Escrow & Title

In Pennsylvania, what is a 'lis pendens' and how does it affect property transactions?

AA Latin term for the legal description of a property in a deed
BA notice recorded in the county indicating that litigation affecting the property is pending, warning buyers of the dispute✓ Correct
CA lien recorded by a contractor who has not been paid for work on the property
DA preliminary title report showing potential title defects

Explanation

A lis pendens ('lawsuit pending') is a notice recorded in the county recorder of deeds office warning that litigation affecting the title to the property is ongoing. When a lis pendens is filed, anyone who subsequently acquires the property takes it subject to the outcome of that litigation. Buyers and lenders conducting title searches will find the lis pendens and typically will not proceed until the litigation is resolved.

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