Summer is a hot season for real estate—but when the market heats up, so do the legal risks for sellers. Here are 5 common missteps we see this time of year, and how to stay ahead of them:

1. Skipping a title review.
Just because everything looks clean doesn’t mean there aren’t issues hiding behind the scenes. A simple title review can catch surprises before they derail your closing.

2. Outdated or missing Power of Attorney.
Planning to sign on behalf of a spouse or relative? Make sure your POA is current, properly executed, and accepted by the title company—before closing day.

3. Missed disclosures.
Summer buyers move quickly, but that doesn’t mean you can cut corners. Leaving out known issues, even unintentionally, can cause delays—or legal headaches later.

4. Unresolved ownership questions.
Inherited property? Former spouses still on title? We see this often. Clear it up early to avoid last-minute stress.

5. DIY fixes without permits.
That screened porch might look great, but if it wasn’t permitted, it could raise red flags for the buyer’s lender or insurance company.

The fewer surprises in a real estate deal, the better. Save the excitement for summer vacations—not closing day.