OWM Attorneys At Law
O'Donnell, Weiss & Mattei, P.C.
Real Estate And Land Use

Real Estate And Land Use Lawyers Offering Legal Assistance For Your Real Estate Needs

Last updated on May 6, 2025

O'Donnell, Weiss & Mattei, P.C., knows the business and legal sides of buying, selling or working on real estate development. We have a strong reputation in real estate law among buyers, sellers, real estate developers, realtors, insurance agents and lenders in Southeastern Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia metro area.

Our Real Estate And Land Use Services

We provide clear advice and support in real estate law matters, including:

  • Tax assessments and appeals – We help property owners challenge tax assessments or appeal unfair results.
  • Lien priority questions – We explain creditor payments and competing claims.
  • Mechanic’s liens – We handle liens placed by contractors or subcontractors to collect debts.
  • Land use and zoning issues – We guide property owners through laws about land use and real estate development.
  • Buying and selling real estate – We advise on legal issues, ensure compliance with real estate law, provide title insurance and manage closings.
  • Refinancing mortgages – We oversee refinancing to follow the law and review mortgages to protect your interests.
  • Disclosure information – We review transactions to ensure buyers get all the details.

We are licensed title insurance agents, which allows us to handle real estate settlements, offer lender and owner title insurance policies, and provide legal guidance smoothly.

Investing In Real Estate? Why It’s Important To Talk To A Real Estate Attorney.

Investing in real estate builds wealth and financial security. But property deals are complex. A real estate attorney helps your investment strategy in these ways:

  • Risk management – An attorney ensures transactions follow real estate law. They check a property’s history to find issues such as hidden liens, zoning problems or title disputes.
  • Long-term legal security – Attorneys create clear lease agreements to avoid disputes. This keeps your residential property safe.
  • Strategic negotiations – Attorneys negotiate terms that fit your financial goals. They understand contract details and advocate for you.
  • Regulatory guidance – Real estate laws vary by location. Attorneys know real estate law and ensure your investment follows all rules.
  • Conflict resolution – If disputes arise, attorneys handle them quickly. They resolve issues before they become costly legal fights.

Our legal services make your residential property investment secure and compliant. With our guidance, you can invest confidently. We handle every detail with care.

What Does A Real Estate Attorney Do That A Real Estate Agent Cannot?

Real estate agents help with parts of a transaction. But only a real estate attorney gives legal advice and representation. They handle legal issues, review lease agreements and ensure transactions follow real estate law.

Types Of Real Estate

We represent clients in buying or selling many types of real estate. These include homes, investment properties, commercial properties, residential properties, and developed or undeveloped land. No matter the complexity, we protect your interests in real estate law.

Resolving Pennsylvania Title Disputes

Title disputes in Pennsylvania can delay or stop real estate deals. They often result from boundary disagreements, liens or old ownership claims. Real estate attorneys and title insurance help resolve these issues, and protect buyers and sellers.

Common Causes Of Title Disputes

Boundary issues cause title disputes when neighbors argue over property lines. Old surveys or unclear deeds often spark these problems. Liens, including unpaid taxes or contractor claims, cloud a title. They create financial burdens for new owners. Historical ownership claims arise when past transfers are not recorded properly. Heirs may claim rights based on old wills. These issues stop deals until the title is clear.

Role Of Real Estate Attorneys

Real estate attorneys are key in fixing title disputes. They research property records, deeds and surveys to confirm ownership. For boundary issues, they work with surveyors to set clear property lines. They also negotiate with neighbors to settle disputes peacefully. For liens, attorneys clear debts or talk to creditors to remove claims. For old ownership claims, they trace the title history to prove or disprove claims.

If talks fail, attorneys represent clients in court. They present evidence to resolve title disputes over ownership or liens. Their knowledge of Pennsylvania real estate law ensures strong arguments. This helps clients avoid delays and secure a clear title.

Protection Through Title Insurance

Title insurance protects against unexpected title disputes. It covers buyers and lenders from losses due to hidden liens or ownership claims after purchase. A thorough title search happens before a policy is issued, but some issues stay hidden. Title insurance pays legal fees and losses if disputes arise. For sellers, a clean title with insurance speeds up sales.

Our firm combines legal skills with title insurance. We help real estate developers and clients resolve title disputes efficiently. This ensures secure and compliant real estate transactions.

Call Your Local Land Use Attorney For A Consultation

Real estate and land use deals require correct details, and mistakes cost money. Avoid problems by contacting our lawyers. Call 610-323-2800 or send an email to start.