Northwood’s property record landscape
- Buried heating oil tanks in pre-1975 homes. Post-war homes in Northwood that originally used oil heat frequently have abandoned underground heating oil storage tanks. These tanks were commonly decommissioned in place (filled with sand and abandoned) rather than excavated. A leaking buried tank creates soil and groundwater contamination liability that follows the property regardless of when the leak occurred. The PA DEP Petroleum Abandoned Site (PATS) database is the first lookup; a ground-penetrating radar or magnetometer scan is definitive confirmation.
- Aging post-war mechanical systems. Homes built in the 1940s and 1950s are now 70-80 years old. Furnaces, electrical panels, plumbing, and water heaters from that era are well past design service life. In Northwood, many properties have had band-aid maintenance rather than comprehensive system replacement. Budget for full mechanical evaluation and likely near-term replacement of aging systems.
- Lead paint in pre-1978 stock. All pre-1978 homes have potential lead paint. The post-war construction in Northwood is near-universal lead paint. For rental properties, Philadelphia's lead law compliance requirements apply before any new tenant takes occupancy.
- Homestead Exemption re-application required after sale. Philadelphia's Homestead Exemption reduces the assessed value of an owner-occupied property for tax purposes. Exemptions do not transfer automatically when a property is sold. The new owner must apply for the exemption separately. If you are buying an owner-occupied property and plan to live there, file the Homestead Exemption application with the OPA promptly after closing.
Identifying and managing buried oil tank risk
The post-war housing stock in Northwood includes a meaningful proportion of homes that originally used fuel oil for heating. When natural gas service expanded in the Philadelphia area during the 1960s and 1970s, many homeowners converted to gas heating and decommissioned their oil tanks — but many tanks were left in place underground rather than excavated.
Signs of former oil heat
- A fill pipe (typically a 2-inch pipe capped at ground level near the front or side of the house) or a vent pipe (smaller pipe exiting the house foundation)
- A disconnected or removed oil line near the boiler or furnace in the basement
- A former oil burner or boiler unit that has been replaced with gas equipment
- Staining or sheen in the soil near the foundation
How to verify
Search the Pennsylvania DEP PATS (Petroleum Abandoned Tank Sites) database for the property address. A PATS hit means the site is already in the state system. No PATS hit does not conclusively confirm no tank — many tanks were never registered. For any property with evidence of former oil heat, a ground-penetrating radar (GPR) or magnetometer scan by a licensed environmental firm is the definitive method.
If a tank is found: An active or leaking tank requires PA DEP notification and remediation. The cost varies significantly with the degree of soil contamination: a simple tank removal with clean soil can run $3,000-$5,000; a site with contamination plume requiring soil excavation and monitoring can run $20,000-$100,000+. Negotiate a price credit or require remediation before closing.
Mechanical systems and post-war housing in Northwood
Electrical panels
Homes built in the 1940s and 1950s typically had 60-amp electrical service. Modern household electrical loads require 100-amp service at minimum, and 200-amp is standard for homes with central air conditioning, electric dryers, and multiple large appliances. If the service has not been upgraded, budget for a service entrance upgrade and panel replacement. Also watch for Federal Pacific Electric (Stab-Lok) or Zinsco panels, which were installed in post-war construction and carry well-documented fire risk.
Furnaces and heating systems
Forced-air furnaces have a typical service life of 15-25 years. If the furnace has not been replaced, it may be approaching or past that range. For any post-war property, ask for the furnace installation date and service records. Budget for replacement if the unit is over 20 years old or if service records are unavailable.
Galvanized plumbing
Supply plumbing in pre-1960 construction is frequently galvanized steel. Galvanized pipe corrodes internally, reducing water flow and increasing leak risk over time. Low water pressure, discolored water, and staining at joints are indicators. Full galvanized replacement is typically $5,000-$15,000 for a single-family home.
Homestead Exemption reminder
Philadelphia's Homestead Exemption provides a reduction in the assessed value used to calculate your annual property tax bill. As of 2024, the exemption reduces assessed value by $100,000, which translates to approximately $1,119 in annual tax savings at the current millage rate. The exemption is not automatic and does not transfer when property changes hands. Apply at the Office of Property Assessment within 90 days of closing to receive the benefit for the upcoming tax year.
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