Philadelphia Real Estate Lawyer
Real estate transactions in Philadelphia move fast, and the legal issues that come with them can move even faster. Whether you are buying a home in Fishtown, resolving a title dispute in Center City, fighting a fraudulent contract in South Philadelphia, or defending against a wrongful eviction in West Philly, you need an experienced Philadelphia real estate lawyer in your corner from day one.
At Pagano Law, we represent homeowners, buyers, sellers, landlords, tenants, developers, and investors across Philadelphia and the surrounding counties. Our attorneys have spent decades navigating Pennsylvania real estate law, the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, and the specific statutes that govern property rights in this city. We do not just handle paperwork — we litigate aggressively when our clients’ money, property, and rights are on the line.
Call us today at (215) 636-0160 or contact us online for a free initial consultation.
Why You Need a Philadelphia Real Estate Attorney
Pennsylvania is one of the states that requires — or strongly recommends — licensed legal counsel at real estate closings. But closings are just the beginning. Real estate disputes in Philadelphia are among the most financially damaging legal matters an individual or business can face. A property transaction gone wrong can cost you tens of thousands of dollars, tie you up in litigation for years, or result in losing the property entirely.
The Philadelphia real estate market is uniquely complex. Row home ownership, tangled title histories, zoning conflicts between residential and commercial uses, landlord-tenant issues under the Philadelphia Fair Housing Ordinance, and disputes involving inherited property all require local legal knowledge that a general-practice attorney simply may not have.
Pagano Law has that knowledge. We understand how Philadelphia properties are bought, sold, financed, disputed, and litigated — and we use that knowledge to protect you.
Real Estate Services We Provide in Philadelphia
Real Estate Litigation
When a real estate deal turns into a dispute, you need trial-tested lawyers. Pagano Law handles the full range of real estate litigation in Philadelphia, including:
Breach of Real Estate Contract
When a buyer backs out without cause, a seller misrepresents the property, or either party fails to meet their contractual obligations, you have legal recourse. We pursue and defend breach of contract claims in Pennsylvania courts, seeking damages, specific performance, or rescission depending on your situation.
Fraud and Non-Disclosure Claims
Pennsylvania law requires sellers to disclose known material defects under the Real Estate Seller Disclosure Law (68 Pa.C.S. § 7301). If a seller hid a leaking roof, a foundation crack, or environmental contamination, we hold them accountable.
Quiet Title Actions
Disputes over who legally owns a piece of Philadelphia property are more common than you might think, particularly with older row homes and estate properties. A quiet title action resolves competing claims, corrects errors in public records, and gives you clear legal title.
Partition Actions
When co-owners of a property — whether business partners, siblings, or unmarried couples — can no longer agree on what to do with the property, a partition action forces a resolution. We represent clients in both voluntary partitions and court-ordered partition by sale.
Easement and Boundary Disputes
Disputes over shared driveways, alleyways, property lines, and rights-of-way are a regular source of conflict in Philadelphia’s densely built neighborhoods. We resolve these disputes through negotiation or litigation.
Landlord-Tenant Disputes
Philadelphia has some of the most tenant-protective laws in Pennsylvania, including the Philadelphia Eviction Diversion Program and local Just Cause eviction provisions. We represent both landlords and tenants in lease disputes, wrongful eviction claims, habitability issues, and security deposit conflicts.
Construction Defects and Contractor Disputes
If your contractor failed to perform, built defective work, or abandoned your project, you have legal options. We handle construction defect claims, contractor fraud, and disputes under home improvement contractor agreements governed by the Pennsylvania Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act (HICPA).
Foreclosure Defense
If you are facing foreclosure on your Philadelphia home, you have rights under Pennsylvania’s judicial foreclosure process. We represent homeowners in foreclosure proceedings, helping you explore loan modifications, repayment plans, and defenses to foreclosure actions.
Real Estate Transactions
Pagano Law also provides full transactional support for residential and commercial real estate deals throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding counties.
Contract Review and Drafting
Before you sign any purchase agreement, lease, or development contract, have an attorney review it. We identify unfavorable terms, protect your interests, and make sure every document complies with Pennsylvania law.
Title Search and Title Insurance
We conduct thorough title searches to confirm a seller’s legal right to transfer property, identify existing liens, confirm tax payment status, and flag any zoning or covenant restrictions. We also draft and review title insurance policies to protect buyers against future third-party claims.
Real Estate Closings
Pagano Law handles residential and commercial closings throughout Philadelphia, including the preparation and review of closing statements, deeds, transfer documents, and deed transfer tax filings required by the City of Philadelphia Revenue Department.
Commercial Lease Drafting and Negotiation
Whether you are a landlord leasing retail or office space or a business signing a long-term commercial lease, the terms you agree to today will define your obligations for years. We negotiate and draft leases that protect your financial interests and limit liability.
For Sale By Owner (FSBO) Transactions
Selling your Philadelphia home without a real estate agent? Pagano Law handles all the legal paperwork for a flat fee, ensuring your transaction complies with state and local law while saving you thousands in agent commissions.
Construction Loans and Contracts
Development projects require specialized financing agreements and contractor contracts. We review and negotiate construction loan terms, identify liability exposure, and make sure milestone and completion deadlines are enforceable.
HOA Covenant Drafting and Review
We help homeowners’ associations draft enforceable covenants and help prospective buyers understand any restrictions a covenant places on their property use before they close.
Real Estate Issues We Handle in Philadelphia Neighborhoods
Philadelphia’s neighborhoods each come with their own property law nuances. Pagano Law serves clients across:
- Center City — High-density condo disputes, commercial lease negotiations, mixed-use zoning issues
- South Philadelphia — Row home title disputes, estate property sales, landlord-tenant conflicts
- Fishtown and Kensington — New construction defects, FSBO transactions, developer contract disputes
- West Philadelphia and Germantown — Foreclosure defense, partition actions on inherited homes
- Northeast Philadelphia — Residential closing representation, buyer fraud claims, HOA disputes
- North Philadelphia — Landlord-tenant litigation, housing code violation defense, quiet title actions
We also serve clients in Montgomery County, Bucks County, Delaware County, and Chester County, as well as clients with cross-border transactions in Delaware.
Real Estate Law and Your Other Legal Rights
Real estate issues do not always exist in isolation. At Pagano Law, our broad practice means we understand how property matters intersect with other areas of law that affect our clients.
Real Estate and Divorce
The family home is often the most significant asset in a Pennsylvania divorce. Our attorneys understand both family law and real estate law, helping clients reach fair resolutions on property division, buyout agreements, and QDRO transfers. Learn more about our Philadelphia family law services.
Real Estate and Estate Administration
When a loved one passes away, real estate held in their estate often requires legal attention — whether that means probating a will, managing a title transfer, or handling a sale from an estate. Learn more about our wills and estate services.
Real Estate and Civil Rights
Landlords who engage in housing discrimination violate both federal law under the Fair Housing Act and the Philadelphia Fair Practices Ordinance. Our civil rights team handles discrimination and wrongful eviction claims.
Real Estate and Personal Injury
Property owners in Philadelphia have a duty to maintain safe premises. Slip and fall accidents, unsafe conditions, and inadequate maintenance can lead to significant liability. See our premises liability practice.
Common Questions About Philadelphia Real Estate Law
Is a real estate attorney required in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania does not require a buyer or seller to hire a real estate attorney for every transaction, but many lenders require legal representation at closing, and having one is strongly advisable. Real estate attorneys catch issues that real estate agents — who cannot provide legal advice — routinely miss.
How much does a real estate lawyer cost in Philadelphia?
Fees vary by the nature of the matter. Transactional services like closings and contract review are often handled at a flat fee. Litigation matters are typically handled on an hourly basis or, in some cases involving fraud, on a contingency. We discuss all fee structures during your free initial consultation.
What happens if a seller doesn't disclose a defect?
Under Pennsylvania’s Seller Disclosure Law, failure to disclose known material defects can expose a seller to significant liability, including damages for the cost of repairs, reduced property value, and legal fees. If you discovered a problem after closing that the seller knew about, call us immediately.
What is a quiet title action in Philadelphia?
A quiet title action is a lawsuit filed in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas that resolves disputes over who legally owns a property. It is particularly useful for properties with unclear deed histories, inherited properties with multiple potential claimants, or properties where a prior lien or encumbrance clouds the title.
Can I fight a foreclosure in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Pennsylvania uses a judicial foreclosure process, which means the lender must file a lawsuit and go through the courts. This gives homeowners meaningful opportunities to raise defenses, negotiate with lenders, and pursue alternatives to foreclosure. Pagano Law can help you understand your options.
Contact Pagano Law’s Philadelphia Real Estate Lawyers Today!
Whether your real estate matter is a simple contract review or a complex multi-party litigation, Pagano Law has the experience and the resources to protect your interests. Our attorneys are familiar with every courthouse in the Philadelphia metro area, every nuance of Pennsylvania property law, and the specific challenges that come with buying, selling, owning, and disputing property in this city.
Do not sign a contract, accept a settlement offer, or walk into a courtroom without experienced legal representation.
Call Pagano Law today at (215) 636-0160 or contact us online to schedule your free initial consultation.
Testimonials
What Clients Say
“Thank you for bringing my son home Mr. Pagano.”
D. Pennington – 10/19 Not Guilty – Attempted Murder D. Pennington - 10/19 Not Guilty - Attempted Murder
“We hired Greg to handle a very scary and urgent situation that involved one of our children. Greg engaged immediately. We felt like we knew him and could trust him very quickly . . . he was “all in” totally vested in the outcome. Greg is passionate, smart and responsive.”
Anonymous – 5/17 Case Dismissed – Robbery Motor Vehicle (Carjacking) Anonymous - 5/17 Case Dismissed - Robbery Motor Vehicle (Carjacking)
“Mr. Pagano won my double murder case and then got me $750,000.00.”
Nafis Pinkney – 2/18 Not Guilty – Murder Case. Nafis Pinkney - 2/18 Not Guilty - Murder Case.
“Greg insisted on hiring a ballistician, and the results were in my favor, but the prosecution still persisted . . . was relentless in pursuing the true story of the incident . . . Greg was fantastic and never wavered in pursuit of a fair outcome for me. I am very grateful to him and his fine staf...
John P. – 3/18 Case Dismissed – Discharge of Firearm at Police. John P. - 3/18 Case Dismissed - Discharge of Firearm at Police.
“Greg is very good at what he does which is practicing law. His team is very professional and caring for ensuring and working on your cases and being very communicating with you through all the process.”
Mike – 5/18 Mike - 5/18
“Thankfully I was found not guilty, but it wouldn’t have been so without the excellent litigation skills of Mr. Pagano.”
Mike – 8/18 Not Guilty – Assault and Burglary Mike - 8/18 Not Guilty - Assault and Burglary
“I had a very difficult case which I thought was difficult to win. I was found not guilty.”
Anonymous – 11/18 Anonymous - 11/18
“He and his staff worked very hard for our family. He is an excellent attorney.”
YE – 11/18 NOT GUILTY – Murder Case YE - 11/18 NOT GUILTY - Murder Case
“Mr. Pagano (Greg), is an OUTSTANDING, UPSTANDING and DETERMINED attorney.”
Lisa M. – 12/18 Case Dismissed – Drugs and Guns Lisa M. - 12/18 Case Dismissed - Drugs and Guns
“Greg, and his assistant Sarah provided my son with excellent legal representation. You can use any lawyer but its clear Greg is head and shoulders above his peers. His reputation in the courthouse and his professionalism carries a lot of weight in his dealings with the DA’S. He used his skill t...
AT – 12/18 Case Dismissed. Aggravated Assault on Police. AT - 12/18 Case Dismissed. Aggravated Assault on Police.
Mr. Pagano provided amazing service to me. He provided a holistic approach because he understood that my children were affected by the unfortunate circumstances. Throughout the process, he was attentive to all of my concerns as a client.
I should have left this review a long while ago. I was fighting a serious case in 2012. Its effects turned my life upside down. Mr. Pagano saved my life. The opportunities I have today would not be possible if not for him and his entire team.
Sarah jones helped me with my child support case. They kept running over me not listening to anything I said, taking more money from me until I hired Sarah. I told her my story and she took it from there and when it was time to go e I won all my cases. Just wanted to say Sarah Jones is no joke, she does a great job and I want to say thank u again Sarah.
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