A real story about a real estate closing that nearly fell apart, and the three things every family should have in place before they're needed.

There's a story I've been wanting to share — not to talk about what we accomplished, but because I genuinely hope it helps someone you love avoid a really painful situation.

Not long ago, I worked with a family here in the Manteca area who was selling their mother's home. Their mom had become incapacitated, and her adult children had a Power of Attorney in place to handle the sale on her behalf.

Sounds like they had it covered, right?

They didn't.

What Went Wrong — and Why It Matters to You

The problem wasn't the Power of Attorney document itself. It was that there was no supporting documentation proving their mother was mentally competent at the time she originally signed it.

No medical records. No affidavit. Nothing beyond the document alone — and title companies won't accept that by itself. The original close of escrow date came and went. The sale was in serious jeopardy.

We didn't walk away. We worked through multiple title companies, tracked down the right medical records, secured the necessary affidavit, and found an underwriter willing to close. It took several more weeks, a great deal of stress, and an enormous amount of coordination before that family finally got it done.

When it was over, they were exhausted. They were emotional. And they were incredibly relieved.

I was glad we got there. But I kept thinking: this didn't have to be this hard.

Three Things Every Family Should Do Before There's a Crisis

If you have a parent whose health is changing — or if your own documents aren't in order — please take these steps now, before a real estate deadline (or any other deadline) forces the conversation.

1. Set up a Power of Attorney before you need one.

Once someone is incapacitated, it may be too late to execute a valid POA. And the alternative — a court-ordered conservatorship — is expensive, slow, and emotionally draining for everyone involved. An estate planning attorney can walk you through the process in a single appointment.

2. Keep medical records organized and accessible.

If a Power of Attorney is ever questioned during a real estate transaction, those records can make or break the deal. Ask your doctor's office what documentation they can provide, and keep copies somewhere your family can find them.

3. Make sure your POA is specific enough to cover real estate.

Not all Powers of Attorney are written the same way. Some are limited in scope and may not give an agent the legal authority to sign closing documents, negotiate terms, or act on behalf of a property owner during a sale. Ask your attorney to review or update your existing documents with real estate transactions explicitly in mind.

This Is a Conversation Worth Having Now

I work primarily with clients who are 55 and older — people who are downsizing, relocating, or navigating major life transitions. I've sat across from a lot of families in complicated moments. And the families who come through those moments with the least amount of stress are almost always the ones who planned ahead.

The paperwork is never the hardest part. The hardest part is starting the conversation.

If you have questions about how legal documentation affects a real estate transaction, or if you find yourself in a situation that's more complicated than you expected, please reach out. I'm happy to talk it through with you and connect you with the right professionals.

I'm just a phone call away — and that call is always free.

209-607-9606 |  homes@tlcrealtors.com | TLC Real Estate of RE/MAX Executive | DRE#1758039  

Lori is a Realtor serving Manteca and the surrounding San Joaquin Valley with a focus on helping 55+ clients navigate life's biggest transitions. Whether you're selling a family home, downsizing, or relocating, Lori brings experience, patience, and genuine care to every transaction.