The Jorgensen Law Firm, LLCThe Jorgensen Law Firm, LLC2026-07-16T13:38:35Zhttps://www.jorgensenlaw.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1400207/2020/07/cropped-favicon-32x32.jpgOn Behalf of The Jorgensen Law Firm, LLC<![CDATA[Can an inherited home’s title delay a residential closing?]]>https://www.jorgensenlaw.com/?p=493872026-07-16T13:38:35Z2026-07-16T13:38:35ZWhy do inherited homes have title issues?
When a homeowner passes away, updating ownership title does not happen automatically. Probate documents, estate records or other legal filings may be necessary to establish who has the authority to sell the home.
Families might not realize there is an issue until a buyer’s company performs a title search.
Common title issues that might delay the closing
Every property has a different ownership history. However, inherited homes often involve some common title issues, including:
Ownership records that were never updated
Missing probate and estate documents
Questions about who has the legal authority to sell the property
Liens, unreleased mortgages or errors in recorded deed
Finding any of these issues does not mean that the sale cannot take place. It usually means that the issue should be resolved before the transaction can close.
Addressing the concern before listing the property
Reviewing any potential ownership or title issues before putting the inherited house on the market can help avoid unexpected delays later. Spotting these concerns early gives families some time to address the issues before a buyer sets a closing date.
A residential real estate attorney can review the property’s ownership history, identify issues that may affect the transaction and explain the steps available to address them. Completing any necessary estate filings or title-related steps early may reduce the risk of delays after the property goes under contract.]]>On Behalf of The Jorgensen Law Firm, LLC<![CDATA[What happens if you buy a home with an unpermitted addition?]]>https://www.jorgensenlaw.com/?p=493852026-07-08T11:23:24Z2026-07-08T11:23:24ZThe importance of permits
Building permits may be necessary for some remodeling projects as per the building codes of the area. The permit ensures that the project is inspected to verify that it complies with all building standards. Whether or not they need a permit depends on the nature of the project.
An addition done without the necessary permits does not necessarily imply that the project is dangerous and that they cannot sell the house. However, it will be important to find out whether the lack of permits would be an issue during future additions or the future sale of the home.
Buyers need to know
Buyers should find out the completion date of the construction and whether there is proof of the permits and inspections involved. This may include asking if the public record matches the improvements made. This information will help them understand the history of the house.
It becomes simpler to answer such questions before the transfer of ownership occurs.
Reasons for review prior to closing
Residential real estate closings are often complex matters benefiting from an experienced attorney’s keen eye for detail. Before the sale is finalized, buyers have an opportunity to review the closing documents, confirm that any outstanding questions have been addressed and complete the transfer of ownership.
For most individuals, purchasing a house will be among their largest investment decisions. By examining any unpermitted renovations prior to the close, a person can better understand what they are purchasing.]]>On Behalf of The Jorgensen Law Firm, LLC<![CDATA[How a quiet title action can benefit multiple parties]]>https://www.jorgensenlaw.com/?p=493832026-06-29T23:10:46Z2026-06-29T23:10:46ZWhen a property’s title is unclear or disputed, it can slow or even derail a real estate transaction. Buyers hesitate to move forward, sellers lose deals, and lenders may refuse to finance a property that carries unresolved risk. A quiet title action is a legal process that helps clear those uncertainties by asking the court to determine who holds valid ownership interests in the property.
Although it sounds adversarial, the outcome is often not. When successful, a quiet title action can resolve competing claims and create the kind of certainty that allows everyone involved to move forward with confidence.
Restoring confidence in a real estate transaction
Some of the most common quiet title issues arise from simple uncertainty that grows over time. Boundary disputes are a classic example. Neighbors may live for years without conflict until a sale, survey, or renovation reveals that a fence line does not match the legal property description.In these situations, a quiet title action can provide a neutral resolution. Instead of escalating into a personal dispute, the issue is brought before the court, where the boundary can be clarified based on surveys, deeds, and historical records. This can preserve neighborly relationships while preventing future disputes for whoever owns the property next.Quiet title actions can also resolve issues involving old liens, missing heirs, recording errors, or competing claims of ownership. While some disputes still require more traditional litigation, many can be resolved through this process in a way that ultimately benefits all parties involved.Clearing the issue through a quiet title action can restore marketability and help ensure the sale can proceed without last-minute surprises and help sellers. For buyers, title clarity is essential. Even a willing buyer may be unable to secure financing if a lender views the title as risky or uncertain. If there is any doubt about ownership rights or title history, speaking to an attorney is wise.]]>On Behalf of The Jorgensen Law Firm, LLC<![CDATA[Understanding contingencies in a real estate contract]]>https://www.jorgensenlaw.com/?p=493812026-06-16T12:18:08Z2026-06-16T12:18:08ZHome purchases are complex undertakings that require buyers and sellers to uphold specific conditions that are present in contract. Within that contract are often contingencies, which are conditions that must be satisfied before the purchase can occur.
Contingencies protect buyers and sellers by setting clear expectations from the start of the transaction. The contract may also specify what happens if one of the terms isn’t met. These clauses often have to do with the financing, inspections, appraisals, the title, insurance or the sale of another property.
Why are contingencies important?
Contingencies are important because they’re legal obligations. For example, if a problem obtaining financing occurs, the buyer could lose their earnest money if there isn’t a financing contingency in place. The seller would be free to sell the home to someone else if the buyer’s financing doesn’t work out.There are a variety of contingencies that can be included in these contracts. Inspection and appraisal contingencies are both important. The inspection contingency allows the buyer to request repairs, negotiate a credit, cancel the purchase or accept the property as is. The appraisal contingency addresses what happens if the home doesn’t appraise for the purchase price. Contingencies must be tailored to meet the needs of the buyer and seller. Because they shape the rights of both parties before the closing, it’s critical that both parties fully understand their rights and responsibilities. Working with someone familiar with real estate purchases may make the process easier, particularly since that individual can help to ensure all documents are set up in a way that reflects the best interests of the party they’re working with.
]]>On Behalf of The Jorgensen Law Firm, LLC<![CDATA[Why does a home “fall out of escrow” (and how can it be avoided)? ]]>https://www.jorgensenlaw.com/?p=493792026-06-04T09:14:25Z2026-06-04T09:14:25ZIf you’ve ever purchased or sold a home, you’ve likely heard the term “fall out of escrow.” That is generally bad news for the home seller and buyer. However, it can be good news for other buyers who may be able to get the home at a lower price if the seller is more anxious to unload the property than ever – maybe because they need to relocate outside of Connecticut or have already purchased another home.
Unfortunately, there’s been an increase in homes falling out of escrow this year across the country. According to Redfin, it happened with a record 40,000 agreements this January. The real estate broker attributes it to the fact that it’s currently a seller’s market and overall economic anxiety.Falling out of escrow (also known as an “escrow failure”) essentially means that the sale is canceled and the home goes back on the market. Typically, it occurs when either the buyer or seller fails to meet the contractual conditions they’re required to under the terms of the purchase and sale agreement before the scheduled closing date.
Key reasons that deals collapse
There are many moving parts in every residential real estate transaction. A lot can go wrong even after the agreement is signed by the buyer and seller. Sometimes, one side or the other simply gets “cold feet” or changes their mind. Many times, there are other issues – often linked to contingencies in the agreement. Among the most common reasons why homes fall out of escrow are the following:
The financing for the home falls through – This often occurs because the buyer’s financial situation has suddenly changed due to something like job loss or new debt
Title issues – There may a lien or judgment on the title that the seller didn’t know about or disclose. If that can’t be resolved, the sale can fall through.
The appraised value is different from the asking price – This requires the buyer and seller to agree on a price that more closely matches the home’s current value. They can’t always do that.
The home inspection uncovers serious issues – One of the contingencies of the agreement is that the inspection doesn’t reveal such issues, but if an inspector finds one, it can be a deal-breaker, even if the seller agrees to fix it.
Many of these issues can be avoided if the seller does their due diligence before placing their home on the market. Buyers can also help protect themselves by getting experienced legal guidance early in the process – not just at closing, as generally required under Connecticut law. In the end, this can save time, money and stress.]]>On Behalf of The Jorgensen Law Firm, LLC<![CDATA[The importance of a sale contingency when buying a new home]]>https://www.jorgensenlaw.com/?p=493762026-05-20T23:41:19Z2026-05-20T23:41:19ZWhat is a sale contingency clause?
Contingency clauses are contract inclusions that allow for the cancellation of the agreement in specific circumstances. A sale contingency clause is relatively common, as many people must sell their current home to afford a new one.
These clauses include language in their initial offer or the final purchase agreement that allows them to cancel the transaction if they cannot sell the home that they currently own in a specified amount of time. The contingency clause protects their earnest money. They do not face a financial penalty if they must cancel the scheduled closing because they cannot sell their current residence quickly enough.
Working with a real estate attorney when preparing to make an offer or list a property can take much of the risk out of the process. Buyers need to protect themselves when making offers --especially when a residential real estate transaction hinges on the ability to secure capital from selling a home.]]>On Behalf of The Jorgensen Law Firm, LLC<![CDATA[Why is a final walkthrough important when buying a home?]]>https://www.jorgensenlaw.com/?p=493722026-05-07T13:38:05Z2026-05-07T13:38:05ZBuying a home is a multi-step process, and each step is important. One step that some people think will be simple is the final walkthrough. This is one of the last chances you have a buyer to inspect the home before you close on the property.
The final walkthrough isn’t a full inspection, but it’s a time for you to confirm that the property is in the condition you expect before ownership changes hands. This step in the process happens shortly before closing, so the seller may have moved out. Agreed upon repairs should be done and the property will likely be empty.
Specific things to check
While you’re going to look at the overall condition of the property, there are a few things to make sure you check. If appliances or items like garage door openers were part of the contract, you should ensure those are all in place. You should also look for signs of damage that weren’t there during the formal inspection. Checking the electrical system, plumbing, windows and doors is also important. If you notice serious issues during the final walkthrough, you may be able to discuss a solution with the seller. Depending on the contract and the situation, repairs, escrow holdbacks, delayed closing or other options might be possible. Skipping the final walkthrough when you’re purchasing a home could mean that you don’t discover issues until after the closing has been completed. By that point, solutions will be harder to negotiate. Because of this, it’s critical to complete the walkthrough before closing. Working with someone familiar with these matters may be beneficial, so they can assist you throughout the process.
]]>On Behalf of The Jorgensen Law Firm, LLC<![CDATA[Liens can complicate a home’s title]]>https://www.jorgensenlaw.com/?p=493692026-04-21T17:37:02Z2026-04-21T17:37:02ZWhen there is a lien on a property, it means that there is an outstanding debt. The other party has placed a lien on the real estate, so the debt needs to be satisfied before that real estate can be sold.
This can significantly complicate a transaction. For example, you could put an offer in on a home without knowing that there is a lien on the title. Your offer could be accepted, but if the lien is then uncovered, the seller cannot actually transfer the home into your possession. The title has to be cleared by paying off the lien first. At best, this extends the amount of time it takes for you to purchase the house. At worst, it derails the entire transaction and you have to look for another property.
2 common types of liens
One of the most common liens is known as a mechanic’s lien. This is often used by contractors and subcontractors. It essentially means that they have done work on the property and were never paid.For example, perhaps it is an older home that was renovated, and an electrician was hired to run new lines throughout the house. It was a very expensive and time-consuming job, but they were never paid for their efforts. They could have a mechanic’s lien on the property because their work has directly contributed to the value of that house and they deserve appropriate compensation.Another example is a tax lien. If the owner of the home has not been paying property taxes, the government may place this lien, and the tax debt has to be satisfied before a sale. The money is owed to the government directly, rather than being owed to a private business.
Navigating complex transactions
This is just one potential title issue that can create a complicated real estate transaction. If you find yourself facing these types of issues or any others, it can help to work with an experienced real estate lawyer to seek a resolution.
]]>On Behalf of The Jorgensen Law Firm, LLC<![CDATA[How home needs change as you grow older]]>https://www.jorgensenlaw.com/?p=493672026-04-03T16:10:59Z2026-04-03T16:10:59ZWhen you are looking into buying a home, one thing to consider is how your needs may change in the future. Perhaps you are relatively young now, and this is your first house. A list of must-haves can tell you where to start, but you also want to consider how long you will live in that house and how things could shift.
For instance, maybe your career path will include working at home. Do you need to buy a house that has a home office? Or maybe you are thinking about having children in the future. The home you buy may feel too large today for just you and your partner, but it can help to have extra bedrooms that children will use in a few years.
The impact of aging
If you plan to stay in the home for a long time, then you may want to think about how it will need to be changed as you grow older. People often do renovations, such as adding lights or updating bathrooms and kitchens to make them safer and more accessible. This could be as simple as putting up support bars, but it could be as complicated as completely renovating a shower.Another thing to consider is if you are interested in single-level living. Many homes have kitchens and living rooms on the main floor, with bedrooms upstairs. But for those who are growing older and may struggle to safely ascend and descend stairs, they can stay in their home a lot longer if it has a bedroom on the main floor.
Looking at the big picture
Of course, you may not be buying a home today that you plan to stay in forever. But this just helps to demonstrate how you can look at the big picture while shopping for a house. Be sure you know exactly what legal steps to take as you go through the home-buying process.]]>On Behalf of The Jorgensen Law Firm, LLC<![CDATA[Why is an inspection important before a home purchase?]]>https://www.jorgensenlaw.com/?p=493652026-03-18T12:09:18Z2026-03-18T12:09:18ZBuying a home is a major financial and legal commitment, which means that homebuyers take steps to protect themselves throughout this process. One of the important steps to ensure you take if you’re in this position is having a home inspection. This enables you to evaluate the state of the home before you finalize the purchase.
Homebuyers should ensure they know what a home inspection entails so they understand why this is much deeper than just a surface-level walkthrough.
What’s checked during a home inspection?
An inspector will typically review major systems and structural components of the home. This includes the roof, foundation, electrical systems, plumbing and heating or cooling units. The inspection won’t uncover all defects in the home, but it should make major defects clear.
Why should homebuyers have a home inspection?
A home inspection can help homebuyers evaluate the future costs that may come with owning the home. Repairing or replacing certain systems can be expensive, so knowing this ahead of time is critical. It’s also possible that you can use the results of the inspection during the negotiations. Things that are noted in the home inspection can affect the purchase terms. For example, it might be possible to have the seller make some of the repairs or have the purchase price adjusted. Making an informed decision about your home purchase is critical, even if the homebuyer loves the home. Rather than relying on what’s visible in a walkthrough, having a home inspection is critical, and home inspections are required in order to receive a mortgage. Another way homebuyers can protect themselves is to have someone reviewing the documents related to the purchase. Ultimately, purchasing a home should be a positive part of the person’s life. ]]>