The Jorgensen Law Firm, LLC The Jorgensen Law Firm, LLC 2026-08-31T14:00:05Z https://www.jorgensenlaw.com/feed/atom/ WordPress /wp-content/uploads/sites/1400207/2020/07/cropped-favicon-32x32.jpg On Behalf of The Jorgensen Law Firm, LLC <![CDATA[3 crucial things a home inspector uncovers in Connecticut]]> https://www.jorgensenlaw.com/?p=49396 2026-08-31T14:00:05Z 2026-08-31T14:00:05Z Evaluating home structure While a qualified home inspector may not perform engineering calculations, they can comfortably check visible structural components such as the foundation, load-bearing walls and ceiling framing. This inspection reveals whether the home's safety and stability are intact.

Checking mechanical and plumbing systems

With a home inspector, you check the operational condition of installed heating, cooling, electrical and plumbing systems. They can flag plumbing leaks, unsafe electrical panels and other issues related to heating systems.

Assessing the roof and attic

Many buyers overlook the roof and attic condition, yet these areas are vital. A home inspector can check for proper attic airflow, roof drainage systems and even the chimney. Furthermore, the findings from this inspection can identify visible defects and maintenance needs, allowing you to consult qualified contractors for actual repair estimates.

What a home inspector may not cover?

A home inspector provides a comprehensive view of a home's overall health, but their job has clear boundaries. They generally exclude specialized environmental hazards – like mold, radon, asbestos and lead. They also ignore cosmetic flaws like chipped paint or scuffed floors and cannot guarantee the remaining lifespan of appliances or systems. Lastly, they do not check municipal code compliance, for which you can enlist the help of a real estate attorney.

Beyond surface-level home inspection

A home inspection provides a broad, visual inspection of major systems rather than a detailed technical analysis. For hidden issues or environmental threats, you can hire qualified technicians, who usually have the expertise and tools to do the deeper inspection.]]> On Behalf of The Jorgensen Law Firm, LLC <![CDATA[What should you review before buying a Connecticut condo?]]> https://www.jorgensenlaw.com/?p=49394 2026-08-13T13:50:17Z 2026-08-13T13:50:17Z Buying a condo can feel simpler than buying a house. There may be no yard to maintain, and shared amenities can be appealing. But the worry often comes later: What if the monthly costs rise, the rules do not fit your life or the association is facing an expensive repair? Before you commit, look beyond the unit itself and understand what comes with ownership.

Read the rules as carefully as the listing

A condo purchase includes more than the space inside your walls. You also become subject to community rules that can affect everyday choices such as keeping pets, leasing the unit, parking or making changes to the property. Connecticut’s Department of Consumer Protection identifies these governing records and resale materials as key condo documents for buyers to review. Read them with your actual plans in mind. A restriction that seems minor today could become frustrating if you later want to rent the unit or renovate.

Look closely at the association’s finances

A beautiful building can still come with financial problems that are easy to miss during a showing. Review the association’s budget, reserve funds, monthly common charges and planned capital expenses. Resale documents can also show how many owners are behind on common charges and whether the association has pending foreclosure actions. That information may help you spot signs that larger expenses could be ahead. Ask about recent or expected special assessments too, especially if major shared systems need repair.

Understand what you own and maintain

Before closing, make sure you know where your responsibility ends and the association’s begins. Parking spaces, storage areas and other features may not belong to your unit in the way you expect. A lawyer involved in your residential real estate closing can also help clarify rights tied to common areas, insurance responsibilities and restrictions that may affect how you use the unit.

Give yourself room to make an informed decision

Do not treat the condo documents as paperwork to skim on the way to closing. Request them early, compare the financial information with your budget and flag anything you do not understand. If the rules or costs do not match the life you pictured in the property, finding that out before closing gives you more room to decide what comes next.]]> On Behalf of The Jorgensen Law Firm, LLC <![CDATA[3 common mistakes homebuyers make in Connecticut]]> https://www.jorgensenlaw.com/?p=49389 2026-07-24T15:19:05Z 2026-07-24T15:19:05Z Buying a house is a big step. However, you shouldn’t rush into it without understanding local real estate laws. Doing so can cost you heavily. If you have decided to buy a property in Connecticut, here are three critical mistakes that you should avoid.

Skipping a permit audit 

Local building code violations follow the property, not the person who did the work. For instance, if the previous owner added a basement or a room without municipal permits, the town building official may hold you responsible once you take ownership. That is why you should perform a thorough permit audit to ensure you don’t face real estate issues later.

Failing to conduct a thorough title search

Liens and back taxes attach directly to the property's title, not just the individual debtor. If a previous contractor wasn't paid for a project and recorded a mechanic’s lien, or if property taxes went unpaid, those financial encumbrances can cloud your ownership. You should perform a comprehensive title search with the help of an attorney to ensure you receive a clear title and don't inherit someone else's unpaid debts. 

Failing to check local crime record

You may compromise your peace of mind if you don’t find the right neighbor. Most buyers avoid sharing a neighbor with a history of crime. Hence they do a thorough check by going through the local criminal data and Connecticut's sex offender registry. 

How a legal guide may help

Real estate transactions require attention to detail. Researching property records, conducting title checks and reviewing safety statistics beforehand can protect your investment and future. A real estate attorney can guide you through the process so that you dot all the i’s and cross all the t’s.]]> On Behalf of The Jorgensen Law Firm, LLC <![CDATA[Can an inherited home’s title delay a residential closing?]]> https://www.jorgensenlaw.com/?p=49387 2026-07-16T13:38:35Z 2026-07-16T13:38:35Z Why 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=49385 2026-07-08T11:23:24Z 2026-07-08T11:23:24Z The 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=49383 2026-06-29T23:10:46Z 2026-06-29T23:10:46Z When 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=49381 2026-06-16T12:18:08Z 2026-06-16T12:18:08Z Home 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=49379 2026-06-04T09:14:25Z 2026-06-04T09:14:25Z If 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=49376 2026-05-20T23:41:19Z 2026-05-20T23:41:19Z What 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=49372 2026-05-07T13:38:05Z 2026-05-07T13:38:05Z Buying 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.   ]]>