Pre-Purchase Due Diligence
Complete property research before buying residential or commercial real estate.
Purchasing property in New York City requires thorough due diligence across multiple dimensions: violations, permits, tax status, zoning compliance, liens, and title history. Missing a single red flag can result in unexpected costs, legal liability, or deal failure. RegWatch provides the comprehensive property intelligence that buyers and their attorneys need to make informed acquisition decisions.
The Challenge
NYC property due diligence traditionally requires checking a dozen or more city agency databases individually. Buyers must navigate DOB NOW, HPD Online, ACRIS, DOF Property Tax, Zoning Resolution, and other systems. Each has different interfaces, search methods, and data formats. Attorneys and buyers spend hours compiling information that may still be incomplete. Critical issues like open ECB violations with penalties, pending DOB actions, or tax liens can be missed.
How RegWatch Helps
RegWatch aggregates data from 11+ NYC agencies into a unified property report. In minutes, buyers receive a complete picture of violations, permits, tax assessments, liens, zoning, certificate of occupancy, ownership history, and more. The platform identifies potential deal-breakers upfront, saving time and preventing costly surprises after closing.
Step-by-Step Workflow
Run a property search
Enter the property address or BBL to generate a comprehensive report covering all available agency data.
Review violations and penalties
Check for open DOB, HPD, and ECB/OATH violations, plus FDNY compliance issues via monitored sources. Open ECB violations may carry financial penalties that transfer to the new owner.
Check tax and lien status
Review assessed value, tax class, exemptions, and any outstanding tax liens or water/sewer charges.
Verify zoning and C of O
Confirm the current use matches the certificate of occupancy and zoning designation. Non-conforming uses can create legal and financing issues.
Review permits and construction history
Check active and historical permits. Open permits without sign-off can indicate incomplete work.
Analyze ownership and title history
Review ACRIS records for deed transfers, mortgages, and any recorded liens or encumbrances.
Key Benefits
- Complete property intelligence from 11+ agencies in minutes
- Identify open violations and penalties before closing
- Verify zoning compliance and certificate of occupancy
- Uncover tax liens and assessment discrepancies
- Review complete permit and construction history
- Share reports with attorneys, lenders, and partners
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Complete property intelligence from 250+ sources. Violations, permits, tax records, zoning, title data, and more.