Buying or selling a home is one of life’s most significant events, emotionally, financially, and intellectually. The real estate market in Northern Philadelphia including the communities of Somerton, Mayfair, Rhawnhurst, and Bustleton remains strong. According to ATTOM Data Solutions, there were 18,778 residential property sales in Philadelphia as of mid-2025, with a median home price of approximately $368,000, reflecting a 5% increase compared to the previous year.
Besides, considering both demand and affordability, Philadelphia is among the five hottest real estate markets in the United States of America in the year 2025, yet the inventory remains 46 percent lower than what it was the year before the pandemic. Such dynamics make obvious the complexity of working on real estate transactions here: the high demand, the increase in the prices, and the limited supply, nevertheless.
Real estate attorneys are the facilitators in this atmosphere, but they are the area where they fail in any context as more than just necessities. They assist purchasers and vendors to be aware of contracts, issues with titles, local zoning, and protect against the misuse of browsers by both buyer and seller. Here, you will get all the information you require about real estate lawyers in Northeast Philadelphia, the reasons why they are important and how to choose the right one.
Why Hiring a Real Estate Lawyers in Northeast Philadelphia Matters
Navigating Local Laws and Regulations
There are rules and regulations pertaining to zoning, inspection and ownership registration of real estate in Philadelphia. The Northeast neighborhoods may factor in historical specifications of properties or even zoning, which force renovation and use alterations. Real estate lawyers can demystify these and take the clients through them.
Title and Ownership Clarity
When it comes to old homes, title problems are especially problematic, unsettled claims of liens, or lack of documentation of property boundaries. Title search, enabling insurance and handling of problems prior to closing are done by lawyers to verify clean ownership.
Tax Assessments, Transfers, and Financial Pitfalls
The property system of Philadelphia is not only deed based, but is also based on assessments, taxes and exemptions. The residential value has grown by 27 percent with a reassessment of the city in 2023 that adds to an increase of total property values of between 170 billion to 204 billion. This has an impact on tax liabilities and tax burdens. Lawyers understand how to consider these in the offers, negotiation as well as client budgeting.
Smooth Closing and Dispute Prevention
The sale and purchase of property can be confusing considering the paper work- buyer contract, disclosures, mortgage paperwork and much more. A lawyer discusses, analyzes and negotiates all in the process of protecting your legal and financial rights.
How to Find the Best Real Estate Lawyer in Northeast Philadelphia
(i) Research Methods
- Philadelphia Bar Association: Provides directories of members, and referrals of qualified attorneys available in real estate law.
- City of Philadelphia Property and Assessment Tools: You can draw up zoning, sale information and property assessment through the city property app tools or OPA tools then find some lawyers who know those matters.
- Word of Mouth: Your friends, local realtors or trusted professionals can help you recommend some good, local attorneys.
(ii) Key Credentials to Look For
- Bar Admission, PA (checked on Bar or State courts websites).
- Board certification as real estate law (as needed).
- Client testimonials or peer reviews that are positive.
- Member in real estate or property transaction associations.
(iii) Warning Signs of Unreliable Lawyers
- Knowing impossible results or phantom schedules.
- Hidden or unclear fees.
- Shy to meet or communicate.
- Deficiency in discovery and assessment transparency.
The Legal Process: How a Real Estate Lawyer Can Help
The following is the is the process when dealing with a real estate attorney:
(i) Case Evaluation and Initial Consultation
You offer the information about property MLS listing, contracts, tax evaluations, inspection reports. Presentation of risk and fees is by the lawyer.
(ii) Title Examination and Due Diligence
Title searches and insurance are ordered by lawyers. They check unresolved liens, ownership issues or easements.
(iii) Reviewing the Agreement of Sale
There can be inspection contingencies, financing contingencies or repair contingencies as a part of a contract. These are safeguarded by attorneys in order to protect your interests.
(iv) Assessing Property Conditions
In addition to inspection reports, attorneys can identify areas such as violations of zoning or incomplete permission that can make the closing process slow.
(v) Negotiation and Resolution
Need seller-paid repairs? Disputed titles? Your lawyer bargains, and modifies terms, or seeks credit for price.
(vi) Handling Taxes and Transfer Fees
Philadelphia charges a 4.27 percent real estate transfer on the sale price, with the proceeds gradually going to the city’s general treasury. Lawyers assist in the division of who pays what and make sure transfer documents are correct.
(vii) Review of Closing Documents
Your lawyer peruses through deed books, mortgage agreements, it has been known that he reads all the documents, as well as interprets the results and explains it in plain language.
(viii) Post-Closing Follow-Up
They verify correct recording of deeds, discharging of lien and transfer of ownership.
Also Read: Lawyers in New Jersey
List of Top 10 Real Estate Lawyers in Northeast Philadelphia
1. Joshua S. Ganz
- Phone Number: (215) 914-9939
- Website: https://www.duffynorth.com/
- Office Address: 104 N York Rd, Hatboro, PA 19040
Area of Expertise:
- Real estate law
- Labor & employment law
- Civil litigation
- Business & commercial law
- Intellectual property
Attorney Joshua S. Ganz, as the partner at Duffy North, LLP., in Hatboro, Pennsylvania, focuses his efforts on helping to deliver the best legal advice to both the employers and employees in a plethora of legal practices. Having a freedom to practice in the states of Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Mr. Ganz assures his clients the one on one care they would warrant without sacrificing his legal services in the provision of the best in the areas that may be of interest to his guests – Labor and employment law, Real estate law, Civil litigation, Trademark and copyright law, Business and commercial law, Education law.
2. Lawrence Solomon
- Phone Number: (215) 714-7718
- Website: https://www.solomonsherman.com/
- Office Address: 1628 John F Kennedy Blvd, Suite 2200, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Area of Expertise:
- Real estate disputes
- Personal injury law
- Medical malpractice
- Wrongful death
- Product liability
Lawrence Solomon, the founder and the managing partner of Solomon, Sherman, Gabay, Briskin and Sherman is based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Personal injury cases are his subjects in the course of litigation. He concentrates in the field of medical malpractice, product liability, auto accidents, slip-and-fall, building mishaps, wrongful death and discrimination.
As the whole of his practice revolves around litigation, Mr. Solomon is very sensitive to the anxiety and vulnerability that comes after an injury. He tirelessly defends his clients to gain the maximum out of financial compensation either through hatred or in court.
3. Steven L. Sugarman
- Phone Number: (610) 889-0700
- Website: https://www.gawthrop.com/
- Office Address: 1273 Lancaster Avenue, Berwyn, PA 19312
Area of Expertise:
- Property Law
- Community associations
- Condominium & HOA law
- Planned communities
- Cooperative housing law
Steven L. Sugarman is regarded as one of the top community association law practitioners in Pennsylvania, with a national reputation that complements his strong regional standing. He is the founding principal of the prestigious law firm Steven L. Sugarman & Associates, which merged with Gawthrop Greenwood in August 2023.
Steve is recognized as a leading authority in legal matters concerning homeowners associations (HOAs), planned communities, condominium associations, and cooperatives in Pennsylvania. The merger allows his clients to benefit from a broader range of legal services and specialized expertise that may not be readily available elsewhere.
4. Andrew J. Bellwoar
- Phone Number: (610) 314-7066
- Website: https://www.bellwoarkelly.com/
- Office Address: 1126 West Miner Street, Suite 1, West Chester, PA 19382
Area of Expertise:
- Estate law
- Land development
- Zoning
- Municipal law
- Wills & estate planning
- Business contracts
Andrew J. Bellwoar is an attorney partner with Bellwoar Kelly, LLP, in West Chester, Pennsylvania. He has a solid experience of more than 32 years of offering sound and informed advice to his clients, and his practice is confined to the business contacts, wills, trusts and estate management, real estate, land development, zoning, municipal law etc.
Mr. Bellwoar has worked with some high profile and high net worth cases researching and gaining a lot of knowledge and experience. He is very outspoken on behalf of his clients and struggles to fulfil their rights. He informs his clients with what is happening by the process and communicates thoroughly with his clients. He is renowned due to the quality representation he gives.
5. Stephanie M. Shortall
- Phone Number: (610) 472-8223
- Website: https://www.dhdlaw.com/
- Office Address: Bailiwick Office Campus, 252 W. Swamp Road, Suite 15, Doylestown, PA 18901
Area of Expertise:
- Real estate transactions
- Estate planning
- Trusts & wills
- Business law
- Residential & commercial property law
The latter is the light at the end of the tunnel that presents the path of people and business owners on the intricacies and choices of life. She helps clients with their estate plans that are specific to their situation, such as wills, trusts and powers of attorney and oversee estate and trust of any size with a personal touch.
Ms. Shortall has a passion to empower business owners to achieve the aim they set in the business environment despite the dynamics of the market. She takes clients through the process of purchasing, selling or leasing a property be it in the residential or commercial world. She has a strategic, practical and responsive approach, she advocates steadfastly and aims at excellence and empathy in representation.
Also Read: Personal Injury Lawyers in Brooklyn
6. Nancy J. Glidden
- Phone Number: (610) 541-2739
- Website: https://glidden-adr.com/
- Office Address: Glidden ADR, LLC, 701 Clover Ridge Dr, West Chester, PA 19380
Area of Expertise:
- Real estate disputes
- Mediation & arbitration
- Construction disputes
- Business litigation
- Consumer law
Nancy J. Gliden is a premier attorney, mediator and arbitrator with Glidden ADR, LLC, located in West Chester, Pennsylvania serving the Philadelphia metro area. Being an experienced worker on real estate, construction, commercial and consumer law, business and general civil litigation Ms. Gliden is known for her skill to resolve complicated cases. Her work is supported by a rich background as a litigator and advisor and therefore, provides end-to-end services to companies and individuals.
Ms. Glidden is a well-known professional capable of facilitating mediation in both pre-litigation cases and active litigation. She serves as a tribatee/privately retained mediator and participates on multiple panels, including the construction, commercial, and consumer panels of the American Arbitration Association, the Tri-County Suburban Realtors DRS panel, the Pennsylvania Bar Association Fee Dispute Resolution program, the Chester County mediation orphan panel, and the Chester County court-annexed mediation program.
Her approach focuses on innovative problem-solving and maintaining a healthy balance in understanding the needs of both parties, in order to provide cost-effective and relevant solutions. Her ability to analyze complicated problems and her dedication to comprehensive knowledge are strong qualities that enhance her effectiveness as a mediator.
7. Nicole B. LaBletta
- Phone Number: (610) 362-5612
- Website: https://lablettawalters.com/attorneys/labletta-nicole-b/
- Office Address: 200 Barr Harbor Drive, Suite 400, Conshohocken, PA 19428
Area of Expertise:
- Real estate law
- Estate planning
- Wills & trusts
- Powers of attorney
- Special needs planning
Nicole B. LaBletta is a partner in the law firm of LaBletta and Walters LLC and she handles clients in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey and New York. Her practice is based on real estate and estate planning.
For 15-plus years Ms. LaBletta has been assisting clients in drawing the papers to make sure that they and their families can use their time and live in comfort in case of an unexpected occurrence. This would involve making wills, health care, and power of attorney, special needs, revocable living trusts, irrevocable life insurance trusts and other deeds.
8. Ricky L. Liss
- Phone Number: (215) 987-5096
- Website: https://www.lisslaw.com/
- Office Address: 1845 Walnut Street, Suite 1500, Philadelphia, PA 19103-4716
Area of Expertise:
- Real estate disputes
- Personal injury law
- Wrongful death
- Elder litigation
- Product liability
- Workers’ compensation
Ricky L. Liss is a reliable supporter of his clients and he offers the highest level of representation. His cases have included high-profile personal injury law involving catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, motor vehicle accidents, truck accidents, premises litigation and fall-down litigation, pedestrian incidents, medical negligence litigation, products litigation, elder litigation, animal bites, and workers compensation and Social Security Disability litigation. His successful track record as managing partner of Liss and Marion, P.C., stems from his extensive experience serving locals and those in other areas.
Mr. Liss is known to be aggressive in client representation and work with emphasis on personal attention, precise focus, and compassion and understanding of the clients. Due to all of his work, he received a peer-review rating of Distinguished+ with Martindale-Hubbell, as well as an impressive rating of Superb on Avvo. He has received a great number of positive client testimonials in various websites.
Mr. Liss has strong links with the movement of several well-known associations of law including the American Bar Association, Pennsylvania Bar Association, the American Association of Justice (previously American Trial Lawyers Association), the Pennsylvania Trial lawyers Association and Philadelphia Trial Lawyer Association.
9. L. Theodore Hoppe, Jr.
- Phone Number: (610) 541-2234
- Website: http://www.thoppelaw.com/
- Office Address: 25 W 2nd St, Second Floor, Media, PA 19063
Area of Expertise:
- Real estate law
- Estate planning
- Business law
- Community legal services
- Volunteer legal aid
Ted Hoppe is the attorney of more than 30 years in Philadelphia and is L. Theodore Hoppe, Jr. Meeting and getting acquainted with the clients visiting his office is one of the things he likes the most about his work. Through his long-term relationships with most of these clients, he is privileged to be addressed back by them when they ought to seek advice about the legal aspect of their lives.
A large number of them have also referred their families and friends to him in matters of law, the very greatest to an attorney by way of gratitude they can bestow that he can be. In addition to practising law, Mr. Hoppe is concerned with servicing the community. He works as a volunteer attorney with Christian Legal Clinics of Philadelphia which is a charity organization, offering free law benefits to needy individuals.
He is the campaign attorney at the Clinic which is located at the Salvation Army in Chester. He was the recipient of the recent CLCP Volunteer of the Year Award in appreciation of his diligent work.
10. Deirdre M. Richards
- Phone Number: (610) 322-1532
- Website: https://www.elliottgreenleaf.com/
- Office Address: 925 Harvest Drive, Suite 300, Blue Bell, PA 19422
Area of Expertise:
- Property disputes
- Bankruptcy
- Business litigation
- Commercial disputes
- Client-focused legal solutions
A close ally to her clients in any legal troubles that they are going through, Deirdre M. Richards can give them good legal services with regard to those legal issues that are of a severe nature and critical in situations dealing with the law pertaining to bankruptcy and business litigation. She is based in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, in the law office of Elliott Greenleaf, to serve the area and beyond with individuals and businesses.
Fully dedicated to her clients Ms. Richards is so with 30 plus years of experience that she soars through trick of law matters without any hassle and she gives her clients insight and heartfelt relief and encouragement in the tried period, as well. Her peers have given her a patient that has been heralding a clean, client focused practice that prioritizes personalized care, detailed attention to the small aspects and a zealous commitment to ensuring that her clients shed the burden of their legal troubles squarely behind them.
Key Factors to Consider Before Making Your Final Choice
(i) Fees & Payment Models
- Flat-rate vs hourly: inquire what is covered pre-closing work, title problem, phone calls.
- Extra fees: e.g. courier services, documents.
(ii) Accessibility
- Is the attorney resident of Northeast Philadelphia?
- Are you able to physically meet or do they want it to be done remotely?
- Do they reply to phone or email?
(iii) Specialty in Real Estate
- Has your lawyer worked with your type of property (residential, multi-family, commercial).
- Do they know about zoning overlays, historical areas or special tax programs?
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Lawyer
- Selecting Based on Ads Alone: Billboards or TV spots is not quality. Always check credentials.
- Omitting References and Reviews: It is important to hear the experience of other clients.
- Disregarding Fee Clarity: Enquire as to whether the fees are flat, hourly, or otherwise- have it in writing.
- Waiting Too Long: Philadelphia has time limits in which to file deeds and solve title matters. Start early.
- Ignorance of Local Knowledge: Attorneys with little to no familiarity with Northeast Philadelphia can overlook area-specific idiosyncrasy, such as zoning overlay or local tax programmes.
Conclusion
The real estate market in Northeast Philadelphia is competitive, lively and full of opportunity but it is not without its problems. Every deal is risky, in terms of price increases, limited inventory, historical zoning and title complexities.
The best real estate attorney is not just a mentor, he or she is your champion, guardian, and friend. They guarantee certificates, equitable contracts, evaluation procedures and closures. The knowledge and experience of the neighborhood is especially important in a neighborhood driven market, such as Northeast Philly.
Don’t allow legal blind spots and stress to obscure one of your most important investments. Check credentials, discuss with others and select a research lawyer who provides experience with compassion and honesty. Such a decision may constitute the variation between a carefree closure and an expensive failure.
FAQs
Q1: How does the price of a real estate lawyer in Northeast Philadelphia go?
The common fee residential closings that the majority of lawyers charge is in the low four figure range, and this can still vary depending on the complexity and what services they offer.
Q2: Do you require going to a lawyer to purchase a home in Philadelphia?
Yes. According to Pennsylvania law, attorneys are supposed to supervise real estate closings; they are obligatory in documenting, scrutinizing and filing closing paperworks.
Q3: What should be the timing of hiring a lawyer in the process of transaction?
Immediately, they can prepare to accomplish title work, contingencies, and tax related calculations prior to the closing date as early as practicable, preferably at the time of acceptance of the offer.
Q4: What happens in case I find out there is a title problem the day before closing?
A good attorney will bargain with the seller to keep it down, postpone closing, or in the worst case scenario will counsel withdrawal to save their rights.
Q5: Do tax abatement or homestead exemptions have a lawyer?
Yes, a lot of real estate lawyers will help someone to seek such when major changes have occurred to the home or reevaluate it.
