Email me the address at aberman@urbanundergroundrealty.com and I will do a search for you.

Marilynn , Ask the agent you are working with . They will have access
to tax records etc which will show if there is a lis pendens on the property

Go to the Registry of Deeds in the County. On Cape Cod, we can access it online. Give them the address to look up -- they will let you know! (free)

Marilynn,
It sould be disclosed by the seller, if not it will turn up in the title work. If you're unsure buy title insurance to protect yourself.
Michael

In Monmouth County our tax record system also include all legal documents relating to a property and that is where I find out this info. This might also apply to NY's online tax records. You may have to do some fishing around the site to find it.