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Tuesday, June 02, 2015

Bethlehem Township To Streamline Home Inspections

Let's say you have a home that you sell to someone. Before that happens, most municipalities require a home inspection and a Certificate of Occupancy. If something is discovered that needs to be repaired, the homeowner will experience delays in closing, and a buyer could decide to walk away. So it makes sense to get an inspection done before you even list the property. But Bethlehem Township inspectors have refused to renew certificates of occupancy unless there's a signed agreement of sale.

After meeting with Commissioner Marty Zawarski, Planning Director Nathan Jones reported at the June 1 Board meeting that inspectors are making changes to be more responsive. They will now perform home inspections and issue renewed certificates of occupancy at eh request of a homeowner. "The smoother we can make it for the residents out there, the better off everyone will be," explained Zawarski.

Planners are now tied into the Lehigh Valley Association of Realtors website, and can see if private home sales are occurring without notice. Zawarski explained that in foreclosures, estate sales and other private deals, the Township often gets no notice of a real estate transfer.
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4 comments:

  1. AnonymousJune 2, 2015 at 6:30 AM

    The process seems pretty streamlined. Its called a report only inspection and has been on the books for years. I have had many of these done in the past. It allows the property owner and realtor to see what the issues are with the home or business and can be used as a tool for the necessary work to be done before the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. The LV Realtor's Association is aware of the current program and has worked hard with that Township to get it to where it is predictable and fair. Now changes for what? Nothing new here other than Marty Zaworski trying to sound like he is doing something that has already been done before.

    Signed Realtor who does lots of business with Bethlehem Township.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousJune 2, 2015 at 8:06 AM

    This is just another agenda item on Zawarski's to do list. He buys, sells, and rents homes so this will benefit him. I am 100% positive if you follow the paper trail it all started with him.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousJune 2, 2015 at 8:51 AM

    I am so glad that Bernie has a knack for following the paper trail. Bernie start digging and do tell us your results. How many properties has Zaworsky bought in the last five years in Bethlehem Township?
    The Big Guy

    ReplyDelete
  4. Bernie O'HareJune 2, 2015 at 11:34 AM

    6:30, I was under the impression that a property inspection report and renewed CO are two different things. I will look into it.

    ReplyDelete

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