoid costly mistakes; legal counsel doesn't cost, it pays.

WHERE EXPERIENCE COUNTS, COUNT ON MY EXPERIENCE

J. NORMAN STARK, ATTORNEY

ARCHITECT EMERITUS (Ohio) A.I.A., N.C.A.R.B.

1109 Carnegie Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44115

(216) 531-5310 x 7100 Cel: (216) 310-7100

Email: [email protected]

Good luck!

Sincerely,

In Pa, if you buy property at a tax sale, it's free of all liens. The taxing agency will start the open bid at an amount to pay the past due taxes. The proceeds from your bid may be used to satisfy some judgments. But that doesn't affect you as the bidder. Also keep in mind that some counties offer the property owner the right to redeem the property by paying the outstanding taxes to the successful bidder. The rules are particular so you should consult an attorney to weigh your risks

Good luck.