Author Archives: Justin Ripple

New Jersey case highlights need for environmental due diligence in residential transactions

  Image: Sean O’Flaherty In recent years it has become clear that home buyers need to be just as mindful of conducting environmental due diligence as commercial property owners. As we develop and redevelop properties, determining prior uses is crucial … Continue reading

Posted in Chain of title, Groundwater, Phase I ESA | 2 Comments

Researching environmental activity/use limitations (AULs)

  Environmental activity/use limitations (AULs) are legal restrictions filed for two main reasons: The prevention of exposure to environmental contamination and the management of public health and environmental risks associated with a property that has been contaminated. It is important … Continue reading

Posted in Chain of title, Phase I ESA, Regulatory issues | Comments Off on Researching environmental activity/use limitations (AULs)

Three things to consider when researching inherited lands

  When conducting an environmental chain of title, or any historical property research, you will eventually encounter inherited lands. Family conveyances become much more prevalent as you work your way backward in the property history. With so many different ways … Continue reading

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Three steps to conducting a chain of title in virtually any US county

  For county-level title researchers, the “70-year chain of title search” is one of the most complex and labor-intensive searches. Title searches often require a researcher to revisit a time when property ownership laws and practices were much different than … Continue reading

Posted in Chain of title | Comments Off on Three steps to conducting a chain of title in virtually any US county