What is the PA real estate transfer tax?

Pennsylvania imposes a 2% realty transfer tax on the sale price — 1% to the state, 1% to the local municipality. In most Western PA transactions it is split equally between buyer and seller (1% each), though this is negotiable. Certain transfers between family members and spouses are exempt.

What does title insurance cover in Pennsylvania?

Owner's title insurance protects against defects in the chain of title that existed before closing, unknown liens, forgery in prior deeds, undisclosed heirs, recording errors, and boundary disputes. The premium is paid once at closing and protects you for as long as you own the property.

Western PA Real Estate Legal Hub

Q: Do I need an attorney for a real estate closing in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania does not legally require an attorney at closing, but it is strongly advisable. An attorney reviews the title commitment, deed, closing disclosure, and all documents for errors, catching issues a title agent alone cannot. Many lenders also require attorney-prepared title work. At Ament Law Group, we handle closings for buyers, sellers, and lenders across Westmoreland and Allegheny Counties from our Murrysville office.

Q: How long does a real estate closing take in Western PA?

Most residential closings take 45 minutes to 2 hours at the settlement table. The full timeline from accepted offer to closing is typically 30–60 days for financed purchases. Cash purchases can close in as few as 10–14 days.

Q: Can I sell my home without a realtor in Pennsylvania?

Yes. Pennsylvania allows For Sale By Owner (FSBO) transactions. You are responsible for the agreement of sale, required disclosures, and coordinating the closing. Having an attorney handle the closing is especially important in FSBO transactions since there is no agent overseeing the process on either side.

Everything buyers, sellers, landlords, and investors need to navigate real estate transactions in Western Pennsylvania.

Real estate transactions in Western Pennsylvania involve more moving parts than most people expect, title searches, transfer taxes, deed preparation, title insurance, and closing coordination, all under time pressure. Whether you are buying your first home in Murrysville, selling a commercial property in Greensburg, or managing rental properties across Westmoreland County, this hub brings together every resource Ament Law Group has published on Pennsylvania real estate law.

PA Real Estate Transfer Tax Quick Reference

Total Transfer Tax

2% of sale price

1% state + 1% local (Murrysville)

Typical Split

1% / 1%

Buyer and seller split equally (negotiable)

Typical Closing Costs

2–5%

Of purchase price (buyer, including transfer tax)

Use our Title Insurance Calculator to estimate costs for your specific transaction.

Real Estate Legal Services

Real Estate Settlements

Residential closings for buyers, sellers, and lenders across Westmoreland and Allegheny Counties. We handle title review, deed preparation, and full closing coordination.

Buyer Representation

Attorney review of your purchase agreement, title commitment, and closing disclosure, catching issues before you sign that a title agent alone cannot address.

Title Insurance

Licensed agents through Chicago Title, Commonwealth, and First American — in-house title searches, issue resolution, and policy issuance under attorney supervision.

Investment Properties

Acquisitions, entity structuring, 1031 exchanges, lease drafting, and portfolio management for residential and commercial investors.

For Sale By Owner (FSBO)

Selling without an agent in Western PA? We handle the agreement of sale, required disclosures, title, deed, and closing, so you save the commission without cutting corners.

Commercial Real Estate

Purchase and sale of commercial property, commercial lease review and negotiation, and NNN lease analysis for investors and business tenants across Western PA.

Landlord & Tenant Law

Lease drafting, security deposit compliance, eviction proceedings, and landlord rights under the Pennsylvania Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951.

Property Tax Assessment Appeals

Challenging Westmoreland or Allegheny County property tax assessments. If your assessment doesn't reflect market value, we can help you appeal.

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Free Real Estate Tools

Title Insurance Calculator

Estimate title insurance costs for your Western PA transaction.

Assessment Appeal Tool

See if your Westmoreland or Allegheny County property assessment is worth appealing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an attorney for a real estate closing in Pennsylvania?

Not legally required, but strongly advisable. An attorney reviews the title commitment, deed, and closing disclosure, catching issues a title agent alone cannot. Read more: How to Handle Real Estate Closings in PA.

What is the Pennsylvania real estate transfer tax?

2% of the sale price total — 1% to the state, 1% to the local municipality. Typically split 50/50 between buyer and seller, though negotiable. Certain family transfers are exempt.

How long does a real estate closing take in Western PA?

45 minutes to 2 hours at the table. 30–60 days from accepted offer to closing for financed purchases; 10–14 days for cash.

What does title insurance cover?

Defects in the chain of title that existed before closing, unknown liens, forged deeds, undisclosed heirs, recording errors, boundary disputes. One-time premium at closing; protects you as long as you own the property. Read more: Title Insurance Guide for Western PA Homebuyers.

Can I sell my home without a realtor in Pennsylvania?

Yes. FSBO is legal in PA. You are responsible for the agreement, disclosures, and closing coordination, having an attorney handle the closing is especially important. Read more: FSBO Legal Services and FSBO in Pennsylvania: What Sellers Need to Know.

View all real estate FAQs →

Real Estate Articles

Buying & Selling

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Landlords & Investors

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