Are water liens negotiable?

[Ruben S Paul]

Good evening,

I do some wholesaling in philly area , I came across a huge lot near temple that I have been In serious talks for a contract . The owner wants to walk away with 20k without paying any liens/judgments. The Problem is they don’t even know what they owe so I’m doing some minor title work just to make sure it’s even worth my time . I was able to find three municipal liens on property. One was thrown out without prejudice. The second one I requested a payoff through the city and was able to reduce the amount owed for a possible settlement . I also requested a water bill payoff from Phila and I haven’t got it back yet . Does the city ever reduce the amount owed on water for settlement purposes? Or does any type of negotiation at all? Thanks

[Scott M.]

This is a very local question and once you know the facts I would call the water co and ask them.  I am in SE MI and I can say w/o a doubt water liens are very rarely negotiable.  Almost never but it never hurts to ask.  Here, they get transferred to the tax roles or you can work out a payment plan.  Also do searches for local water charities and programs as they may have more luck in working out deals.

If you have city connections, now is the time to use them.  Hey, mr mayor, i am going to turn this old vacant building that isn't generating any income for the city into an apartment complex, can you cut me a break on the water so I can help the city generate higher property taxes and bring residents to this place again.  Not a quick fix, but that is what a lot of the big boys do and how they get a lot of breaks they do.  Worth a shot.