Do I Really Need a Survey?
If you are buying a house, a lot, or any real estate for that matter, should you be getting a survey? The answer is probably yes.
Real Estate
New HUD Guidance On Use Of Criminal Records To Evaluate Tenants, Buyers And Borrowers
By: William J. Burke The Office of General Counsel of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) has issued guidance dated April 4, 2016 addressing how improper use of criminal background information by applicants for sale, rental or financing of housing that is subject to the Fair Housing Act (“Act”) may violate …
What are the potential impacts of a pipeline easement on your Pennsylvania Property?
Chester County, Pennsylvania currently has a least two active pipeline projects winding through it. The Columbia Pipeline Group’s Eastside Expansion Project which runs from West Vincent to West Bradford, and Sunoco Logistics Mariner East 2 Project running from northwest to southeast Chester County. Hundreds of Chester County residents have been or will be approached with …
Permit Extension Act Part II: Tolling Provisions Apply To Uniform Condominium And Planned Community Acts
The amendments to the Permit Extension Act (“PEA”), Act 31 of 2015, have now specifically included condominium and planned community Declarations within the tolling provisions of the PEA … Read Full Article
Amendment Clarifies PA’s Permit Extension ACT
Amendments to Pennsylvania’s Permit Extension Act have clarified provisions suspending the expiration dates of certain approvals obtained by developers and property owners. On July 10th Governor Wolf signed into law Act 31 of 2015 which amends Pennsylvania’s Permit Extension Act, 53 P.S. § 11703.1 et seq. The change of most interest to developers/property owners …. …
West Chester Student Housing Prohibition
By: Donald C. Turner The West Chester Borough Council passed a resolution on February 15, 2012 instructing its solicitor to prepare an amendment to the West Chester Zoning Ordinance that would eliminate student homes as a permitted use in the Town Center zoning district. See: http://westchester.patch.com/articles/borough-recommends-a-stop-to-new-student-housing As a result those town center …
Builder Insurance and Subs
A little reminder that Pennsylvania isn’t as builder friendly as some other states, at least in regards to insurance coverage. In late 2010, the Indiana courts looked at the issue of whether damage to a home caused by a subcontractor was covered under the general contractor’s standard liability insurance policy. Indiana ruled in favor of …
Borrowers With Good Credit Scores May Face Higher Mortgage Fees
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac announced that they are raising risk fees that they charge to lenders. Lenders in turn typically pass those fees on to borrowers. The first time in 12 years risk fees will jump and the impact will be felt by all, even those with excellent credit. Persons with great credit (typically …
Recovery Zone Bonds Available in Chester County
By: Theodore F. Claypoole The Chester County Department of Community Development has announced that, effective as of October 7, 2010, areas eligible for Recovery Zone Bond financing have been expanded to include a 1-mile radius surrounding Chester County’s 15 Boroughs and the City of Coatesville. Recovery Zone Bonds can be used for private or …
The Fight Over Sprinklers Continues
As a follow up to my March 26, 2010 post on the new Uniform Construction Code provisions in Pennsylvania that mandate sprinkler systems in new homes, the Pennsylvania Builders Association has set up a “Roll Back the Code” website. The issue appears not to be with sprinklers themselves, but the requirement and associated cost …