The Legal System Behind Homeownership—and Reforming Discriminatory Deeds | Season 2 Episode 4

In this episode of Death and Dirt, we sit down with Marshal Granor, a leading voice in community association law and one of the principal drafters of Pennsylvania’s Uniform Planned Community Act. Marshal brings a rare combination of legal, development, brokerage, and management experience, offering a comprehensive perspective on how private communities are structured and governed.We explore the foundations of private real estate governance—from the historical origins of deed covenants to the modern statutory frameworks that govern planned communities, condominiums, and cooperatives. Marshal also shares insight into Pennsylvania’s legislative landscape, including his leadership in developing Act 54 of 2023, which allows property owners to formally repudiate discriminatory deed restrictions and reinforces their unenforceability under state law. He breaks down how these systems function in practice for lawyers, developers, and property owners alike, making this a must-listen for anyone looking to better understand the legal infrastructure behind common interest communities and the broader landscape of real estate law in Pennsylvania.~~~Jennifer Galloway - Jenn attended Elizabethtown College, double majored in Criminal Justice and Political Science, always planning to attend law school. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Duquesne University School of Law, in Pittsburgh, and moved back to York County, where she currently resides and works. After just over a decade in private practice in estate planning, estate and trust administration and Orphans’ Court litigation, Jenn recently joined Counsel Trust Company as their Chief Fiduciary Officer. In this new role, she oversees the trust operations and administrations department back office and team of financial advisors, and was happy to trade the billable hour for a bit more structure.Jay Hagerman - Jay earned a degree in American history at Gettysburg College. During that time, he worked in the White House Office of Correspondence in Washington, D.C. He attended Duquesne University School of Law, focusing his time learning about laws relating to wealth creation and preservation. He founded the elder law firm Abernethy & Hagerman, where he currently works. Jay resides in Hampton Township with his wife and family, which allows him to serve clients throughout Western Pennsylvania.Fred Long - Fred Long is a partner at Long Brightbill, a law firm based in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. His practice is focused on estate planning, trust and estate administration, probate, and real estate transactions. Fred holds an Estate Planning Certificate from Temple University Beasley School of Law and earned a Juris Doctor from Widener University School of Law, graduating with honors. Additionally, he has a Bachelor of Science in Communications with a Minor in Economics from Susquehanna University. In addition to his professional work, Fred is actively involved in community organizations and enjoys spending time with his family and friends, engaging in outdoor activities such as mountain biking, hiking, camping, skiing, and exploring the Pennsylvania wilderness.*audio editing & music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nick DeMatteo⁠⁠⁠